Page 56 of Carte

“Is everything ready?” I asked, trying to get us to the real reason for Chace's call.

We were going back on tour in a few days. Everything in me screamed that it was the wrong move, but it was Harley’s decision, and when I gave her a way out she didn't take it.

“Yep,” Chace popped the P. “Five of your guys are currently occupying one of Max’s rentals waiting for your orders.”

“I'll text the details of where and when they should be, once we start coming down.”

I didn’t want anyone to know where she's gonna be until it was necessary. I even changed the places and hotels that she would be staying in, asking Alina to take care of it, and Chace and Max to scoop out the hotels and venues to see what was needed in terms of security. Not even Tim or Sloan knew. Max didn't find anything that would raise suspicion with those two, and was currently running other names on the team. Still, I wanted some details under wrap.

“You sure it's the right move for her to go back?”

“Fuck no,” I blew out a breath. “But, it's what she wants. What she says she needs, so we're gonna give it to her.”

Chace hummed in my ear.

“Fuck off.”

“I didn’t say anything,” he said.

“I understood your hum,” I quipped.

“Man, you really are wound up tight.”

Understatement of the year.

“Is there something else?” I asked drily.

“No, that's it.”

I took the cup from under the coffee maker and took a sip, “Then leave me the hell alone. Fuck off, and give my love to Alina.”

I hung up without waiting for goodbye from my brother.

Tossing the phone on my counter, I pinched the bridge of my nose and then rubbed my eyes, trying to push the ache that was building behind them back.

Turning around, I leaned against the counter, mentally going over everything that needed to be done and put in place before we headed down, and back to civilization.

That's when I saw them.

Journals and papers on the coffee table.

Harley’s journals and papers.

The ones that held her lyrics. Her most inner thoughts.

I glanced down to the mouth of the hall, listening if there were any sounds coming from her room.

Nothing.

She was still asleep.

I walked over to the table, and looked down.

Would I do this?

Would I peek inside and see Harley in a whole new light?

A burn lit in my chest so strong I was sure it would swallow me whole.