Lyrical (Academy of Stardom, #2)

by Bea Paige

“I see the fear in your eyes, girl. This isn’t the place for that. Do what you need to survive.”

Dax might knock his opponents out with lethal punches and kicks. Zayn might slash his victims with the sharpened point of a knife. York might crucify his enemies with fists that break bones. Xeno might torture his adversaries with something far worse. And Jeb might ruin lives with threats to the ones I love. But tonight I’m fighting back.

I love them. I fucking hate them. I want them. I never ever want to see them again.

The only person who has the right to touch her is us. She’s fucking ours. Ours. Our Pen. Our lucky penny…

I don’t want to be afraid for my life. I don’t want to be afraid of my feelings. I want to live. I want to be free.

Love is chaotic, agonizing, complex. It’s like DNA, no one really knows the depths of its power or can unravel its mysteries. Love is just there, it’s something that exists and we’re all just a bunch of people either looking for love, are in love, or are heartbroken without it, because of it.

Pen, You will never go hungry again. I’ve filled up your fridge too. Eat first, then go look in your wardrobe. Zayn.

I’d willingly burn up in your flames, and suffocate in your ashes, if it meant I could hold you close again. If it meant you’d let me in. Zayn.

Pen, Do you remember how you used to talk about these trainers? Because I do. I remember everything. I remember wanting to be able to buy these for you, and I remember vowing that one day I would. These past few weeks I’ve been reminded of how it felt to be your friend and when we kissed in the studio yesterday, I remember how it felt to be loved by you. I told you it fucking hurt when you walked away, and it did. But I don’t give a shit about any of that anymore. Do you hear me, Pen? I don’t give a fuck what made you leave, only how to fix this distance between us. I’m here when you’re ready to talk. I won’t push you, but I’m not backing off either. The others can do what they want. You were mine first, so it’s only right you’re mine first again. Zayn.

“If I hear you bad-mouthing Pen again you’re gonna find out exactly what I’m capable of. Most of the rumours about me are false, but some of them are true. You don’t want to find out which. Fuck with her, fuck with me. Understand?”

“Dancing with you is a gift, Pen. Loving you an inevitability,” he whispers

There have only ever been two obsessions in my life. I’m dancing one of them and looking at the other.

“I’ve missed your scent. You smell like summer heat and starry nights. You smell like home.”

“You lying here beside me like this… Spread open for me like this. Fuck, I feel like a king. I feel like the richest man in the world. You, my Kid, our Pen, our lucky penny.”