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“Don’t be, Ocean. You deserve to be happy. As soon as I can, I’ll come see you.” She smiles at me and slowly tugs my arms down. The door is closed and Kyle starts driving us away.
“Should I call?—”
“No.” I rest my head in my hands, cutting off what Kyle was about to say. I refuse to talk to him. He made the choice to leave, so my life isn’t his concern anymore. He made it abundantly clear how he felt after I kissed him and told him how I felt. There were a hundred other options than the one he chose. “Just to the airfield, please.”
“Okay,” Kyle answers and relaxes more in his seat. Guilt nags at my stomach again.
“I know why he left you with me. Now that I’m out of BNE, I would understand if you want to return to his company.” The words out of my mouth feel hollow. The idea of losing anotherperson who matters to me pierces my heart. I glance at him and he is already shaking his head.
“I’m happy where I am. I like protecting my Princess of Pop.” He shrugs and I can’t help the small laugh that escapes. “Where you go, I go. We have a nice little thing going. I’ll let all the others know where to report once we get on the plane. Besides, he’d kill me if I left you.”
I ignore his last comment and wipe the tears from my cheeks. I didn’t even realize I had been crying until now. My left cheek is tender and I remember why. After all this time, my uncle laid hands on me. He had it in him to hurt me physically and I can only imagine how many other ways he has without my knowing.
When we reach the airport, my plane is ready just as Beth said. Kyle helps me on board and to my seat for takeoff. I have no idea where I’m going, but I assume he’ll know when we get there. Once I’m seated, I pull out my phone and go through my texts and missed calls.
Salish
You really left BNE?
McKenzie
You broke up with BNE?
Tabbi
Happy Birthday and welcome officially to RR!
Mia
Welcome to the team! Happy 18th Birthday! You deserve all the best.
25 missed calls Uncle Cliff
10 missed calls Unknown Number
I frown at the last on the list. Unknown Number? Sighing, I close out of the app. It’s probably a news station or someonelooking for an interview. I’m newly with Rosen Records, so no one has figured out who will be in charge of my media accounts or publicity yet. The overhead light dings and I’m able to move around the cabin. I head back to the private bedroom and close the door before collapsing on top of the comforter. My chest squeezes and a sob rips its way up my throat and out of my mouth before I can cover it with my pillow. I’m free. I lost my remaining family member. But I’m free. My phone vibrates in my hands and I glance down at the message from Unknown Number.
Unknown
It's Ezra. Where the hell are you, baby? I’m in California, let me help you.
Chapter Thirteen
Ezra
She vanished. On her birthday, all the carefully crafted plans I had were laid out perfectly. I had slipped Kyle the new management contract and was ready with my arsenal of information to fight for her. All she had to do was sign and she would be back under my care. Somehow, she ended up signing with Rosen Records.
Somewhere she met Mia Rosen and they were able to sneak her a contract to sign before her eighteenth birthday. I had no knowledge of this happening; therefore, Kyle was also not aware, which means he has to answer to me. I’m impressed with the way Rosen Records has handled the media and speculation. They were ahead of the story before BNE was even aware it had happened.
I had worried about how Cliff would take it, knowing he’s been continuously spiraling, and judging by the fact that Ocean was spotted in Philadelphia later that evening, I had my answer. I got my jet ready and after sending her a text, I flew to where she was. Maybe I couldn’t get her under contract yet, but I could feelout how dedicated Rosen Records was to her. One wrong move and I wouldn’t hesitate. Only she was unreachable.
I left two years ago to keep her safe. I know I have a lot of explaining to do and a lot of groveling. I’ve been absent from her life. I’ve missed too many special occasions and birthdays. Even though it was the right thing to do, she won’t see it that way. All she remembers right now is that she kissed me with the sweetest kiss of my life and the words she told me…those three words have the power to bring me to my knees. I need to hear them again. I will make her say them again, and this time, I won’t hesitate to tell her exactly how much obsessively in love with her I have been since I met her. She’ll put up resistance at first. Eventually we’ll get to the point where our time apart will only be a small blip in our life together. I have to get her to talk to me first.
Talking to her has been a battle on its own. I tried playing nice. But then she dodged my text and my call to Ms. Rosen.
“This is Amelia Rosen.” She answered the phone so professionally with a hint of cheerfulness.
“Hello, Ms. Rosen. My name is Ezra Hamilton. I’m a talent scout with New Image Media. I’m calling because I’m trying to get ahold of Ms. Heart.” My heart thudded in my chest with every second that was met with silence until she responded, her voice teasing.
