Wicked Rockstar (The Wicked #2)

Chapter One

TRISSA

W here was he?

The harsh fluorescent lights of the television studio buzzed overhead, matching the constant hum of anxiety in my chest. I glanced at my watch again. The delicate fairy wings tattoo peeking out from under the face on my wrist shimmered in the brightness from above.

“Ms. Byrd?” A harried-looking production assistant approached, tablet in hand. “We’re set to go live in thirty-five minutes. Is Mr. Young on his way?” Her cheeks flushed a faint shade of pink as she spoke the name of my boss.

I forced a smile. Years of practice allowed me to keep my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach. “He’s just running a bit behind. You know how traffic can be in the city. I’m sure he’ll be here any minute.”

The lie rolled off my tongue with ease. I hated how effective I’d become at making excuses for Peter. The PA nodded, though I registered the doubt in her observant hazel eyes. She probably heard excuses like this all the time.

As she walked away, I pinched the bridge of my nose and reached into my fanny pack for the bottles of antacids and ibuprofen I kept there for days like these. After gulping them down I pulled out my phone and dialed Peter. Panic snaked through me as sweat beaded my brow. I’d already called Peter multiple times, so it was no surprise when I was once again greeted by his voicemail. Knowing him as well as I did, for as long as I did, his phone wasn’t even charged.

I made a mental note to set a reminder for him to make sure it was charging when we weren’t together. Again.

Next I dialed Leo, Peter’s driver and official bodyguard.

“Any luck?” I asked. I didn’t bother saying hello, not that Leo cared.

His response came almost immediately. “I just got into the house. This place is a mess.” Leo swore colorfully following his statement. That couldn’t be good. “Don’t worry, Tris, I’ll get him out the door.”

Peter was going to blow his last chance. And if he did, he’d take me and his band, The Lost Boys, down with him.

Needing to calm the anxiety coursing through me, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and counted to ten.

It didn’t help. Disappearing, not answering his phone, leaving his place a mess—this wasn’t the Peter I’d known practically my whole life. Something was really wrong. He’d been off for months.

Yet even with the worry, the urge to scream in frustration overwhelmed me. My vision grew blurry, and the sounds of a bustling studio rang in my ears.

Fire heated my chest, spiraling outward and up. There was the rage I’d been expecting. An emotion I’d refused to allow to surface much over the years that I’d almost forgotten what it felt like.

It had taken time and intention, but I’d learned to control the temper that flared at will in my youth—or perhaps I’d shoved it down so far I’d forgotten where to find it. As Peter’s assistant, I needed to be professional, especially on the days he wasn’t, and I’d learned the hard way that my anger didn’t help to motivate Peter.

My face flamed with heat, and I knew my cheeks were bright red against my fair skin. He promised me he’d be here on time today. That he wouldn’t disappoint me. So I knew he’d make it. He had to. He just might need a little help.

I cringed with each quick tap tap tap of heels hitting the floor; the clear and familiar warning that the head producer of the morning talk show was closing in on me. Again.

“Everything alright, Ms. Byrd?” The stern-looking woman in her fifties asked, her tone demanding an answer.

I inhaled slowly and let my breath out as I turned to face her. The second our eyes met, the cool, professional mask I’d perfected over the years stole across my face. It was likely the same one I’d given her earlier. I forced the corner of my lips into the pleasant smile I’d curated, which projected warmth and understanding and made me appear approachable.

I’d smoothed many ruffled feathers with this smile as I protected Peter’s brand.

“Ms. Halliway.” I figured the less information I offered, the better. “Everything is perfect. Just checking in with Mr. Young’s security team. You can never be too careful these days.”

“We appreciate that, but I need to know now if he’s going to make it. We have a schedule to keep and an audience that is expecting him. If we need to adjust the lineup… ” Her shrewd gaze flicked over me.

“That won’t be necessary,” I assured her, my heart pounding. “He’ll be here. Peter’s very excited about this appearance.”

This show was to kick-off Peter’s newly signed contract with VS Music Production. We’d slowly transitioned over the past few months from our old recording label. One of the CEOs, Jareth Vizier, informed me in no uncertain terms that Peter needed to be at this interview. The rumors about his ruthlessness were legendary, and I had no intention of me or Peter getting on his bad side.

