Page 90 of Never Sleep with the Enemy

Ira watches him go, then lowers his arm, finally letting me move.

But instead of stepping off, I glance at the buttons and tap 18. “Actually, I think I left something in my suite.”

Ira’s expression doesn’t change. He just steps back and lets the doors slide shut.

Alone now, I let my smirk drop.

Cringe?

She said it wascringeto be associated with me?

No. That doesn’t sound like her at all. This is just Knox trying to keep us apart, for obvious reasons.

What would big brother do if she was spotted with me and mine again?

I say it’s time to find out.

I return to my suite, unlocking the door and stepping inside.

“Hey, boss,” the girls greet, still right where I left them, locked into their work.

I shake off the lingering thoughts, refocusing.

“Change of plans, ladies,” I say, drawing their interested eyes. “We’re going out tonight.”

Goldie grins. Tesla smirks.

24

KATRINA

Freddie trembles beneath my fingers, notes echoing all around as I play the same song over and over again. I already know our new material by heart. I could easily perform it on a stage tonight if required—but as Jordan says, it’s one thing to be prepared. It’s another to be ready.

I don’t feel ready. Not yet.

So, I practice. I play the same tune until it becomes a part of me. That’s how Criminal Records has always done it, and that’s how we’ll win the Battle of the Bands against...

My fingers falter, the song cutting off abruptly.

That’s how we’ll win against The Electrics.

But should we?

I sit in silence, my hands hovering an inch above the keys. Of course, we should win. Right? We never asked for this. All we’ve ever wanted was to play our songs and inspire people. It’s people like Paul Monroe who interfered, who used their influence to manipulate us, to get what they want. We’re defending ourselves. Winning proves we’re not to be messed with.

We want to win.

I want to win.

But do weneedto?

We have a lot riding on this,Logan said.More so than you do, and I’m not saying that for your pity or your mercy. It’s just fact.

The vibration of my phone snaps me from my thoughts. I pick it up off the piano bench, flipping it over to read Addison’s reply.

Addison

Not tonight. Harvey and I are going to see that new Bruckberg flick.

---