Page 10 of Dark Notes

“I’ll go.”

He sighs like he’s relieved, which makes me wonder about what this deal is, and I still can’t figure out why I’m part of the equation, but I guess it doesn’t matter.

“Get your fat ass out of bed and pack.”

I guess it would be too much to ask him to speak to me civilly, since I’m doing this for him. Instead, I swallow down my comeback, not sure if he’ll hit me again. Climbing out of bed, I text Mia, because if I simply disappear, she’ll be worried.

Me:Hey girl. Apparently, the monkeys are going on tour with The Dark Notes, so I’m heading out of town in the next hour.

Mia:That sounds interesting. I still need all the details of what happened in his dressing room. I know there are things you aren’t telling me.

Me:Later. I have to pack and get ready. Promise. I’ll call you later. XOXO.

Mia:I’m gonna hold you to that. XOXO.

I run through the apartment, grabbing what I think I’ll need, while Erik scowls at me like I’ve done something to him. I’ve never done anything other than get fat. I was one hundred fifty pounds when we met, and he quickly got me a gym membership to help me, or at least that’s what he said. At first, he was supportive. It wasn’t mean, but after we moved in together, everything began to change.

Erik informed me, on the way to the airport, that I’d better behave and not cost him this opportunity. He told me to stay away from Jagger unless I’m summoned. That he doesn’t want to be bothered, so we are to keep our distance unless told otherwise, which is kind of weird considering what he told me back at the house, but as usual I don’t bother arguing, I only nod my agreement. When I end my life, and I will, I wonder how he’ll feel. Will he regret anything at all? I mostly contemplate suicide because I’m so tired. This life is draining in all ways. Mentally, emotionally, and even physically. I’m simply exhausted.

We arrive on the tarmac, and I stare at the plane with what I’m sure are comical wide eyes. I probably look like a damn cartoon character, but I’m shocked. A white plane is in front of us withThe Dark Noteswritten beside their dark blue logo. Do they seriously have their own plane? That’s not usual for the music industry, is it? It seems a little much, even for the man known as the Rock God. My only experience is withThe Glass Monkeys,and they are not on the same level as these guys. Erik and his band are lucky to get a dozen gigs a year, they are unsigned after all, and normally they play to crowds of under five hundred, so I know this really is a career changing experience for them.

We walk up the steps to the plane, and I’m immediately shocked by what’s in front of me. There’s a light blue sectional sofa to the left, with several round windows behind it. The carpet is dark blue, with a light blue island across from it, holding a large television. Jagger’s band sits on the couch, with suspicious smirks on their faces, but I disregard them. Just past the sofa there’s an arched doorway, painted light blue, with a darker blue on the bottom. Looking further ahead, I spot rows of seats, two on each side of the aisle. We are greeted by a flight attendant, who tells us to find an open seat, but then I spot Jagger, with a smirk on his lips, and a devious glint in his eyes.

“McKinley, your seat is back here.”

I glance at Erik, who pushes me ahead of him, so I walk back there and my boyfriend follows me.

Jagger chuckles. “McKinley, you’re beside me. The dildos are at the front.”

Dildos?

Erik runs his hand through his hair in obvious irritation, and Jagger smiles brightly. “I told you, dildo. She’s going to be mine. Now go find a seat.”

I watch in shock, as Erik goes back to the front of the plane with his bandmates, before looking back at Jagger, who pats the seat beside him. “Have a seat, beautiful girl.”

After putting my carry-on bag under the seat, I sit beside him as he reaches over and fastens my seatbelt.

“I can do it myself.”

He grins at me. “If there’s an excuse to touch you, I’ll take it. Every fucking time.”

Tucking my hair behind my ear, he leans down and groans in my ear, “You look stunning, filthy girl. I can’t wait to taste you.”

To taste me? Who the hell says shit like that? And is it getting hot in here, because it feels like someone cranked the temperature up by at least twenty degrees.

CHAPTER EIGHT

JAGGER

I wish we were going much further than Arizona, because I want to keep her beside me where she belongs. Leaning my head down, I inhale her scent; something floral and perfect. I’m not sure if it’s her hair or her skin, but I can’t wait to have her the way I want. Naked, writhing underneath me, giving me everything I want. All of her. A little bit will not be enough.

“Why am I back here with you?”

I shake my head in disbelief, because she seems so clueless. I’ve made myself perfectly clear so I don’t understand her confusion.

“Because I want you with me.”

“Except when you’re fucking the groupies? Or do you expect me to sit there and watch?”

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