Chapter 1

Her pictures dominated the wall. From her first headshots at the naive age of twenty-two to the most recent award show, they were the focal point for anyone sitting in the luxurious waiting room. As she smoothed her hands over her skirt and crossed her legs, Addilyn Wheeler sank even deeper into the plush leather couch and studied the pictures. Normally, she would have avoided looking at them, but after six years, she’d finally found some sort of comfort in her fame. After recording seven multi-platinum albums, it was about to time.

Anyone looking at the progression of pictures wouldn’t see the constant discomfort on her face. Her make-up had matured a bit, but nothing had blemished her creamy complexion, and there were no signs of stress in her blue eyes. The hairstyles had changed. When she first began, she wore her platinum blonde hair short and easily managed, but she’d been instructed to grow it over the years. Now that it fell well past her shoulders, it showed a bit more of her natural curl. There was nothing in the pictures to show the nights that she had cried herself to sleep or the nights that she hadn’t slept at all. Life in the spotlight was tough, but life as a pop star came with its own set of problems.

After six years, she was finally confident that she’d managed to overcome them all. Although the paparazzi hadn’t given up, they’d stopped so aggressively looking into her life and history as they searched for some scandal. It confounded the public that she could retain a wholesome image in a sexualized world.

“Are you okay?”

The familiar voice reminded her that she wasn’t alone. Smiling softly, she looked over at Gianna Flores, her personal assistant and someone she considered a close friend.

“I’m good. I got a full night of sleep, but I’ve been a little antsy for the past few days. I’m excited to meet with Peter. I’m sure he’s got some great idea for me.”

Gia raised an eyebrow. “You always told me that if you get comfortable, you leave yourself wide open for the competition to slip in.”

“It's not comforting as much as it’s excitement. I’m hoping that Peter lets me start writing my own songs. He’s been dangling that carrot in front of me for years.” Addilyn was ready for a change. She wanted to exercise some creative freedom and test her potential.

“Addilyn!” The familiar male voice greeted her warmly as Peter Homes came out to greet her. He was the man who’d first discovered her, and he’s supported her throughout her career. Of course, he’d also reaped the benefits. The name Addilyn Wheeler, or rather her stage name, America Holder, had made Peter a wealthy man, but she regarded him as a father figure. They fought and argued, but she always trusted that he would do what was best for her. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I had a conference call that ran a little long.”

After hugging Peter, Addilyn followed him into the office. Gia closed the door behind them. Rather than pictures of his family, plants, or other personal memorabilia, Peter had nothing but awards on his walls and presents proudly displayed in glass cases. A signed guitar by the lead singer of Glass Shards. The first few drafts of the hit song You’re Going Down Hard. Drumsticks. Guitar picks. Microphones. Peter was a successful man, and he was never so humble as to hide it.

“Addilyn, I can tell that you’ve been unhappy lately,” Peter said as he sat behind his enormous mahogany desk.

Really? Addilyn frowned. When she’d told Peter that she wanted a few weeks of peace and quiet, he hadn’t pushed her like he normally did. In fact, he’d actually left her alone. So how would he know that she was feeling restless? “I’m not exactly unhappy—“

“My dear, you don’t have to hide it from me,” he said as he lifted his hand. “I know you. I knew the moment when you said that you wanted a mini-vacation that something was off.”

Leaning forward in her chair, she gripped the arms excitedly. Now was the time for her to put her foot down. “As a matter of fact,” she started nervously. “There is something that I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Say no more. You want a change, and I am here to give it to you. I would do anything for you. The pop-genre has done well for you, but it’s been six years. I’m sure you’re ready to explore your talents, and I think you’ve matured and you’re ready.”

“Matured?” Was Peter calling her old?

“Yes. Country music appeals to a wider audience, and they aren’t always into the pretty teen-boppers. You’re a perfect fit. You have a great voice, you’ve kept a clean image. I have no doubt that country fans would go wild with your decision to switch genres.”

Addilyn swallowed hard. “Switch genres? Peter, what are you talking about? I’m not a country singer.”

