Page 3 of Graves

“No one’s forcing you to stay.”

“No, but we both know you’ll fall apart the second I’m gone.”

“What the—?” My voice dies. I can’t even say my worst fear out loud.

Is he leaving me?

Fuck.

I love this man.

But how dare he go behind my back?

Without thinking, I snatch Ben’s phone, punch in the code, and open the chat.

“Give me my fucking phone!” Ben yells, furious.

I’m bigger and stronger, so it’s easy to keep him off me while I scroll with my other hand.

“You were texting him while I was onstage?” I shout, stunned, whirling toward him. “The whole time?”

Ben rolls his eyes. “So what? Give me my phone back. You’re losing it.”

I read a few messages and my breath catches.

“I miss you. When are we seeing each other again?”

“It’s not that simple. I’ll figure something out.”

“It’s not that simple!” I snarl at him. “Why don’t you just tell him to come pick you up?”

“He’s in London! Chill the fuck out!”

“London! That’s where our last show is the day after tomorrow. This just keeps getting better!”

“Don’t you see you’re destroying everything?”

“Me? What the fuck?” My voice cracks.

“We could’ve spent the whole night fucking, but you… you couldn’t let it go and you ruined the evening!”

I keep scrolling. “Three months, Ben! Don’t tell me I ruined the evening! Three goddamn months!”

Ben rips the phone out of my hand and shoves me. “You’re such an asshole! Do you have any idea what it’s like watching everyone worship you?”

“You get it too! Jesus Christ! Women line up for pictures with you, but do I cry about it? You’re acting like a little bitch. Stop whining!”

Out of nowhere, Ben’s fist crashes into my face. My head snaps back, sharp pain blooming like a thorn. I turn away, bending over and cursing.

It’s not the first time he’s hit me, but I’ve always been the one pushing him to that point. I know exactly which buttons to press. In the state I’m in, I can’t stop myself from being a complete asshole. I’m cornered, and my pulse is so high I’m on the verge of panic—terrible for clearing my head.

“I’m so fucking done!” Ben roars. “To the rest of the world you’re the untouchable rockstar. The media worships you, but I know who you really are. You’re completely lost, Aran! And you know what? This time I’m not saving you. I’m sick of this shit!”

It takes a second for his words to sink in. My head is pounding and my vision blurs.

Ben has threatened to leave plenty of times, but he’s never actually walked out during a fight.

“Wait!” I shout, sprinting past him and blocking his path.