When she walked away, I ducked into a quiet corner and called Leo again. “Please tell me you have good news.” I leaned against the wall, my head thunked as I dropped it back. The rough brick caught and tugged at strands of my fine blonde hair. A small part of me worried my sophisticated top-knot was unraveling, but I didn’t have time to dwell on my hair when I had bigger issues to deal with.

“It’s bad,” Leo’s gruff voice came through the speaker. “He’s passed out cold.”

I closed my eyes, fighting the tears that threatened to spill over. “Do whatever it takes to get him here.”

Peter lived and breathed music. It was his lifeline when things got bad. So why did it seem like he was doing everything he could to ruin it?

Where was the idyllic boy I once knew eighteen years ago? The day my fiery ten-year-old self had met her other half in the charismatic twelve-year-old boy in the group home we’d both been placed in.

I sighed, nestling into the wall and hoping with every fiber of my being Leo could get him here.

“Peter, get your ass out of bed.” A splash sounded over the phone. Leo must have gone with the tried and true method of dumping water over him.

A muffled retort sounded before Peter’s voice broke through loud and clear. “What the fuck, Leo?”

Then, a thud.

“I’m not asking twice.” Leo had his deep Arnold Schwarzenegger voice in place.

“That fucking hurt. You didn’t have to drag me out of bed and drown me, asshole.”

“Did you forget the interview this morning?” Leo growled. The longtime bodyguard and special forces Sergeant had no use for Peter’s insolence and couldn’t care less that Peter was the “It” boy in rock music. It was part of the reason I’d hired him. However, I’d needed his muscle more and more lately as Peter and good decisions became a thing of the past.

“That’s not until tomorrow.” Peter’s deep baritone filtered through the phone.

What? “For the love of God. He thinks it’s Tuesday?” I whisper-shouted into the phone. “Leo, I need him here. Now. We have thirty minutes!”

“I can get him there in time.”

I didn’t know what kind of ninja driving skills he needed to make that happen, but if he said he could, he would. “Thank you.”

Peter’s grunt and Leo threatening to rip off his shirt were the last I heard before the phone disconnected.

I ran a hand over my forehead, brushing aside my longish bangs and wondering if the deep lines would become permanent. A fresh wave of anxiety swept through me as I hurried to the green room. I had no idea what condition Peter would be in when he got here. And the last thing we needed was for him to go on television hungover or high.

As though encouraging me to think positive thoughts, my screen flashed with my favorite photo. It was a selfie taken ten years earlier of me, Peter, and our childhood friend, Killian. Right before everything changed. My fingertips brushed the glass, and not for the first time, I wished we could return to that day.

In the photo, my hair was thrown up in a messy bun, much like it was today. My shirt was streaked with dirt, and my smile was bright and sunny. Not one lock of Peter’s brown hair was out of place. For some reason, his dark-green polo was in perfect shape, and his grin had a devilish tilt; a physical reminder that he could get anything he wanted with just a convincing smile. And Killian ... The dark curls that framed his face were the envy of most girls, and the smirk playing across his lips hinted at the trouble that was brewing behind his blue eyes. His obscure band t-shirt was so faded I couldn’t even recognize the name.

Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. Killian would’ve known how to handle Peter. But he’d left us behind. Walked away from our friendship without a word, striking a dagger through my heart soon after we’d taken that picture.

I still missed him.

But he wasn’t here, and he couldn’t help. I drew in a deep breath, pushing the old hurt away. I needed to focus and be “on.” I had to project to the world that Peter was still the same charismatic man his fans fell in love with ten years ago when he burst onto the music scene.

Everyone loved Peter. Most especially, me.

My crush started the day we met. He’d taken pity on me when a few of the older kids at the group home teased me. After threatening them to stay away, we spent the day sitting outside under an enormous oak tree, passing the time making up songs. He played the harmonica that was always in his hand or tucked away in his pocket. I later learned the reason he played it was because it was less likely than any other instrument to be taken from him and he could easily hide it.

