Page 16 of Her Beastly Billionaire Rock Star
Sighing heavily, Malakai replied, “Okay, I guess.” That about covered it. Other than when groceries were delivered, he’d avoided Charlotte the last few days. When he was forced to be around her, he made sure she knew he didn’t want to be, even if that was the furthest thing from his mind. He liked her, and it terrified him.
Chris scoffed. “Just okay?”
“What else can I say? I’m under house arrest for a while.” Malakai cut a glance at Charlotte. “Other than swimming or playing pool, there’s not much in the way of entertainment.”
“Have you written any new songs?” Chris asked.
Charlotte’s head jerked up, and she blinked. “You write songs for the band?”
Shrugging, Malakai nodded. “I used to. I haven’t in a while.”
“He’s a gifted lyricist.” Chris grinned. “He wrote the ballad that got them signed.”
Her perfect little lips parted. “You did?”
Chris nodded. “He sure did.”
“That song had beautiful lyrics about love and loss. I love that song.” She smiled.
For the weirdest reason, her reaction thrilled Malakai. “I think it’s still my favorite.”
Nodding, Chris said, “And we still play it. It’s usually our last song of the night.”
Malakai needed a change of topic. Anything that would keep him from focusing on how sparkly Charlotte’s eyes were or from wondering what it’d be like if he wrote a song just for her. “So, how are the rest of the guys?”
“That’s actually the reason I came. Asher called me this morning. He’s headed home. His dad’s not doing well. Apparently, he’s been sick for a while and didn’t tell Asher. From the way he spoke, his dad doesn’t have much time left.”
What? “And he didn’t call me?” Malakai took his ankle off his knee and sat forward. “Why wouldn’t he let me know?” He would have called Asher one of his closest friends. Knowing he hadn’t called made Malakai feel lower than dirt.
Chris took a deep breath and straightened. “I know, and he wanted to call you first. I told him I’d give you the news. He knows you’ve got a lot on your plate and didn’t want to add to it.”
Raking his hand through his hair, Malakai set his elbows on his knees, feeling like he’d let yet another person down. “Oh, man. Just when I think I can’t let someone down, I do it again.”
Leaning over, Chris tapped Malakai on the arm. “Mate, you didn’t let anyone down. Not this time. I know we were upset right after the accident, but—”
“I deserved it.” Yes, he’d been clean, but he should’ve done something to keep the accident from happening. He had no idea what, but surely there would have been a better way. Sunny would still be alive, and he wouldn’t be the guy the world hated. “If I could go back…”
“Get well, and then come back to the band. Start looking forward instead of behind you. You can’t control the direction if you can’t see where you’re going.” Chris stood. “Okay, mate. You owe me a game of pool, and I plan to get back every dime I lost last time.”
Malakai chuckled and stood. “Not a chance.” He looked at Charlotte. “Do you play pool?”
She lifted her gaze to his. “It’s been a while. I played with my dad sometimes.”
“Oh yeah? Were you any good?” Chris asked.
“Uh, I’d also play with my mom while I visited her in Athens.” Her smile grew mischievous.
Malakai’s eyes widened as Chris blanched.
“What?” Chris asked.
Charlotte stood and then curtsied. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Prince Christophe Nicolaides.”
Chris’s mouth dropped open. “You know? How?”
She chewed her lip. “I had a friend in Athens, and she was obsessed with you. Her wall was basically a shrine.”
“Please don’t tell anyone. I—”
