Lyrical (Academy of Stardom, #2)

by Bea Paige

“When do I start?” I simply say, my voice tight and filled with gravel. “That’s it? I’m surprised. I expected more of a reaction than that.” Her voice is even, cool, and it pisses me off. I can’t help it, I bite. “What do you want me to say? Thanks for making a deal with the Skins without my fucking permission?” I respond angrily, my fingers wrapping tightly around my phone. “Ah, there she is! Don’t stop fighting, Pen. The minute you give up, they have you. Got it?” “What are you talking about?” I retort, thrown by her response. “I promised that you’d never be touched by any of the Skins whilst in my club, and I will keep that promise. Being a performer affords you that protection. The alternative would’ve been far, far worse. Jeb was willing to sell you off to Malik Brov. Zayn stopped that. He impressed me actually, the way he stood up for you.” “Wait, you know that Zayn was playing Jeb?” Grim chuckles. “Yeah, I knew. Jeb has a lot of enemies. The bastard will willingly put his own flesh and blood in the line of fire to protect his arse. I knew it the moment he arrived that night. I played along until we were behind closed doors.”