Page 75 of Hard Rock Fling
I kept my eyes trained on Ian. He seemed… fine. Perfectly normal. There was no hint of that glassy look. It had been replaced by an amused glint as he laughed along with something Cameron said. He was so good at pretending. If I hadn't walked in on him, I probably never would have known.
And how could I? This was the last thing I would expect from Ian. From any of the guys.
A drinking problem, maybe. Drugs, even. He was a rock star after all. It wasn't uncommon.
But self-harm?
Damon and Ian both saw me, a quick glance. Ian whispered something to his brother. Damon listened for a brief moment before throwing a withering glare my way. Damon slowed his steps. He whispered something back and nodded to his brother, indicating he should go on ahead.
Ian gave him a warning look and touched his arm. Damon shook it off with an easy smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Ian continued walking with the rest of the band. Damon stood and watched him for a few seconds. Then he whipped around and met my gaze head on.
I froze in my tracks.
Damon stalked over. There was nothing easy or casual in that stride. He stopped within two feet of me. It was like the first time The Twins had noticed me backstage. Except that time, I hadn't been terrified for my life.
"So." Damon's lip curled in displeasure. "You found out?"
I almost couldn't make myself speak. "You mean, about the…"
Damon hissed, eyes darting around to see who was within hearing distance. "Shut up!"
I snapped my mouth shut.
He let out a frustrated growl and ran his fingers through his hair. "I told Ian this would happen." Damon stared me down with narrowed, chilling eyes. I shrank back.
"You better not tell a soul."
"I-I won't."
"Good."
The corners of his lips tilted up. It wasn't friendly, or reassuring.
"Because if word gets out, I will fuckingdestroyyou."
Chapter Twenty-Six
Iwas still tremblingby the time I got back home, adrenaline still pumping through my veins. I barely managed to kick off my shoes before I fled to my room and slammed the door behind me. As if hiding in the sanctuary of my bedroom would protect me.
Damon's words echoed my head, a never ending litany.
He said he would destroy me.
The back of my eyes stung with unshed tears. I'd never had someone direct so much hatred towards me. It was scary.
But the terror was soon replaced with rage.
Damon knew.
Damonknew.He knew Ian was hurting himself, and he wasn't doing anything about it.
I was angry beyond reason, ready to smash something, anything. I kicked my laundry basket over, punched at my pillows until they were lumpen and misshapen.
But eventually my anger deflated.
I couldn't stay mad at Damon. After all, I knew about Ian's problem now, too, and I hadn't done anything about it. I should have told August the minute I found out. Instead, I'd run home, scared.
Ian didn't want anyone to know. His brother was no doubt simply obeying his wishes.
