Page 63 of Hard Rock Muse
A feeling I knew all too well.
“And then when I finally managed to sit down at my piano, nothing would come out,” he continued. “Or at least, whatever came out was shit.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t.”
Julian snorted. “Ask Seth.” He rolled his head to the side to meet my gaze. “But then you showed up.”
“I didn’t do anything,” I said.
His dark gaze had a weight to it. It had an intensity that reminded me of all the times we composed together.
“It’s not anything you did,” Julian said. “It’s what you are.”
“What am I?” I asked quietly.
Julian sat up on the bed, leaning over me. He put a hand to my cheek, cupping my face as he stared down.
“You’re my muse.”
Julian’s hand was warm on my cheek. I felt every swirl of his fingertips pressed gently against my skin.
“You’re my muse, Ev,” he repeated.
My heart swelled in my chest, filling until it was close to bursting
“I don’t know how I ever managed without you,” he murmured. “I need you.”
My breath hitched. He leaned down for a kiss.
Keith’s voice echoed in my head.
You need me, Ever.
If it weren’t for me you’d still be playing for free at shitty clubs.
You can’t do this without me.
The words sent panic and helplessness shooting though me, the familiar sense of being trapped.
I pulled away.
Julian’s hand dropped, confused.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, hurt in his voice.
Keith’s sneering tone filled my ears.
You can’t do this without me.
If you leave me, your career will be ruined.
To me, Julian’s confession sounded much the same.
I can’t do this without you.
If you leave me, my career will be ruined.
That same panic gripped my chest again.
