Page 10 of Tainted Tempos

“Yo!” A loud knock bangs on the door. “Aiden is here,” Levi announces.

“And Jess and Kimberly!” Jameson calls out.

Mav’s head drops back. He glares at the ceiling. “Can you give me a fucking break here?” he asks the universe. “Fucking hell.”

His expression—remorseful, horrified, hurt—recedes into a neutral mask.

My words—a confession, a secret—die on my lips.

“Come on,” Mav says, standing and tugging me up. “We better get this shit sorted.”

I nod, dropping my eyes to the floor.

But my visitor is back. Invading my thoughts. Torturing me with his presence.

Branson’s snarl. The heaviness of his frame as he pins me in place. His fumbling fingers.

Why now? Why is this happening to me?

“Don’t tell anyone, Mckenna Byrne.”

I shudder.

“I’ll destroy your fucking life.”

My stomach twists and knots.

“You owe me. And I own you.”

“You ready?” Mav asks. His hand curls around the doorknob.

I nod, squinting at the wedding band on his finger.

I meet my husband’s eyes.

“You owe me. And I own you.”

A reminder. A warning. A threat.

I suck in an inhale and pray I don’t pass out.

THREE

MAV

Mckenna’s handfeels cold and clammy as I drag her through the door. The overcrowded living room greets us with sympathetic expressions and curious eyes.

Only Jess looks unconcerned. Her tough-girl façade is firmly in place, and she regards me with a cool, unhurried sweep before clucking her tongue derisively.

Mckenna trembles beside me, and fuck if I don’t feel worse.

I started dating Mckenna to save my public image. To help the band’s reputation. To ensure Mckenna has the necessary funds for law school.

Now, we’re married. She looks physically ill. And my entire team is assembled in my hotel suite, glaring at us like we’re aliens they don’t know how to interact with.

And I can’t help but feel like it’s all on me. Again, I was reckless, selfish, and made decisions in the moment that affect everyone I care about.

“So,” Aiden starts, puffing out his cheeks, “you got married.”

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