Rise (Rock God 1)

“Gia, Gia, Gia.” Rhys’s voice is like a caress. He’s not buying it. Whatever, I’m not backing down.

“What?” I glare up at him. “I had an opportunity and I took it.”

The room is quiet, almost eerily so. Only Rafe’s phone seems to not understand what’s happening.

“You want to take pictures of us?” Rhys’s voice drips sarcasm.

“Yep,” I snap. “I’m studying to be a professional photographer.”

“And you expect me to believe that the university is going to give you a scholarship if we let you take these… photos?” He’s trying to intimidate me, staring me down, causing me to rethink whether Rafe is, indeed, the scariest.

What has happened to Rhys?

Breathe, Gia. I swear I’m gonna pass out, but I’d rather die than look away from him right now.

“Yes.” It comes out husky, and for a split second I think I see admiration in his eyes. It’s gone too fast. Perhaps I’m just being hopeful.

“Okay.” Rhys smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I think I might puke again.

“Ammo, Rafe, Gia’s here to further her love for photography and education,” he says. “She forgot to mention any of this before I fucked her.”

I jump up and almost twist an ankle in my heels, but who cares. I could probably get hit by a car and not feel it right now.

I’m done.

He doesn’t get to be an ass to me, not now or ever. He wants to make me look like the bad guy? Fine. I’ll be the bad guy.

“I’d be careful, Rhys. I’d hate to tell my brother you took my virginity and called me a liar.”

A loud Jesus explodes from behind us, I’m sure from Nuke, although at this point who knows.

He stands inches from me, so close I can smell the vodka on him. So close I can hear his teeth grind. So, I deal my last card.

“I want my pictures. And interviews with all the Muffins. In return, my brother, along with the Disciples, will never know anything.” I place my hands on my hips if only to open my rib cage to allow air in.

One.

Two.

Three.

We’re in a dead heat, both of us not blinking.

“You really want to play it like this, Brat?” he grits out each word.

“You leave me no choice,” I fire right back.

“You think I’m scared of Axel?” His eye twitches.

“You should be.” I spit it out in his face. As soon as it’s out of my mouth I want to take it back. Because the look he gives me makes me want to run and hide.

How did this get so ugly?

“Wait, Rhys.” I reach for him.

He looks at my hand, then up at my face, and for the first time in my life I’m actually afraid of someone.

“I’d take your hands off me, Brat. And stay away.” He laughs, moving away, as if being close to me sickens him.

I think I call his name but can’t be sure. All I hear is the slamming of his door.

Holy fuck.

“Are you out of your mind, Ms. Fontaine?” Rafe’s voice makes me look over at him, rather shell-shocked, and for a second I almost say yes.

Instead, I straighten my shoulders back. “I need to talk to Rhys.”

“I think you have done enough.” Grabbing his phone, Rafe stands. “You can take the photos. I’ll have contracts and numerous things for you to sign.”

My eyes blink up at him. I wish he would leave. I wish they all would leave because I need to tell Rhys I didn’t mean what I said.

“I’ll get you a room. After all, we wouldn’t want Axel Fontaine’s sister to be uncomfortable.” He laughs and I hate him.

Ammo walks over to stand in front of me. “Don’t ever threaten my brother. I don’t care who your brother is.” He turns and leaves with Rafe, my eyes following them until the door shuts. I almost burst into tears.

“Gia.” Nuke pulls me into his arms for a tight hug. “Come on, let’s get your suitcase and a drink.” He kisses the top of my head.

“What did I just do?” I mumble into his chest. His shirt smells like Downy. My adrenaline rush has vanished and I cling to him for support.

“You just made an enemy out of Rafe. And seriously pissed off Granger.”

“I never meant for this… oh my God.”

“Yep.” He sighs, holding me tight, resting his chin on the top of my head.

“I have to talk to Rhys.” My voice sounds far away.

“Not now.” My eyes snap up to his as he shakes his head. “Trust me.”

“He needs to know tha—”

“That you lied to me and Axel to get to him?”

My face instantly heats up. “Nuke—”

“It’s true. Gia, he needs time to cool down. Threatening to tell Axel wasn’t your best move.” He sighs.

“Are you kidding me?” I pull back. “He told everyone that we fucked.” I whisper the fucked part.