Page 36 of Die for You

If the only time I can play is when I’m alone, I’ll fail my recital. Which means delaying graduation and kissing Juilliard goodbye. Waving goodbye to my only chance at getting far, far away from Jeremiah. At my start to a new life that’s all mine.

Professor Abernathy sighs. “We’re finished for the day. Gather your things and let another student use this room.” She grabs her bag before glaring at me with furrowed brows. “Maybe someone who actually makes the time to practice.”

“I’ve been here forhours,” I seethe.

“Maybe she can’t play with someone breathing down her neck,” a low voice snaps. “Expecting her to make a mistake.”

Professor Abernathy and I both spin, wide-eyed as three giant men loom by the door.

Damien, Knox, and Finn.

I’ve never been so damn happy to see them.

“Aurora plays beautifully when no one’s watching.” Knox gives me a warm smile that melts the frozen wall around my heart. “Sings too.”

Right. They’ve heard me play when I think no one’s watching me. I still haven’t found those damn cameras they hid in my apartment.

Professor Abernathy glares at me like I’m responsible for how they’re talking to her. Like I should be able to control them. They’re not my fucking dogs. “If that’s true, she’ll have to learn how to overcome her stage fright if she ever wants to be a serious musician.”

“Aren’t you supposed to teach her that?” Damien saunters closer, arms folded and face cloudy. “Pretty sure that’s your job.”

I bite back the grin that threatens to break across my face. Professor Abernathy is rendered silent for once. The only sign of a reaction is the flush to her cheeks as she shuffles out of the room. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Archer. Be prepared.”

“Pleasure as always, Professor!” I call after her, but she’s already gone.

Knox swoops in, sliding onto the piano bench at my side. His warmth and minty scent are instantly comforting, my muscles already relaxing. “Don’t listen to her. You can do anything, Rory.”

God, Knox always knows what to say. He really knows how to feed a girl’s praise kink.

Finn looms by my side, a finger gliding along a strand of my hair before he curls it around his skin. My heart stutters at their nearness. With a hand, Finn signs,Anything.

Since my parents died, everyone I’ve known has made me doubt myself, my abilities. Teachers, foster parents, social workers, classmates, friends, boyfriends.

Then three Devils crash into my life and tell me everything I’ve always wanted to hear.You’re beautiful. You can do anything. You’re not alone. I’m here.

I swipe at my eyes and force out a laugh before I burst into tears in front of them. “God, I hate that bitch.”

“Play,” Finn’s low voice coaxes. “For us.”

I bite my lip, staring down at the black and white keys in front of me. All my life, music has been my only reprieve. I don’t want anyone to take that from me too.

“You know we love to hear you play.” Knox bumps me gently with his shoulder. “Block out all those other voices in your head, Rory. They don’t matter.”

“They don’t know shit.” Damien’s voice is dangerous as he grips my chin and forces my eyes on his. “Ours are the only voices that matter now. And yours.”

If I can play in front of the Devils, maybe I can get over my stage fright. Finally silence all of those negative voices that echo in my head.

A few beats of silence pass as the Devils surround me. They wouldn’t laugh or mock me. Even if I fucked up, they’d ignore it or laugh it off with me.

But the second my fingers graze the cool keys again, the back of my neck burns and I jump to my feet.

I stab at my phone on top of the piano to check the time. “I can’t. I need to get to work.”

“We’ll drive you.” Damien shakes his keys in the air.

If any of them are disappointed, they don’t let me see it.

I shake my head, stuffing my sheet music and phone in my bag. “I have a ride.”