Page 17 of Perfect Rhythm

NYX

I couldn’t think straight. Too much was going on at once.

That message about Eli had come hours ago, and I still hadn’t figured out what to make of it. Thankfully, his agent had called shortly after our breakfast arrived, pulling him away before I had to fake my way through small talk.

I needed to process, to breathe, to figure out what the hell was going on.

I paced back and forth in my living room, contemplating whether I should call Skye. I wanted her to tell me I was doing the right thing by ignoring the message. But something about bringing it up felt off. Especially after I’d just lectured her about the Mecca bullshit.

Maybe I should just respond and see what else this person knows.

Stopping in the middle of the room, I shook my head vigorously. “No! I’m not doing that.”

As tempting as it was, I couldn’t allow my curiosity to get the best of me.

I had no idea who sent the message, and I didn’t know what their intentions were.

For all I knew, it was some unhinged fan trying to bait me into something dangerous.

Or some silly ass blogger trying to get under my skin and cause drama between me and Eli.

Realizing how right I could be, I closed out the stupid message and returned my attention to the texts I’d received from Shade.

I laughed, fully entertained by how obvious it was that he was trying to trick me into meeting up.

Sure, it would be a nice distraction, and I was a little interested to hear what ideas his manager had. Especially if it meant adding more funds to my bank account.

But was meeting him in a public place a good idea? It would probably just end up on the internet, and that was the last thing I wanted. FDL didn’t need another headline with my name in it.

Nyx: Fine. I’ll come. But for business purposes only.

Shade: Don’t you mean...I’ll cum.

My jaw dropped. I should’ve canceled right then and there.

But something in me—something reckless—wouldn’t let me.

Shade: Sorry, I didn’t mean to send that. That was supposed to stay in my head.

Nyx: Yeah okay. You knew exactly what you were doing. But it’s fine. I know how to be professional. You making me cum is the least of my worries.

Shade: Again.

Nyx: Excuse me?

Shade: Me making you cum again. Did you already forget about our moment in your living room?

Of course not.

Nyx: Oh, that.

I was trying hard to play it cool.

Shade: Lol! Do I need to refresh your memory?

Nyx: No thanks. I’m fine.

Nyx: Look, I’m only coming over there to talk about business. If you’re trying to be on some other shit, let’s just end this conversation now.

Shade: No worries. I’m on whatever you on. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do.

Nyx: Good. So you’ll keep your hands to yourself?

Shade: Sure. If that’s what you want.

Nyx: Shade! I’m serious.

Shade: So am I.

I nibbled on my bottom lip.

Why was I even entertaining this? Ever since that damn dance, being alone with Shade had only brought trouble.

Focus, Nyx. He’s just a man. Not some kind of weakness you can’t fight.

I took a deep breath and typed before I could second-guess it.

Nyx: I’m on my way. Remember, strictly business.

Shade: Noted.