Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

Landon

Listen to Beautiful People

by Ed Sheehan burning; assessing. For one perfect moment, it was like that night and we were totally connected; physically, mentally, and emotionally. I caught my breath as adrenalin rolled through my body, but then he turned impassive again, growing cold. “That’s right. JJ explained getting someone to look at my songs is almost impossible unless someone’s performing it. After Gabriella’s video went viral, he said I have all the factors to get my work attention, but I have to be the one to do it. Hooking up with a band who needs that role filled is the fastest way.”

“But that’s not what you wanted. You said you’d never be a lead singer.”

Max groaned. “Here we go. Babe, just let Adam have his moment.”

Usually, Max’s sharp defense of Adam would piss me off, but I knew he thought I was trying to be bitchy. Only Adam knew it was bigger, and that my question meant to challenge what he’d told me about refusing to settle or compromise on what he wanted.

Adam flicked his gaze over my face, his voice hard with dismissal. “We want a lot of things, princess. But sometimes we have to settle when there’s no other choice, don’t we?”

My cheeks burned as the words pierced through me like a bullet.

Max interrupted before I could come up with an answer. “Adam, I think it’s cool as fuck. Congrats, man, we’re going to have a rock star in the group.” His grin was wide and easy, and he hooked his hand through mine. “Now, let’s get trashed and dance. We may not have as many of these nights together if you go get all big and famous on us. Time to turn things up.”

Max pulled me to the dance floor, wrapping his arms around me and swaying to the music. Usually, I loved when I was his only focus; loved to be stroked and pet in front of the jealous crowds who wanted Max for themselves. I could feel the envy of women around us, judging and assessing. I tried to get into the moment, locking my hands around his neck and kissing him as our hips swayed to the music. Cooper quickly grabbed Elle, and Elle took Daisy’s hand to join them. Soon, we were all back together, grinding and drinking and shouting, leaving Adam and Noah behind.

Even in my tipsy fog, I couldn’t stop thinking of how Max dismissed Adam, as if his success was a minor victory in his eyes. With a flick of his fingers, he’d stripped Adam of everyone’s attention and taken back control of the evening. Had I ever noticed it before? The entitlement of Max’s actions. How he always needed attention or to be the leader. No one ever questioned the hierarchy of the group, including me. I’d always believed I was equal to Max, but I was starting to realize he didn’t feel the same. I may be his girlfriend, but he still made the rules.

Adam’s moment, the one he’d worked for years to achieve, had been passed over.

Because of Max.

I didn’t like it, but I wasn’t sure what to do. Things had always been good with all of us. Why was I suddenly questioning everything?

Max spun me around. “God, I can’t wait until you’re finally all mine,” he groaned in my ear. “We’re gonna be so good together, baby. You’re the one.”

The words thrilled me at the same time a deep yearning for more shuddered, demanding to be slaked.

I ignored it, kissing Max, thinking about Adam, and cursing all of us.