Page 16 of Perfect Rhythm

SHADE

I sat comfortably in my theater room, my attention focused on the large screen in front of me.

“The crowd fucking loves her,” my manager said as she moved closer to the screen, mesmerized.

Arianna loved reviewing show footage after a tour, and this time around, I was right there with her. We were watching the moment Nyx hit the stage during a break, which was something I never got to see because I was usually backstage doing a wardrobe change.

With the spotlight on her, Nyx turned the stage into her playground. Slow, seductive, and unapologetically bold.

“Yeah, they do,” I whispered as I took a sip of my Crown.

“Okay, so this is what I’m thinking,” Arianna said as she turned toward me with a notebook in her hand. “I’ve been watching social media like crazy. Especially since that little video of you and Nyx went viral. I want to use all of that to our advantage.”

I sat up in my seat.

A spark flickered in Arianna’s eyes as she rubbed her hands together. It was something I’d seen many times, and not once had it let me down.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Since the crowd wants to see you guys together, I feel like we should schedule some appearances with the two of you.”

“What kind of appearances?”

“Club appearances,” she replied. “But I’m not talking about anything crazy. I know you don’t like doing too much in public with women, and I know she’s supposed to be with someone, so?—”

“Works for me,” I said, not giving a damn about what else she had to say.

Her brows lifted. “Well, alright then. I wasn’t expecting that to be so easy.” She tossed her notebook into her tote. “I’ll reach out to her agent and?—”

“No need. I’ll handle it.”

“You’ll handle it?”

“Yep.”

She stared at me. I could tell she wanted to ask more questions, but she didn’t.

I gave her a playful grin and walked her to the door. “You better get going. I wouldn’t want you to be late for your meeting.”

“I bet,” she said sarcastically before strolling out of the room.

I shut the door behind her and pulled out my ringing phone. “Hey, Jassi, what’s up?”

“Hey, so, I’m only telling you this because I don’t want to hear your mouth when you manage to find out anyway.” I groaned, waiting to hear what she was about to say. “So, do you remember that guy that Xandie left to talk to yesterday?”

“Nah. I don’t have time to keep track of all the knuckleheads she throws herself at.”

Jassi sucked her teeth. “Whatever. Anyway, he invited us to this party that’s being hosted by Fame and Dirty Laundry tonight. Apparently, he has some connections with one of the bloggers who works for them.”

“Damn, you’ve only been here five minutes and you’re already getting into the exact shit I told you not to.”

“Calm down, Shade. It’s an event for bloggers, journalists, and those who might be interested in the field. It’s not a damn sex party. I highly doubt it’s going to be anything crazy for you to worry about.”

“Shit, it will if they find out you’re my sister. You’re literally jumping into an ocean filled with sharks.”

She sighed heavily. “I came here for the experience. I’m not going to get that from just going to class and hiding out in my apartment.”

Irritated, I dropped my head. I didn’t want my sister falling prey to what I knew was out there. But I also couldn’t keep her on a tight leash. I knew it would only make things worse.

“Alright, fine. You guys can go, but I’m having Trace send some guys with you.”

“What? No?” she said in disgust. “We don’t need babysitters.”

“They’re not babysitters. They’re paid to do a job, which is make sure that no one puts their fucking hands on you.”

“Sounds like a babysitter to me.”

I shrugged. “You can call them whatever you want. Just know, it’s not up for debate. Either they go, or I go.”

“Oh, hell no. I’m not having you walking around with us. I’ll take the security guys.”

“Great. I thought you would see it my way.”

“Whatever. Just make sure you give them strict instructions not to be up our ass all night.”

“Relax, they know how to be discreet. I just need you to make sure you’re paying attention to your surroundings.”

“I will.”

“I’m serious, Jassi. Don’t accept a drink from no fucking body, and make sure?—”

“Okay, Shade. I’ve gotta go. Thanks for the babysitters, I guess. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I ended the call and met Trace in the living room. “Hey, I need a couple of your guys to look after my sister and her friend tonight. They’re going to some dumb ass party, and I don’t want them to have any problems.”

“Sure thing.”

“Oh, and make sure the guys have on body cams. I don’t want to miss shit.”

“You got it.” Trace pulled out his phone and stepped away.

I didn’t care how pissed my sister would be if she found out that I’d hired guys to follow her around with hidden cameras. That was on a need to know basis, and some shit, she didn’t need to know.

Needing some fresh air, I stepped out on my balcony and pulled up Nyx’s name to shoot her a text.

Shade: My manager has some ideas that she wants me to run by you. I was thinking we could get together later and discuss them.

Nyx: Um...okay. Was she not able to get in touch with my agent?

I smiled at her attempt to avoid further contact with me.

Shade: I’m sure she could, but I told her I would handle it. What’s wrong? Are you too scared to be around me now?

Nyx: What? No. I’m not scared of anything.

Shade: You sure? Because you’re sounding pretty scared. Look, I understand if you don’t trust yourself around me.

Nyx: Whatever. I’m not scared, and I have no problem trusting myself around you. I just think it’s unprofessional for me to be at your home.

Shade: Fine. Where would you like to meet?

Nyx: Nowhere.

Laughing, I shook my head. She was definitely scared, and I didn’t blame her. I meant every word I said the last time we were together. Still, whether or not I touched her again was completely up to her.

And clearly, that’s what she was really afraid of.