“Starting today, you are!” Peter came around the desk and leaned against it as he took her hand. “My dear, I’ve seen the look on your face. I know that you’re stressed. You’re worried about a younger crowd moving in and taking away your fans. You’re bored with singing the same types of songs over and over again. This is the perfect solution.”

Unable to help herself, Addilyn slipped her hands out of Peter’s grasp. If there was one thing that Peter was good at, it was manipulation. She’d seen him work his charm on other people, but she’d never thought he’d do it to her. “Are you trying to tell me that I’m too old to be a pop singer?” Her voice was sharper than she intended.

“Sweetheart, I would never say that. I’m just trying to help you out.”

“Really?” she asked dryly. “I don’t want to switch genres, Peter. I want to write my own songs. I’ve wanted that from the beginning, and you told me that when I established myself, I’d have more freedom with the songs that I sang, but every time that I have to renew my contract, it always says the same thing. You get to choose the songs. I’m not bored with pop. I’m bored with your songwriters.”

Peter’s lips tightened into a thin line, but when he spoke, his voice was still calm and soothing. “I know that you think that you’re established and settled, but pop stars come and go. I want you to feel comfortable, and I think the country will give that to you.”

Addilyn was no fool. She could see that Peter was rolling right over her desires to write her own songs. “And if I refuse?”

“I had hoped that it wouldn’t come to this,” Peter said quietly as he stood. Walking over to the window, he clasped his arms behind his back. “My talent scouts have discovered a few new girls that we believe will do well in the pop business. They’re young and edgy, and they’re fresh. It’s time that you moved on to a mature audience, Addilyn.”

Was Peter threatening to sever their relationship if she didn’t make the move? Standing in outrage, she balled her hands into a fist. She was about to lose her temper when Gia cleared her throat. Addilyn looked over and saw her personal assistant shake her head.

“May I have a few days to think about it?” she asked quietly.

He turned with a wide grin on his face. Once again, he was the father figure that she’d grown to trust and love. “Of course, my dear. We’re talking about a monumental move, and of course, you’ll want to think it over. Take a few days, and call me if you have any questions. I’ll be at your disposal.”

Stiffening, she allowed Peter to hug her. When she stepped back, she nodded her head. “All right. I’ll think it over and get back to you. I appreciate your opinion.”

Gia opened the door for her and hurriedly followed her out. At first, Addilyn could only seethe in silent anger as she got in the elevator. “Addilyn?” Gia said softly. “Are you okay?”

“I went to school with Peter’s daughter,” she muttered. “That’s how he found me. His daughter was a dancer, and I was one of the singers. I was twenty-three. I knew that I enjoyed signing, but I’d never thought I’d make a career out of it. That first year, I was too stunned to make any decisions on my own. Peter took control, and I was so grateful for him. We just fell into this pattern where he controlled everything, and I let him. I thought he cared about me, but obviously, he just cares about the money I make him.”

“Addilyn, I know that meeting was hard, but you can use this to your advantage. You don’t hate country music. I hear you playing it and singing along.”

The elevator dinged, and the door opened. They stepped out and headed to the car service out front that was waiting for them. A young driver smiled nervously as he opened the door for them. He was obviously new and still nervous about being in the presence of the wealthy. Addilyn didn’t feel uncomfortable talking about him. Everyone in the company had to sign constrictive non-disclosure agreements.

“What are you suggesting?”

Gia smiled. “It’s obvious that Peter doesn’t want to lose you. Despite what he’s insinuating, we all know that you’re still young, gorgeous, and extremely talented. He’s looking to make more money by bridging two different genres, and you are perfect for that. Use it to get what you want.”

Addilyn stared at her. She had no idea that Gia could be so strategic. “Agree to switch genres, and in return, I get to write my own songs?”

“Exactly. It’s a perfect arrangement. You both get what you want.”

It was a perfect arrangement. Addilyn leaned back in the seat and smiled. Peter had no idea the door that he’d just opened. Now that she knew she was nothing more than a cash cow to him, she’d stop treating him like family.

Did he want something from her? Well, she would damn well make sure that she’d get something from him first.