Page 27 of True Stars Collide

Why had she gone behind his back? Zoe had confided in him how much she hated living a lie. He’d trusted her. He’d been about to spill his guts that he was falling for her last night, and she set this up without telling him?

He’d been right––he couldn’t trust anyone. She’d been the first person he let his guard down around and she’d been planning on bailing once the record was finished? Had the timing of the annulment been part of her plan all along? Without discussing it with him. It felt like a dagger to his heart.

“Liam? What happened to the wall?”

Speak of the devil. He pivoted to face her and schooled his expression. “Don’t worry about it. Heard you’re leaving today so it’s not your concern.”

Her face paled and her golden eyes widened. “You know? I was just coming to talk to you about it. I––”

“Save it. Ian told me so don’t bother. I’m going down to the studio.” His heart tugged in his chest, but he squashed the emotion.

No way he could deal with her explanations. Listen to her or look into her eyes.

“Liam, will you please listen?” Her voice came out on a whisper.

He averted his gaze and strode past her. He called over his shoulder. “Goodbye, Zoe.”

He marched downstairs and slammed the door closed behind him. Locked it for good measure. Not that Zoe would chase after him. He was a fucking fool––he’d allowed himself to care for her and she’d lied to him, just like everyone else in his life.

He grabbed his guitar. Nothing helped him escape his dark feelings more than music. Nothing good could come of him brooding about Zoe and the clusterfuck that was his life right now. He’d been right from the beginning––the only thing that mattered was the music. He should be relieved about the annulment.

So why did he feel like shit?

* * *

Three hours later, Liam’s fingers hurt, his eyes burned, and his stomach protested his failure to eat today. He’d played every savage riff he knew from the Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin to Guns n’ Roses. Lyrical solos, angry jams, and everything in between. Well, except for any of Black Velvet Machine’s songs.

For a few blessed hours, he’d channeled his mood through his guitar and now was pleasantly numb. Zoe had to have cleared out by now, so he’d head upstairs and make a sandwich. He unplugged, placed his guitar back on its rack, and took the stairs two at a time.

His house was quiet for the first time in weeks. The guys must’ve come and picked up their stuff or they were sleeping off last night. Either way, he was alone. Just like he’d wanted.

After a quick peek at his security cameras, he was satisfied the press weren’t camped outside his gate. Yet.

He strode into the kitchen, whipped open the fridge and pulled out bread, ham, cheese, and spicy mustard. He tossed the basic ingredients onto the granite island and turned to grab a knife. And there, propped up on the counter, was a square ivory envelope with his name on it in sprawling script. Her engagement ring sat beside it.

“Damn it.” He threw back his head and roared.

Unable to resist, he snatched up the note and tore it open. One folded sheet of rich parchment paper. He lifted it to his nose and inhaled the faint hint of jasmine. A visceral wave of longing filled him. Part of him wanted to toss it in the rubbish but he had to read her words.

Liam,

I’m so sorry you heard the news before I could speak with you and explain why I chose to leave. I’ve loved spending time with you, and I treasure our connection. I know together we can make Black Velvet Machine the best it can be.

But the paparazzi is so relentless and the pressure on us is excruciating.

I know you never wanted to play a part and the scene at Nobu made it clear to me that the press will never stop hounding us. At the end of the day, it’s my reputation that we need to change. So let me take the brunt of it.

Krissy suggested the annulment would make me appear as even more of a “bad girl” and allow you to step back and do what you do best––play music. So, you’re off the hook. No more pretending to be mine. I hope once your anger subsides you see how this is best for all of us.

Yours,

Zoe

Yours. He re-read the note. Read it again. And read between the lines. Damn her for running away. Because she was his. And he was hers. Sweet, authentic Zoe hadn’t been playing him. What an idiot he was for even considering it.

His ego had reacted first, along with the eighteen-year-old boy whose life had changed in a flash when he’d learned the man who’d raised him wasn’t his father. That his parents had lied to him his entire life and if he hadn’t overheard their discussion, he never would have known the truth.

So yeah, he had major trust issues. But who wouldn’t be upset after what he and Zoe had shared?

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