Page 50 of Edge of Heaven

“I said I was sorry,” he says, blocking me from leaving the room. “How long are you going to pout?”

“Until the bruises are gone.”

“I didn’t realize you bruise so easily,” he continues. Like this ismyfault. “You’ve never bruised before.”

“You’ve never been so rough before,” I respond tightly.

“I had a lot to drink,” he murmurs. “Okay?”

He waits for me to respond and when I don’t, he sighs.

“Dammit, Taryn…don’t be this way.”

“Let’s just go,” I say. “I’m hungry and catering said there’s chicken fried rice tonight.”

He hesitates but then nods. “All right. Just don’t be mad, okay? I’m not going to apologize again.”

Whatever.

He’s making Toby’s payment in a couple of days—and then it’ll be down to three months. Maybe two if I can get decent priced flights back to L.A. the next two months. I might have enough left in my savings to pay for the last month of treatment myself. I’ll be broke, but I’ll be free of Callum, and that’s all I care about.

“All good,” I say stiffly.

“That’s my girl.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders as we walk out to the elevator.

I stay quiet on the way to the venue and when we arrive. Callum heads for soundcheck and I hang out in their dressing room until I hear the music start. Then I peek into the hallway and immediately spot Mick. Like he knew where I would be and was waiting for Callum to get on stage.

We don’t have much time—because they don’t usually have long soundchecks—and I hurry over to him.

“I only have a few minutes,” I whisper. “I think they’re just doing the one song.”

“Find me when they play their set,” he says softly. “I was worried about you. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay.”

“Are you?” His eyes bore into mine and I know he doesn’t believe I had a cold. I don’t want to tell him the truth because I know he’s going to be upset, and I can’t risk him confronting Callum.

“We’ll talk later,” I say, gently squeezing his arm.

“Taryn! There you are!” Ryleigh comes over and gives me a hug. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m on the mend,” I say.

“Walk with me.” She tugs me away from Mick, and we walk toward Crimson Edge’s dressing room.

“I don’t have a lot of time,” I murmur. “Callum will be expecting me to eat with him.”

She stops and puts her hands on her hips, facing me. “What kind of controlling, possessive bullshit is that?” she demands. “What’s happening to you, Taryn? One minute you told me you were just dating him because he has a big dick. Now you’re letting him control every facet of your life. And don’t give me any nonsense about being in love. Everyone can see what’s happening. Everyone is talking about it. Except you.”

My face feels a little hot as embarrassment hits me like a physical blow, but it’s none of her business.

“I have my reasons,” I say tightly. “And if you’re really my friend, you’ll leave it alone.”

“Does he hit you, Taryn?”

“No.”

Not unless he disguises it as a little bedroom kink.

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