Page 28 of Edge of Heaven (Crimson Edge #2)

Mick

I’m waiting in the hallway for Karnal Death to take the stage, but Taryn doesn’t appear. I know she’s here because I saw her, but she didn’t make eye contact and I can tell something is wrong.

Finally, when I can’t stand it anymore, I head into the wings.

Taryn is standing on the side of the stage, her body stiff as she gazes in the direction of the stage.

She’s not enjoying the show, but she also seems rooted to the spot.

I amble in that direction casually, bobbing my head in time to the music so that it doesn’t seem strange that I’m hanging out.

“Hey.” I have to yell since it’s loud as fuck.

“I can’t talk to you,” she yells back. “Callum is on a tear.”

“What’s going on?”

“I’m fine, but he’s being extra possessive and wanted me to stand where he can see me for the whole show.”

Jesus fucking Christ.

“Go the bathroom and I’ll meet you there.”

She hesitates but finally nods.

I decide not to wait with her and make a show of talking to a couple of the roadies, grabbing a beer one of them offers me and chatting up their tour manager, who’s probably the only decent human being out of the whole bunch of them.

I guzzle the beer, crush it in my hand, and saunter off like I’m just partying.

Then I make a beeline for the bathrooms in the hallway. I’m not sure which one she went to but I’ll find her.

Luckily, she’s in the first one I check, leaning against the sink with an inscrutable look on her face. “What’s wrong, babe?” I ask softly.

“Nothing.”

That’s a lie, but I don’t want to call her on it when she’s nestled in my arms.

“Does he know we were together the other night?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “He’s just such a jerk. He told me he knows I’m going to leave him as soon as he pays the last payment for Toby and he’s going to make me earn every penny.”

My blood runs cold.

What does that even mean?

Is he talking about sex or something more nefarious?

I’m almost afraid to ask.

“Babe, let me fix this.”

For the first time, she hesitates.

“He just made the month’s payment. I haven’t had a moment to myself to sit down and figure out finances. If I can pull off the last two months, then I’m out of there. But…” She hesitates again.

“But what?”

“If I leave him now, that means I won’t have a dime. I’ll be completely dependent on you.” She looks embarrassed, and I quickly shake my head.

“I don’t have a lot, but you can stay with me and I can afford to feed you. A big check is coming—high five figures—mid-June, and once that comes, we’ll be good.”

“I have to work,” she whispers, tears filling her eyes. “And I really, really don’t want to go from one situation where I’m reliant on a man to another. I know you’re not him, but I still don’t want to force you into this position.”

“No one forces me to do anything, Taryn. Especially not when it comes to you.” I bend my head and kiss her firmly on the lips. “Whatever you decide, I’m here for you. Okay?”

“Okay.” She pulls away and fluffs her hair. “Stay in here for a few minutes after I leave, please.”

“I will. And I’m in room 554. If you’re ready to make the break, just knock on the door. You don’t need to ask or call or anything else. Show up and I’ll be waiting.”

She manages a watery smile. “Thank you.”

She blows me a kiss and then slips out, disappearing down the hall.

I don’t know why, but I have a bad feeling about this.

* * *

I’ve just gotten back to my room when Sasha calls. It’s late so I’m surprised she’s still up.

“Hey,” I say in surprise. “Shouldn’t you be asleep?”

“I never sleep,” she says with a laugh. “Between work and the kids, I’m lucky if I get four hours a night. Anyway, for some reason, you’re in high demand lately.”

“Oh?” That’s surprising.

“Well, Barely Rockin’ wants to fly you out to New York to do a test shoot, all expenses paid. I had legal look it over and the contract they sent is great, so the only thing now is the test shoot to make sure you fit the bill.”

“Okay. When is this all supposed to happen?”

“That’s why I’m calling so late. They want you on a flight at six tomorrow morning. You’ll get into New York around eleven. You’ll do the shoot, and they’ll have you on the first flight out the day after tomorrow so you can meet the band in Baton Rouge.”

“Oh.”

This is exciting, but the timing couldn’t suck more.

I have to do it, though.

