Page 118 of Ravaged For You

She’s nodding at me. Encouraging me to be strong with that caring expression of hers I’ve come to love.

At least I have one friend in this crazy world.

There are some questions from the host aimed at Axel. Things about the album. Congratulating him and the band on the success. The rockstar grins his charismatic smile and answers smoothly. It’s like none of this even remotely touches him.

Meanwhile, I, on the other hand, feel like I’m a walking stick of nervous sweat.

“And how is the relationship going between you two?”

Suddenly the question is directed at me.

I don’t know what to say. I didn’t even think of an answer.

Do I lie?

But before I can open my mouth and make a total fool of myself, Axel takes my hand and speaks for the both of us. His touch, although wanted, doesn’t feel right.

Fake.

“Oh, things are great. We can’t get enough of each other.”

I want to stand up and tell everyone that this is all fabricated. All bullshit. I’m just some girl who was broke and desperate enough to be manipulated by some sexy rockstar to do his bidding. Make him look good. None of this is real.

But I don’t.

I just sit there and smile like a dutiful partner.

I laugh in all the right places.

Axel and the rest of the band appear to perform a song from Staying At Her Place. They must’ve arrived during the interview; I didn’t see them earlier.

Then the lights go down and I’m guided off the stage into the wings. The host quickly thanks me, and I’m scurried away into the darkness.

Lucas appears by my side.

“Good job, Maddie. I’ve asked the bank to transfer the rest of those funds into your account immediately.”

“You’re rich now.”

It’s Axel. He’s swooped in by my shoulder like a bat.

“Thanks.”

“You never have to worry about a thing for the rest of your life,” he says.

“Is this the end?” I ask him, knowing the answer already.

“I guess so,” he replies.

“I guess you’ll go back to your exciting life, then. Without a partner. Without a care in the world. Good old Active Axel.”

“Yes.”

So. That’s the end of our deal and he can’t even give me a proper goodbye? I know I’m being selfish, but I’m getting so irate by his sheer ineptitude for showing any kind of emotion towards me. Not even a sliver of affection for the girl he’s spent weeks fucking.

“Are you going to say anything to me, Axel?”

He shrugs. Lucas watches on. “What’s there to add?”