Page 103 of Hard Rock Muse

Keith agreed to change the terms. Julian had just confirmed as much.

But it hadn’t been good enough. Julian hadn’t been given the amount of control he’d wanted. So he’d still left.

And now, years later, he showed up, asking for my help and then casting me aside the moment I wasn’t needed.

I thought I was important to him. I thought what we had meant something.

But twice now I’d been cast aside because it didn’t help his career aspirations.

And here I thought I’d been the one selfishly following my dreams at the expense of all else.

“I can’t believe this,” I muttered to myself. “I can’t believe I let this happen all over again. I’m such an idiot.”

I turned away from him and went to grab my bag.

“Ev, stop,” Julian protested. “I don’t understand why you’re so mad.”

“I’m mad because I don’t like being used and then thrown away!” I shouted at him.

His eyebrows shot up his forehead, looking taken aback.

“Why would you even think that?” he whispered in shock.

“That’s what’s happened here, isn’t it?” I hastily shoved my belongings in my bag, wanting to get out and away from here as soon as possible.

“Ev…” Julian’s eyes softened as he took my arm gently in his hand. “Don’t think of it like that. I told you. You’re my muse.”

I jerked my arm away. “Don’t say that!”

“Why not?” He looked hurt. “It’s true.”

“So the only reason you’re keeping me around is because I can help you write songs?” I shot back. “Is that it?”

“What? No!” His mouth hung open in shock. “I want you around because I—” he stuttered, nearly choking on his words, then continued. “Because I care about you.”

“Say it,” I demanded. I drew myself up tall, staring him down. “Tell me you love me.”

“I—” His mouth flapped open and closed, his dark eyes growing panicked and distressed.

“You can’t even say it, can you?” I let out a derisive laugh. “It really makes me wonder, you know?” I met his gaze, mine brimming with tears. “Did you ever really love me?”

Julian’s expression was pained, his face pale.

“You still can’t say it, even after all these years?” I clutched my bag to my chest. “I’m done with this.” I fled toward the door.

“Ever!” Julian called out desperately. “Don’t go!”

But I didn’t look back.