Page 32 of A Tragic Melody

“Yeah?” I beam. “When do you think we can arrange that?”

“Jesus, Simon,” Wyatt says, walking up. “She would devour you, chew you up, and spit out your bones.”

I glare at Wyatt as he sits down across from us.

“Are you jealous?” I counter, crossing my arms over my chest.

“No. I’m just trying to save my drummer from ruining his life.”

“Fuck off, Wyatt,” Simon snaps.

“Isn’t your girlfriend pregnant?” Wyatt asks him.

“You have a girlfriend?” I turn to Simon. Of course, he wouldn’t mention that.

“Dude,” Simon snaps at Wyatt.

“I’m trying to save you here, buddy. You’d throw your child’s chance at a happy family away for her? Really? The girl will use you and toss you aside like a toothpick?” Wyatt’s voice is playful, but his statement is firm.

“So?” Simon challenges. “Some of us actually like getting laid, asshole.”

“You have a girlfriend.” I glare at him. “And I don’t need that drama.”

“Fuck you, Wyatt,” Simon says, pushing himself off the couch. He glares at Wyatt as he walks away.

“You’re terrible,” I say, glaring at him. I’m pretending to be more upset than I am. I actually like that he came around. He is much more fun than Simon is.

“I’m terrible?” He shoots me a look. “Do you want to go down that road?”

I shrug, still glaring at him.

“I didn’t realize just how much power you had,” he says, leaning back.

“I tried to warn you.” I smile.

“Yeah.” He nods. “I just didn’t realize how far you’d go. Thought maybe you’d be a little scared I’d sell your secrets.”

“Will you?” I ask softly.

“No.” He shakes his head. “I owe you an apology.”

“I’m sick of hearing your empty apologies, Wyatt.” My eyes do a loop as I fold my arms over my chest, peering at him with a forced look of disdain.

“Yeah, I’m sure, but listen. I didn’t understand before, you know? I didn’t realize, when I told Hendricks what you did…I didn’t know, so I’m sorry if that went badly for you.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” I snap. I really don’t want any more of his pity. It makes me feel even worse. I don’t want Wyatt to see me as weak.

It’s also dangerous for him to go down that road. If he starts to question what goes on with Hendricks and me…he could do some real damage. I don’t want him to think about me like that, either. It makes me sick to know he might already know.

“I’m just saying that you’re fine. You can do your worst, and I’ll just take it.”

“Are you giving me permission to ruin you?” My eyebrow lifts as I stare at him. Is he really giving up because he thinks Hendricks is using me? That makes me feel so much worse.

“Yeah. Kind of.” He shrugs. “I’m not fighting back anymore, Tuesday. You can take it as a peace offering or your chance to finish the job. Either way, I won’t do anything to make it worse for you.”

“Worse for me? I have no idea what you are talking about. Hendricks got a little upset about what I did, but it is what it is.”

“Sure.” He smiles. “Statement still stands.”