Page 43 of Kneeling for Them

“You’re sick,” I say.

She throws her head back and laughs.“You’re right, that was out of line.But seriously, Bastian, you have to give me something to go on, here.”

“Look,” I say, “I’m working on some songs, and that’s all I can tell you right now.I know you want more from me, but the days where we collaborated are long over.I need to find my own process again, okay?”

“Yeah,” she says, those plum lips forming a flat line.“I get it.”

“Hey, it’s not that I don’t appreciate you.I really do.You’re one of two people I trust.”There are three people I trust now, but for some reason that I don’t care to analyze, I’m not ready to tell her about Ella.

She gives me a doubtful look, but then smiles.“Well, I’m going to be in San Esteban for a week or so, scouting new talent.Then I’ll head down to LA to do more of the same.So send me a message if you want my ears on your next hit, okay?”

“Will do.”

Finally, my agent disappears.I remain at the bar, staring at the lukewarm pint glass of ale and wondering what the fuck I’m doing here when I could be helping King wring orgasmic wails from Ella’s beautiful lips.

But I don’t fucking move.

Ella

My fingers fly over the piano keys and I sing the chorus over and over again.This song has stuck in my head all day.

It’s not one of my songs, though—it’s one of Sebastian’s.

A Bastian Crown playlist has been on repeat for me.Yep, I splurged and downloaded his first hit album after Kingston dropped me off at my apartment this morning.I missed Sebastian last night.Being with Kingston was magical, and I’m sore today just like I’d wanted to be.But maybe I’m a selfish hussy now, because I wanted them both with me.

Worse, I could tell Kingston was concerned about Sebastian.We texted him before falling asleep, and all he wrote back was that he was okay and he’d talk to us today.

It’s late evening and I still haven’t heard from him.

Anyway, listening to Sebastian’s music helped me feel a little closer to him, and this one song, “Please Don’t Behave,” has burrowed its way into my brain.

They want to tame your spirit

Well, I wanna make it shine

Misbehave all you want, doll

While knowing that you’re mine

Your submission is a gift

It requires being brave

But when you’re in my lap, doll

Please don’t, please don’t, please don’t behave.

Someone knocks at the door and I turn to look at the tiny window.

“Sebastian!”I shout, running to unlock the door for him.

“Princess.”He sweeps me into a hug, bunching his arms around me and pulling me so tight, it steals my breath.“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there last night.”

“It’s okay,” I say.“I missed you, though.”

He looks down, his hazel eyes dark.“I have some garbage in my brain that I need to work through.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”I ask.