Page 67 of Toxic Kiss

“It’s true, everyone is wondering what is going on between the two of you. Let’s face it…as much as every girl listening wants the band for themselves, they can get behind a tragic love story just as much,” Declan adds.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“A tragic love story. You are engaged to another man. The famous rock star and stepbrother is in love with the girl he just can’t have. It’s like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet and total catnip. The fans are feral for it.”

I stand and glare down at the two of them.

“No. You’re not using me or our…whatever you want to call our relationship, for publicity.”

“Sweetie, it’s already done. The two of you did that yourselves when he reached for you on stage. We are just spinning the narrative so that there is no toxic blowback,” Dad says. “Besides, what is the harm of embellishing if it helps the band?”

“I can’t believe this. You want to turn us into a reality television show.”

He stands and places his hands on my shoulders.

“Rock Star, if you really want to run the company one day, then you need to realize that this business is cutthroat. There will always be things you don’t like, but you need to think of the label first. This helps the label and Venomous.”

“I see.” I step back, away from his touch. “Maybe that’s what is wrong with this industry to begin with. And here I thought you were better than that.”

“Haven, don’t say that. You know that I wouldn’t do anything to hurt Cyrus or the band.”

It hits me that I’m excluded. He won’t do anything to harm Cyrus or the band, but he never mentions me.

I laugh, but there is no humor in it.

“So let me make sure I understand this. You want me to promote this situation and lie, for sales? And you want me to do it regardless of what toll it takes? Like say on my reputation?”

“When you say it like that, it sounds bad. It’s just a marketing tactic that’s all,” Dad says, and my eyes burn.

I won’t cry in front of him.

“Did you set this up?”

“What? How could I set up Cyrus collapsing?”

“Dad. Don’t,” I growl, my hands balling into fists as my body shakes with the pent-up rage. “Don’t act innocent with me. You knew that Cy and I have history. Is this the real reason why you gave me this job? Were you hoping something juicy would happen that you could capitalize on?”

He crosses his arms and doesn’t say anything, which is incriminating enough. I shake my head.

“You know what, never mind. I don’t want you to answer that. Since you’re using me, I have a few demands of my own.”

“Oh?”

It is so easy to see the influence Anita has over my father. And there is no way in hell that I will ever work with her. Now is as good a time as any to make sure she never has a say in the company.

“I want it in writing that I’m the sole heir to LG Records.”

“Haven…”

Holding up my hand, I stop him before he can say anything. I know what’s coming, and my heart pounds out of control. I’ve never been like this with my father, but all I can see is Anita sitting in his office at LG Records, and the first thing she’ll do is fire me and turn the company into something I don’t recognize.

“No. If you want to give Anita everything else, then do it. I don’t care. But she never lays one finger on this company. And I don’t want her anywhere near Cyrus or me for the rest of this tour.” He rubs his chin. “I mean it, Dad. If you want me to get on board with this, then you need to do this for me. It was Mom’s wish that we run LG Records together, and I’m never letting that vile woman get her hands on my company.”

“The company isn’t an issue. It has been and will always remain yours. I’ll get paperwork drawn up to put you on as an owner, if that makes you feel better. But, I’ll have to see what I can do about, Anita. Cyrus is her son.”

“Maybe I wasn’t clear. The only person Cyrus wants to listen to, or lean on, is me,” I say with absolute conviction, but I look at Declan to back me up.

“Am I wrong?”