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Including me.
Everyone wanted a piece of me, but no one gave a damn about the man behind the facade.
As the shadows lengthened across the room, I found myself lost in the depths of despair. I was left alone to face the darkness within, betrayed by the ones I loved and abandoned by those who claimed to care.
I thought of the paparazzi surrounding my house, the men emerging from my past to claim their fifteen minutes of fame. But beneath the anger and betrayal simmered a newfound freedom. A chance to take control of my destiny once and for all. Despite it all, a small spark of defiance still flickered within me.
Let them speculate all they wanted. I was done playing their games.
Done with the lies and betrayals. Done with giving my heart to people who only wanted to break it.
No more deceit or manipulations. No more facades or masks. I was going to live my truth and damn the consequences.
I told myself that Remi hadn’t shattered my heart into a million pieces.
But it was a lie. And I was tired of lying to myself.
I would survive this storm, and when the waves finally receded, I would come out stronger in the end.
Chapter 32
Ghost
The pounding bass and flashing lights of the club thrummed through my body. A mass of sweaty bodies gyrated on the dance floor, lost in the pulsing rhythm of the music. My bandmates were scattered around the VIP section, shots in hand as they laughed and joked, repelling the never-ending advances of handsy women.
I hung back in the shadows, nursing a glass of bourbon. The ache in my chest had nothing to do with the alcohol. Remi’s betrayal still gnawed at me, ripping into my heart like a savage beast. I thought I’d finally found someone who could see beyond the rock star facade, who genuinely cared for me and could see the real man beneath. But she’d only seen a story. A way to advance her career.
Despite the energy surrounding me, I felt somewhat disconnected, a quiet observer amidst the chaos. Maggie had been working hard with me in therapy, trying to keep me from sliding back into emotional detachment, but there was no doubt I was retreating. All of my hard work, clawing my way out of an emotional black hole, had been shattered by Remi.
She’d really done a number on me. The first time I let anyone into my life and my heart got trampled on. What a fool I was.
Knox sidled up next to me, concern etching lines on his forehead. “You gonna join the party anytime soon?” He followed my gaze to where Bash had some blonde on his lap, her hands roaming freely over his body. “Or are you just gonna keep brooding in the corner all night?”
I shrugged, the movement tense. “Not really in the mood. I’m going to head to the hotel early.”
Knox sighed, dropping a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Can’t say I blame you. But you can’t keep punishing yourself like this. Remi’s the one who fucked us all, not you. And we’re all surviving this. We’ll be okay.”
“Doesn’t change the fact that I let her in,” I said, jaw clenched. “I should’ve known better.”
“How? By being a normal human being for once and actually caring about someone?” Knox shook his head. “Don’t do that to yourself. You deserve to be happy, and someday you’re gonna find someone who actually gives a damn about you for you, not for who you are on stage.”
I stared at the amber liquid in my glass, a maelstrom of emotions churning inside me. Maybe Knox was right, and Remi’s betrayal said more about her than me. But after being burned so badly, a part of me wondered if I’d ever take that risk again. If I’d ever be able to open myself up enough to find that connection Knox spoke of, or if I was doomed to remain alone in the shadows.
“I’ll grab us some new drinks. “ Knox grinned, clapping a hand on my shoulder before leaving to hunt down our server.
I downed the last of my drink, deciding to make an early exit before Knox returned to stop me. I’d put in enough of an appearance and Knox would understand. He knew that I never enjoyed partying after a show as much as performing on stage. It always felt like a letdown after such an incredible high.
Bishop was by my side in an instant after I signaled, ready to escort me to the hotel. He led me out of a back exit of the club to a private parking area. The black SUV was already pulled up to the curb and waiting for us. I slipped into the backseat and waited for Bishop to get into the driver’s seat.
Instead, he opened the back door and poked his head inside. “Talia’s out here. She wants to talk to you.”
Talia? I groaned. I had almost made my escape. “Sure. Tell her to hop in the car. I’ll only be a few minutes.”
Talia, Ryder’s wife, slid into the backseat next to me and closed the door. “I saw you sneaking out, Johnny Geronimo.”
My lips twitched at the corners, despite the heaviness in my chest. I think she was the only person that knew my middle name. “My powers must be fading, Natalia Rose.”
“I’m only staying for a few days, so I wanted to make sure I got a chance to talk to you.” Her luminous eyes were filled with concern.
