Page 54 of Fame & Rhythm

Aston’s doing this again? Here? In front of everyone?

I screw up my face, and he shakes his head slightly, like he doesn’t understand what he’s done wrong.

That only makes it worse.

The anger hits fast and sharp—the kind I know always gets me into trouble. I yank my guitar off and set it on the stand a little harder than necessary.

Aston reaches out and grabs my elbow. “Annie, I’m sorry,” he murmurs.

I glare at him. “Don’t. Touch. Me,” I whisper, keeping my voice low so no one else hears, then I turn away before I say something louder, something I can’t take back. But he steps closer again, right behind me, and I feel his breath against my neck, warm and too close, and my body betrays me instantly, a shiver racing down my spine.

I hate that I want it.

I hate it.

That only fuels the anger more, and I spin back around.

“Lennox, stop,” he whispers.

“Fuck you,” I shoot back under my breath.

Goddammit! I can feel it building—the pressure, the emotion, the inevitable explosion—and I know if I stay here one second longer, I’m going to lose it.

So I walk.

Fast.

Out of the music room before I completely blow up in front of everyone… but more importantly, in front of Rob. I’m aware people are watching me, probably calling my name, but there’s a ringing in my ears that blocks everything out.

I just need space.

I just need to breathe.

Music is everything to me, and I am not letting this—whatever this is—ruin our chance.

Even if part of me knows…

I don’t actually want him to stop.

I shut that thought down immediately.

No.

The band comes first.

Always.

I make it to the kitchen and drop into a chair, staring out through the glass doors toward the willow tree.

Our tree.

The place Aston and I go when we need to escape everything else. Where it’s always been just us… just music… just easy.

But now? I don’t even know if that place is safe anymore.

Footsteps approach, but I don’t look up.

“Interesting timing,” Ella says, sliding into the chair beside me. “You go from cuddling Aston to storming out like he set you on fire. What’s that about?”