Page 103 of Graves

“Koh?”

I look up and freeze.

A few steps away, carrying a full grocery bag, stands Luke.

“It really is you,” he says. A beautiful smile spreads across his face as he takes two steps closer. The streetlight catches his honey-blonde hair. “It’s so good to see you.” His warm brown eyes sparkle with a joy that flatters me, making every negative thought disappear.

All I see is him.

And fuck… he looks good.

21

—

Aran

My asshole side is back, and I feel like a prisoner in my own body—unable to break free from these chains.

How the hell could I snap at Koh like that? He was only trying to help.

But did he see right through me?

Talk? Why the fuck would I talk to him?

I’ve always put everything that weighs on me into songs. I’ve shared that shit with the whole damn world. Why would I want to talk about things that are long in the past and don’t matter to anyone anymore?

And why with him?

He’s the one trying to run from reality. I’m the one standing on a stage like a goddamn bullseye.

Maybe I should just fire Fox.

Let the haters come. There’s no point living a life I don’t deserve anyway.

And then I go and get involved with a mafia guy. In my situation!

Koh’s scared his ex will see him and show up at the door. But what about me?

I keep punching my wrist, grinding my teeth against the pain, and pacing back and forth.

If the press finds out I’m hanging around with someone from the Mafia, I’m as good as dead. I’m already on their hit list. A connection to Koh would be a dream come true for them.

They’d drag out a scandal for weeks. Old stories would get dug up until even the last few people still on my side turn away. The fall of the fallen rockstar is already written. I might as well put a bullet in my head.

Clenching my jaw, I let out a frustrated growl.

Not just because I can clearly see my own end coming, but also because I can’t push away the feelings I’ve developed for Koh.

“Looks like that warning comes too late.”

His words echo in my head, messing me up so badly I throw my arms up in total helplessness.

Did he actually mean that?

Was that… a love confession?

No! Get a grip. That’s ridiculous.