Lazarus

For a split second, it appears Drea is about to choke, but relief floods me when she opens her mouth and sings her chorus. Granted, she’s not doing any of the dance steps, but the crowd doesn’t seem to notice because Candace jumps in and dances around Drea. Grabbing her and flinging her hair, she creates a lot of action to distract the crowd.

My body relaxes, and when the music ends, the crowd is deafening.

While I feel like a proud papa, I saw a lot of things they need to work on. Unfortunately, Drea’s dance skills are still a huge problem. If her voice wasn’t so damn spectacular, she would’ve never made it this far.

After he shuts off his video camera, Cam claps his hands and then nudges me in the ribs with his elbow. “They fucking killed that, bro. Look at this crowd. They love them.”

There’s no denying the positive response and the fact the girls did well for their first performance, but I don’t want them to get too comfortable. We need perfection to make it huge in the music business.

The girls come bounding off the stage with enormous smiles on their faces and make a beeline toward Cam and me.

I step forward ready to celebrate with my team like a proud coach, but before I can congratulate them, Peter steps in front of us, effectively putting a wall between the girls and me. “Ladies, you were amazing up there.”

Peter’s eyes shift to me and the expression on his face tells me he got between me and the girls on purpose.

My back stiffens. While I knew Peter was coming to the show tonight, I don’t appreciate him trying to take over what I’ve been creating. This is my project, my group. Rawlings Records is just backing us financially because my label, Second Coming Records, doesn’t have the capital to get this act off the ground.

Peter’s not running this shit.

This group is my baby. Mine.

But now is not the time to make a scene, so I simply step up beside him while Cam flanks my other side.

Peter’s eyes flick in my direction and then back to the girls and a smug smile lights up his face. “I like what I’ve seen so far, and I can’t wait to see what Laz has planned for this group.”

I can practically see the dollar signs flashing in his eyes.

To Peter, music has never been about the purity of the art. It’s always been a business—one that’s made him a very rich man. I, on the other hand, love how music feeds the soul. To me, music is like air—a necessity of life.

Peter turns to me after the girls begin talking excitedly amongst themselves. “You’ve done well so far. Your father will be pleased.”

I lift my chin. “Speaking of Pop, he wants to hear your thoughts on the group.”

His index finger and thumb rub the corners of his mouth as he ponders my words before he gives me a small smile. “Sure. Tell him I’ll stop by tomorrow and give him a full report.”

Peter’s eyes fixate on Drea a little too long for my liking and jealousy rips through my heart. I don’t like the way he’s looking at her, and before I realize I’ve opened my mouth, the words have already spilled out. “What are you looking at?”

His attention snaps back to me. “I’m wondering what you see in her. Her dance skills are lacking, so I don’t see the appeal. I’m wondering if having Drea in the group is for your own personal benefit.”

“Nothing is going on between us,” I say through gritted teeth.

He holds up his hands. “If you say so. Remember what I said. Messing around with artist you’re working with is bad business. Don’t screw this up over some pussy, Laz.” He takes a step back. “I’ll be in touch.”

With that, he’s gone just as quickly as he appeared.

Fucking Peter knows how to bring down a motherfucker down.

I turn to find the women still on a performance high, smiling ear to ear. “All right, ladies, time to head back.”

“Back?” Annamea whines. “Aren’t we going to stay here and celebrate? It’s too early to go home right now.”

Candace and Laycee nod in agreement with Annamea, but Drea stands off a bit from the others and doesn’t appear to be into the idea of hanging out in this bar any longer than she has to. Reminds me a lot of when I first spotted her in Hellcat where I recruited Candace; Drea stood out from the rest of the crowd there, too. This clearly isn’t her scene.

“I don’t think that’s a good—”

“If it’s cool, I’ll stay and keep an eye on them,” Cam cuts me off. “After all, I was their chauffeur tonight. I’d be happy to drive them back in a bit.”

While partying in moderation is okay for most people, it’s dangerous for a recovering addict like me. A bar is too tempting of a situation for me, but I shouldn’t begrudge others who are able to control themselves.

“Fine. But you have to stick with them, and if there are any issues, call me,” I order.

Cam nods. “They’ll be fine. A couple of drinks and then I’ll get them back safe. Promise.”

I reach out and shake his hand. “Thanks, man.”

Times like these make me thankful for Cam. He’s been with me through it all, and he has never turned his back on me like most did. He’s a true friend, and he’s always been there for me.

I turn to leave, and as I’m almost to the exit, I find Drea at my side, shoving her arms through the sleeves of her zip-up hoodie.

“Is it okay if I catch a ride back with you?”

My eyes slide down her body of their own accord, unable to avoid appreciating the beautiful sight before me. She’s undeniably sexy in the tight, short skirt she’s wearing, and her body is banging for sure. Everything I like in a woman, she has. Out of everything in my life, Drea is my greatest temptation—one I would give almost anything to act on.

I should say no, but surely, I can control myself enough to be alone with giving her a ride home.

I slowly lick my lips and mentally berate my body to be on its best behavior before I finally nod and open the door for her.

My eyes focus on Drea’s round ass as I follow her outside. Damn, I can’t remember the last time I wanted something more.