My future—and the one I want to build with Taryn—could be partially dependent on it. If we’re going to move forward and make sure Toby has everything he needs, I need all the work I can get.

“Is there a problem?” she asks.

“No. I’m just thinking of the logistics.”

“It’s a lot of travel for you but the contract could be lucrative if they sign you. I’m not really a talent agent, but our attorney works with a lot of contracts within the industry and he said it’s extremely generous for an unknown like you.”

“Book it,” I say firmly. “I need the money.”

“All right.”

“And Sasha, if you want to take a cut, since you’re acting as my agent in this regard, I don’t mind?—”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She chuckles. “Anton and I have more money than we’ll ever need or spend.

I’m happy to do it. The more success you find individually, the better it is for the band, which means the label makes money too.

And while I personally don’t need money, we have employees and a corporation I need to keep running in the black. ”

“You’re a good manager,” I say quietly. “And a good friend. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I disconnect and then call Tate. “Hey, I need a favor.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“I know it’s hard because of the circumstances, but do you think you could keep an eye on Taryn while I’m out of town?” I explain where I’m going and what I’m doing.

“Look, you know I’ll always have your back, but Callum doesn’t let anyone get anywhere near her. I don’t know how much I can do.”

“Just keep an eye on things and let me know if something seems off, like if she doesn’t show up for a gig or whatever.”

He hesitates. “Is something going on?”

“I just have a bad feeling in my gut. Also, can you tell Ryleigh what’s going on and have her tell Taryn where I am?”

“Sure.” He clears his throat. “You sure you know what you’re doing? I’m really trying to stay out of your personal life, but I feel like you’re playing with fire. Not just for yourself but for her and for us.”

“It’s almost over,” I promise. “We’re working on a plan so we can be together.”

“Why do you need a plan? Why can’t you just tell me what’s going on? I call bullshit on a family member with cancer.”

Is it time to bring the band in on Taryn’s situation?

I feel like it is, even though she won’t like it.

I need her to be safe. I need her to get the hell away from Callum.

I need to be able to help her even when she thinks she can handle everything herself—because I know damn well she can’t. Not when it comes to Callum.

“She does have a family member with cancer,” I say slowly. “Her nine-year-old son, Toby, has leukemia. And Callum is making the payments for his treatment.”

“Oh, shit . She has a kid?” He looks shocked.

“Her mom and agent kind of brainwashed her into thinking it would hurt her career and her future, so she’s never told anyone.

Her mom has custody, but when the leukemia came back, they recommended some experimental treatment.

The problem is that the funding fell through.

I don’t understand the details, but they gave them a deal because Toby was already approved, but even together they couldn’t afford it. It’s like ten grand a month.”

“And Callum is paying for it.”

I huff out a breath. “And she’s earning every damn penny of that payment.”

There’s a beat of silence before he breathes, “Damn.”

“Exactly. There were three payments left, and he just made the first of the three, and we’re trying to see if we can come up with the money together for her to leave him now.

Except she really doesn’t want me to help.

She doesn’t want us to start our relationship with a debt like that, even though I told her I’d give her the money even if she didn’t want to be with me—no strings attached. ”

“But you don’t have it,” he says knowingly.

“I’d take a loan from Sasha,” I reply. “Her family are billionaires and it’s a little kid with fucking cancer! I can’t believe, even if Taryn breaks my heart, there isn’t some good karma in that!”

“For sure,” he says quietly. “I mean, I’d give it to you if I had it. What about?—”

I know he’s going to ask about Angus, and I cut him off. “She’s so embarrassed about all of this. She doesn’t want to ask me, much less the boyfriend of one of her best friends. Look, I’m only telling you so you can keep an eye on her while I’m gone. Around thirty-six hours all told.”

“It’s not about the amount of time. I got you, brother, but if something goes down, I don’t know what I can do.”

“You reach out to me. Or tell Ryleigh. You know she’s like a feral cat if you hurt someone she cares about.”

We chuckle because Ryleigh is fiercely protective of Angus and the rest of us.

“Go to New York, man. The only thing is—if something goes south, I have to tell the rest of the band.”

“I know. And if that happens, I’ll deal with the repercussions.”