Page 185 of Off Limits Mogul

“I never had the confidence to believe I could go there.”

“Your voiceisthere,” he says. “You’re the poster child for the next sensation in blue-eyed soul music.”

“Oh.”

“You have a world-class instrument.” My eyes widen at his words. “You make people feel. If I close my eyes and listen, I can note every nuance of emotion in your voice. You also possess a gift for tone, something I don’t believe can be taught like technique. You either have it or you don’t. And you, my friend, have it in spades. I was a few minutes late for our meeting because I was finishing up with a guy who’s dying to work with you. He’s sitting in another conference room in this building, waiting for the green light.”

I frown my surprise. “Who are you talking about?”

“Bridge Peterson agrees with me?—”

“Wait. Did you say Bridge Peterson?”

“I did.”

My eyes are as wide as dinner plates. “As in the most coveted vocal coach in the industry?” He must be talking about another Bridge Peterson. This cannot be happening. When I was living in LA, I couldn’t even breathe the same air as Bridge Peterson. The idea of working with him is surreal. The man is a hit maker.

“The one and only,” Holt says. “Like the rest of us, he watched the video clips in awe.”

“He wants to work with me?” I point at my chest.

“He’s been on my case since yesterday. He’s relentless. Thanks to him, Vickie Sky’s career exploded.”

“Oh my God, he’s behind Vickie Sky?”

She’s one of the biggest artists on the planet right now.

Holt nods. “By improving your technique, you’re set to become one of the defining voices of your generation. I believe it. So does Bridge.”

I’m floored.

And incredulous.

And speechless.

And freaked out.

“You don’t see it—I guess I should say, you don’t hear it,” Holt says when I’m still staring at him. “You’re a phenomenal alto singer with a rich voice, Keira. You’re characterful, emotional, powerful, and raw.”

I’m not used to this much praise, but dear God, I’m lapping it up.

“You signed a bum contract when you became part of Lucky Break because you were desperate for fame. Those reality singing competitions make it look easy and set unrealistic expectations. It’s only when you sign on the dotted line that reality slaps you across the face. I’m offering you full transparency. I’m also offering you the world on a silver platter, and the chance to become a legend.”

Chapter 36

Rhys

We’re sitting in the back of a chauffeured Bentley, trailing behind a long line of chauffeured vehicles, all heading to the same spot. Building 22. The lavish venue is nestled away from prying eyes, and a stone’s throw from Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“Arianne’s vision is coming to life,” Keira says. Her face is kissing the window in her attempt to catch the action outside.

“Tonight, is the big night,” I say. “It seems like only yesterday I was sitting in a meeting with Beckett when she made her presentation. Although punishing and fast-paced, I can’t even wrap my head around the fact it’s only been three weeks since Flint’s photoshoot. Things are moving at lightning speed.”

“Michaela and I had the same conversation last night. I’m amazed it’s only been six weeks since I landed in LA. It seems like a lifetime ago, yet it went by in the blink of an eye. So much has happened.”

“All good stuff, though?”

“Mind-blowing stuff,” she says. “The best being… you.”