AllFreeNovel
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They are keeping you from me.
Fucking weird. I instantly delete and block the account, but a shiver goes through me. I don’t have much privacy in my life, but it mentioned my home, my swimming . . . I mean, yeah, they could have seen it in interviews. That has to be it.
Not reading too much into it, I drop the phone, done responding for the day, and ignore all other messages, especially those lingering texts from my old friends who want to reconnect.
“All done.”
I nod in thanks as I check over their work. “I love it, thank you.” I smile at Mindy who did my makeup and Sam who did my hair. When they slip away, I step behind the privacy curtain and change into the jumpsuit. It’s black with red paint splattered across it, and the high neck is covered in a fur trim. My heels complete the outfit. It leaves my arms on display, so I add lots of rings and bracelets before stepping out to eye my work.
The lights are bright in the dressing room, with four mirrors at the dressing tables and big, comfy chairs that can be lifted or lowered. There are two sofas and a small table, along with some paintings and plants to make it look homey and a mini fridge with a TV above it to watch the audience and other guests. It’s nice. I remember when I first started and was interviewed in some kid’s basement. I guess I’ve come a long way. Sometimes, I forget, others I’m just so grateful to be here.
Not for the money or fame, but because it means I get to do what I love most—make music and get it out there to people who need the melodies in their hearts to take them away, even for a moment.
Good and bad, they feel it all with me, and that is why I perform. The rest? The rest is icing on the cake.
The door opens and I turn to see Raff, and beside him is a runner with a clipboard and a headset nervously smiling at me. “We’ll be ready for you in ten minutes, Reign. I’ll come back to escort you.”
“Thank you.” I smile, and he stares as if dazzled before mumbling out, “Thank you,” and backing away.
“Stop bedazzling the workers, Miss Harrow,” Astro teases.
I wink at him and face forward, adding some hoops to my ears and looking over the outfit. It’s lowkey for me. This is my first public interview since I reappeared, so I wanted to show the changes without making it look like I was pushing it in their faces. Usually, my manager would be here, but I think he’s genuinely scared I would turn him away. It’s nice not having him here, reading off my schedule for the next ten years.
I’m almost free.
“You look stunning,” Cillian says, and I look myself over once more, searching for anything they can use against me. Any stray hair or misplaced word will be picked apart. It’s all a carefully crafted game, but luckily, I’m the master at it now.
“You think?” I ask, suddenly feeling a little nervous.
He and Astro get to their feet and stand behind me in the mirror. The big bastards make me look tiny and overdressed, but the heat, want, and desire pouring from them make me stand up taller. I don’t know why I care so much about their opinions, but I do.
“I know,” Astro replies. “You look . . .” He trails off, running his eyes over me. “You look like every person will either want to be you or fuck you. I know which one I’d pick.”
Laughing, I hand them my bag just as the door opens again. “Are we ready, Reign?” the blushing runner asks.
“Absolutely.” I smile brightly at him and head into the white hallway that will lead us to the studio. The runner hurries to catch up, directing me even though I’ve been here before. The guys surround me until we reach the wings.
“Got it,” the runner says into his mic and then smiles at me. “Okay, Reign, the music will cue you in. Wave and smile and walk, and then sit in the chair and your interview will begin. We’ll ask you the questions you approved and then you mentioned performing a song.”
I nod, and he claps in excitement.
“Awesome, everyone will love it. Have fun.”
I blow out a deep breath and school my features into a fake smile.
“Knock them dead, babe,” Astro murmurs, and when the music starts, I step onto the stage. The lights blind me, but I flutter my lashes and wave and smile at the audience. Their cheers blow my eardrums. I guess they are a little excited. Laughing, I wave harder, trying to remember every face, every fan, but there are just too many of them. Once at the sofa, I wave once more before sitting.
Jim, the presenter, grins at me as they let the crowd continue, and I laugh, crossing my legs and waving and winking into the camera. The music and crowd finally quiet enough for us to talk.
“Well, Reign, quite the welcoming committee.” He laughs, sitting behind his desk next to me.
I throw back my head and fake laugh. “Quite.” I nod. “I guess you guys missed me?” I cup my ear, urging them on, and they call out to me and Jim, and I laugh.
“Alright, alright, Reign, thank you so much for coming today. I know everyone is very excited to see you once more, and we can’t thank you enough for sparing the time to talk to us.”
“I always have time for you, Jim,” I purr, and his grin widens. Out of all the interviewers I’ve met, I genuinely like him. He’s nice, he never crosses boundaries, and even though he asks prying questions, I know it’s his job, and he always does his best to make everyone comfortable.
When I was underage, he never once touched me or took advantage, not like some interviewers who would manhandle me. That’s why I chose him.
