More of Us ( A Love You More Rock Star Romance #3) - Laura Pavlov Page 0,85
story go away.”
“What are you waiting for?” I said, my disdain impossible to hide. “I don’t even give a shit to be honest. Jade doesn’t believe it, and I highly doubt anyone does.”
“Well, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t looking for a favor. And you know the saying, Cruz. I scratch your back, you scratch mine.”
A venomous laugh left my mouth. He was going to blackmail me for a crime I didn’t commit, to save a career I didn’t even want. Did I want Farah to take this on a national program? Hell no. It would embarrass Jade, and her friends and family would see it. But would we be okay either way. Yes. I’d do what I could to stop it. I’d slap Farah’s ass with a lawsuit. But I wouldn’t make a deal with the devil.
“Of course, you petty motherfucker,” I hissed across the table. “And what is it you want from me?”
“You stay in the band another year. I’ll make this go away.”
“Fuck you,” I said, reaching for my orange juice and taking a swig. “I don’t give a shit about Farah Clearwater.” The asshole didn’t even realize he’d as much admitted to this being a setup—his plan to keep me in the band. He. Made. Me. Sick.
Luke placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me a look that told me to chill the fuck out. I nodded.
“Steven, this has nothing to do with Cruz staying in the band. It’s a bullshit story and we all know it. I wouldn’t think you’d be okay with standing by and letting this crazy person go on The Laurel Hayes Show and slander his name.”
“So, let me throw money at it. I’m sure I can make it go away. Hell, she’s probably working with Dex. But nothing comes for free, son. You know that.”
I shook my head. “Not happening. But for fuck’s sake, why do you care if I leave Exiled? I can’t figure you out.”
He chuckled. “Do you not realize that my stake in Exiled has doubled my net worth. I’m on the cusp of making the Forbes richest men in the US list. Call me competitive, but I like seeing my name on top dominating everything I touch.”
“This is all about a list? Are you fucking kidding me? Who gives a shit? This is my fucking life. And how do you know you won’t be on it if I leave? You’re insane,” I said, pushing my plate away and crossing my arms over my chest.
“Bands are never the same after the lead singer leaves. It’s common knowledge. And you Cruz, you’ve got my star power. You are the reason they’ve reached the success they have,” my father said.
“You fucking—”
Luke cut me off before I could finish blasting him. “Steven, I disagree. Exiled is going to be fine. The fans have taken to Zach, and Cruz will still be writing the lyrics. Come on, man. Do the right thing. You’re going to lose your son because you’re so hell bent on controlling him. He never wanted this. We all knew it. And we stood by and let him do it anyway. Let him walk away. He’s done more than anyone could have asked for so go sic your legal team on Farah Clearwater and slap them with a defamation suit. Shut her lying ass up for once and for all, and scare the shit out of Laurel Hayes. She won’t want to mess with legal action.”
“How do we know Farah’s lying?” Dad asked.
“Fuck you.” I tossed my napkin on the table.
“You sure you didn’t fuck around with this girl? You wouldn’t be the first good looking dude to cheat on his lady. Maybe you don’t want her to take this on The Laurel Hayes Show because you know Jade will leave if she discovers the truth.”
I pointed my finger in his fucking face. “I’m not you. I’ve never met this chick.”
“Ah, that’s right. Your boy Dex brought her into your circle, right? And you fucked him over by kicking him out of the band. You need to rethink your choices, son. He’s probably pulling the strings now,