That day, I fell a little bit in love with him. Having my childhood ripped away from me after my parents were killed in a car crash and with no relatives to claim me, I was forced into the foster system. Being with Peter was the first time I’d felt like my old self since that agonizing day. I’d found a new home—in Peter. For those few hours, I forgot that I’d never see my parents again. I didn’t worry about the uncertainty of my future.

I was just a girl hanging out with a cute boy.

I was just me.

I jumped as Leo’s ringtone sliced through the air. I quickly swiped to answer his call. “Please tell me you have good news.”

“Walking into the studio now.”

“You’re my favorite person today. Meet me in the green room.”

Leo grunted his consent before hanging up.

I checked my watch, not realizing that so much time had passed while I’d been lost in my thoughts.

A few moments later, Leo marched into the room with Peter at his side.

Peter shrugged his broad shoulders as he finished buttoning his shirt, leaving the top two undone displaying a hint of his smooth chest. When he rolled up his sleeves, I suppressed the slight shiver that raced down my spine at his corded forearms. I’d drooled over them more times than I could count.

He was so damn handsome.

“I did what I could,” Leo shrugged.

Peter gave me a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry, Tris. I got my days mixed up.”

I shook my head and crossed my arms, forcing myself to not give in to his classically beautiful face. At least not too much. His deep brown gaze pleaded with me to forgive him. “Peter … ”

“I know. It won’t happen again.” His earnest expression almost made a believer out of me, but this wasn’t the first time he’d promised just that. Yet, I couldn’t help but hope this might be the turning point. Maybe he’d finally get his act together.

I rolled my eyes to let him know I wasn’t buying his explanation.

“I swear.” Peter leaned in and slid his arms around my ample waist. He tugged me until I fell into him, my hands resting lightly on his firm torso. He gave me a quick kiss on my forehead before pulling back.

My heart thumped erratically even as I reminded myself that this kiss was just as platonic as all the ones that came before it. I searched his familiar gaze, looking for the sincerity in his words. I wanted to believe so badly that he was done throwing away his career. The one thing he’d worked so hard for. Because no matter how often I begged, he wouldn’t share why he’d started going off the rails.

A throat cleared. I could tell it was Ms. Halliway and that she was unhappy with how long the sound went on. “Three minutes, Ms. Byrd.”

Leo, the gentle giant of a man, knew the drill. He draped an arm over Ms. Halliway’s shoulders and led her away while asking questions about the set. Her bewildered voice floated back to us, and I sighed in relief.

“Okay, we have less than three minutes to get you picture-perfect.” I tsked slightly as I reluctantly backed out of Peter’s embrace.

A sexy smirk lit up his face as I reached into my fanny pack. Peter thought it was hysterical that I used my ‘old lady’ purse to keep track of all the ‘Peter essentials.’

I pushed my ereader out of the way and snagged the bottle of eye drops. I swore this stuff was magic. With one hand, I gripped Peter’s chin. “Tilt your head back.” It helped that I was five foot ten in flats and could easily reach him.

He grumbled good-naturedly, but did as I instructed. The second I finished the drops, I grabbed my strongest mint. Peter dutifully opened his mouth so I could pop it inside. I only wished he was this obedient on a regular basis. Next, I whipped out my brush and ran it through his chestnut locks. For this very reason, I purposely had his hairdresser cut his hair in a more messy, casual style. Last, I dabbed on a concealer clearly made with sorcery because it covered any and every imperfection.

“Mr. Young. You’re up,” Ms. Halliway intoned from the doorway. She’d at least given me enough time so that it didn’t look like Peter had just rolled out of bed.

I sniffed, and Peter laughed. His spicy-scented body spray was a little overdone, but at least he didn’t stink.

Peter tapped my nose with his pointer finger. “Leo was a little enthusiastic this morning.”

“I’m sure it’s better than what you smelled like when he got you up.” I raised my eyebrows, not able to stop the twitching of my mouth.

He grinned, and my stomach fluttered at the sight of his lips curving up as a result of something I said.

I couldn’t help it. I smiled back.

Then I grabbed a fistful of his shirt and tugged him behind me as we followed Ms. Halliway and Leo to the stage. Voices grew louder as we approached.

