Page 7 of Rock Star

She looked me up and down, then held out a manicured hand. “Hi. I’m Camila, your stylist.” Her hazel eyes narrowed. “I can’t wait to get started on you.”

Started on me? What did she mean? I glanced at the guys for clarification, but they’d all gotten to their feet and were making a swift exit out of the door. Axel, the last to leave, shot me a sideways glance, then focused his attention on Camila. “Catch you later, babe.”

So, it was okay for him to call her ‘babe’, huh?

I lifted my hand to shake Camila’s, cringing at the sight of my ragged fingernails and chipped varnish. Her hand was warm, and she raked her eyes over my face before letting go. I shifted in my seat, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

“You have good skin,” she said, dropping her bag and sitting herself on the chair next to mine. “And your green eyes aren’t bad. We’ll emphasize those for your photo shoots.”

“I’m gonna have photo shoots?” I gasped. “But I’m only the backup singer…”

“And the only woman on stage.” She smacked her gum. “Honey, you’re kinda pale in comparison with Ella. I’ll use shimmering shadow and black liner on your lids, add some eyelash extensions, lip plumping gloss. Once my assistant and I have worked our magic, you’ll look quite beautiful.”

“Oh,” I said, at a loss for words.

Camila whipped a tape measure from her bag. “Stand and I’ll take some measurements. Jake has given me free rein to pick out some outfits for ya.”

I did as she’d asked, standing still while she measured around my neck, shoulders, bust, waist, hips, thighs and so on. Her touch was cool and professional. “Will you be coming to Europe with us, then?” I inquired.

“Of course,” her tone implied I’d posed a silly question. “Me and Hayley. We’re stylists for the entire band.”

I was beginning to wonder just how big ChiMera’s entourage would be when we set off from LAX next month. No doubt I would find out soon enough.

When Camila had noted down my stats in a small, red notebook, she said she’d be back on Wednesday with the clothes she’ll have chosen. I kind of wished I could choose my own, but what did I know about ‘image’ and ‘style’?

Tomorrow I was supposed to stay home and practice, but we’d have another rehearsal here the day after. My contract had stipulated I was to be involved in promo work. I needed to ask Jake exactly what I’d signed up for. I was about to go find him when the door swung open, and Axel came into the room.

“Glad I caught you, Camila,” he said, opening his arms wide.

Without preamble she ran to him. He hugged her, and she lifted her face to receive his kiss.

I looked away, not wanting to see them deepen that kiss. My face had heated with annoyance. I had no clue why I was surprisingly so annoyed. It wasn’t as if I wanted Axel to kiss me.

No way.

Except my skin was prickling with pins and needles of stupid unexpected jealousy.

I made myself look back at them, and they were still hugging.

Axel’s eyes met mine over Camila’s shoulder, and I forced myself to assume a poker face.

She’d swung herself around to face me, but she was gripping his arm as if her life depended upon it.

Nausea swelled my stomach. From Camila’s possessive stance, it was clear to me he’d had sex with her. I didn’t know why I was so affected. He’d had sex with half the female population of the United States, by all accounts.

His eyes were on mine again, his gaze burning. Why did he keep looking at me? It was like he was trying to gauge what I was thinking.

Pretending I didn’t give a fuck, which I really didn’t, I checked the time on my watch. “I guess I should be going home,” I said. Then I forced a smile. “Catch ya both later.”4“Hey!” I ran after Phoenix. “I came to fetch you to be fitted for your in-ear monitors.”

She stopped in her tracks, whirled around and dragged a hand through her hair. “I didn’t want to get in the way of you and Camila.”

I stared at Phoenix. “Me and Camila?” Realization dawned. “You think I’m fucking her?”

“Well, aren’t you?” Phoenix lowered her gaze. “Not that it’s any of my business…”

I invaded her space, stared down at her. “You work for us. Of course, it’s your business.”

She raised her head and stared right back at me. “So, are you fucking her?”

“The guys and I have a rule not to shit where we eat.” I folded my arms across my chest.

“I hate that expression.” She shuddered.

“We don’t fuck our co-workers, Phoenix.” I curled my lips. “That expression covers a multitude of sins.”

A slow smile spread over her face. “Okay.” She took a step backward. “Sounds good to me.”

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