Page 115 of Fame & Rhythm

“No. I didn’t.” My voice shakes, but I hold my ground. “You did. You lied to me. And I don’t trust liars.” I turn for the door.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” he demands, following me. “Was I too rough? Did I hurt you? I was trying to be careful. Was it the blood? Annie, that’s normal. Just tell me what I did so I can fix this.”

“Fix this?” I spin back on him. “There is nothing to fix. We’re done. Just leave me alone.”

“Annie, don’t do this,” he says, grabbing my face, forcing me to look at him. “Talk to me.”

I squeeze my eyes shut.

If I look at him, I’ll break.

“Let. Me. Go.”

Instead, he kisses me and for a split second, I give in and kiss him back.

“I love you, Annie. Let me fix this.”

Something inside me snaps. My hand lashes out again, striking his cheek even harder this time.

“Fuck, Lennox,” he mutters, stepping back.

The door swings open.

Danger stands there, watching.

“Annie… stop! Don’t walk away from this. Don’t walk away from us. Annie… please,” Aston begs.

I wipe my face and move past Danger, needing out.

“Annie, talk to me!”

I glance back just long enough to see the tear slip down Aston’s face while a sob tears from my chest, but I keep walking.

“Want me to beat him up for you, lemon?” Danger asks casually.

I stop, raising a brow. “Lemon?”

“Your sister’s sweet like sugar. You?” He tilts his head slightly. “Not so much.”

I scoff and shove his shoulder, but he barely moves.

“Annie, please… tell me what I d-did,” Aston calls, his voice breaking.

“You’re a lying sack of shit, Aston Soulding,” I shout back. “And apart from the band, I’m done with you. Completely.”

He goes still.

Like he’s stopped breathing.

“You don’t mean that,” he says, rushing forward.

Before he can reach me, Danger grabs him by the collar, holding him back.

“Put me down, prick,” Aston snaps, his eyes still locked on mine.

“Want me to let him go, lemon?” Danger asks.

I hesitate, just for a second, then shake my head. “Don’t. But I have to go.” My voice cracks. “Goodbye, A-Aston.” I turn and walk away with his voice following me, but I can’t make out the words.