The hosts announced Peter’s name, and I reached up to brush my hands over his shoulders. I hastily straightened his collar and slid my fingers down his arms. “You’ve got this.”

“Only because I have you.” He lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles. “Luck?”

“Always.” My body thrummed with awareness. The gentle tickle of it slid through my core as I sighed for an entirely different reason. These little moments were why I couldn’t let go of my feelings for Peter. They gave me hope.

Peter was home to me in a way no one else was.

With his trademark swagger, Peter was off to charm the show’s hosts, Veronica and Ron, just like he always did. Thunderous applause echoed through the studio. Once I heard him greet the two of them, I leaned against a nearby wall and let out another deep sigh.

Leo approached and claimed a spot on the wall next to me.

“Thank you,” I said.

“He’s getting worse.” Leo didn’t mince words. He was honest to a fault, and I appreciated that.

“I know.” I rubbed hard at my forehead again. “I don’t know what else to do. We were lucky VS Music picked up Peter and the band. I really think Umbria Productions was looking at ways to get rid of him. He was becoming too much of a liability.”

Leo’s piercing gaze pinned me. “It’s not your job to fix him. He has to want to do it.”

I squeezed out the following words through a tight throat. “I can’t leave him, Leo. He doesn’t have anyone else. I need to get him to see that this downward spiral has to stop.” There was a time when Peter listened to me. When he took my advice to heart. But something had changed in him over the last few months. He still projected the same carefree rock god to the outside world, but he was broken inside, more than ever before, and I had no idea how to help him.

The laughter from onstage cued me in that Peter was indeed bringing his A-game. At least for now, we’d made it all work.

How long can you keep covering for him , a little voice whispered at the back of my mind.

I had no idea how to answer. Being Peter’s assistant was way more than a full-time job. I was a constant ball of stress most days, worrying about him and what he might do next.

More applause echoed from beyond the stage; my first indication that they were done talking to Peter. The second was when he came backstage and tried to chest-bump Leo. Peter bounced off and rubbed at his sternum. “Okay. We’ll work on that, big guy.”

He jogged the last few steps towards me, picked me up, and twirled me around. The backstage lights swirled a hazy pattern, and I giggled at his silliness. “I don’t know what I’d do without my girl.”

My insides melted anytime he called me that, and today was no exception.

“Just like always, you sprinkled your magic pixie dust and made sure everything was perfect. Thanks, Tris.”

“You’re welcome—” Before I could finish, Peter dipped his head down and pressed his lips to mine.

My chest seized as the breath I’d been about to release shuddered out unevenly.

Holy Mother of God.

Peter was kissing me.

Schnikes.

My fingers tightened around his neck, and my knees grew weak. When his lips left mine, I barely moved.

“We need to celebrate,” he declared with a broad grin.

“Celebrate?” I asked, my voice breathy.

His forehead rested on mine. “I want to show you how much you mean to me. Come to dinner with me tonight at Luminosity.”

I swallowed hard. “Luminosity? It’s super hard to get a reservation this last minute.”

“I’ve got it covered.” His hands slowly dropped to my waist, creating more distance between us.

I had to fight my instincts to tug him closer. Luckily, he pulled away before I could do anything besides stand there stunned.

“I have to check in with the band when I get back. Do you mind if I meet you there at eight?” he asked, shifting further away, heading toward the exit.

Leo fell into step with him, and I ignored the concerned look he shot my way. I had no doubt that Leo had already guessed I was in love with Peter. The whole world seemed to know it except for Peter himself.

“No, of course not. Do you need me to go with you?” It had been a gamble to only have Peter interviewed today since the rest of the band was a great buffer when he wasn’t at his best. But emotions had been strained between them all, and I wasn’t sure if it was Jareth’s decision or the guys’ decision for Peter to do this one solo.

“No, I’m good. I’ll text you if we need anything.” Peter waved goodbye, and Leo gave me that chin nod that all guys seemed to have perfected.

My heart fluttered, and my stomach felt like a million tiny lightning bugs darted inside, fighting for dominance.

Since I was a young girl, I’d patiently waited for Peter to realize that what he felt for me was more than friendship.

Was tonight going to be the night I’d been waiting for?