Wicked Indulgence (Wicked Innocence 2)

“Going somewhere?” I ask, raising my eyebrows. In my mind, our night was nowhere near finished.

“Yes, I have a meeting,” she winces. “But I’ll try and stop past later after I’m done.” I nod and watch her leave. It’s late for a meeting, but I’m too tired to question her.

All I have on my mind right now is finishing this drink and going to sleep.

Chapter Seven

There is something pretty fucking amazing about hearing your song on the radio for the first time. With all the promotion we’d put into launching our first single, hearing that it had debuted at number one on the charts made everything worth it.

After celebrating with the guys, I call Stace.

“Sax, I’m watching it right now on MTV. The video clip is amazing. It’s crazy seeing you on TV.”

“I know,” I chuckle. I run my hand through my hair. I’m still trying to get my mind around it all myself.

“Are you going to tell Mom and Dad?” she asks.

I laugh. “Is there a point?”

“You never know—”

“Come on Stace, you know that’s a load of crap. They haven’t shown any support up to this point—they’re not going to start now.”

“I just…” She sighs. “You deserve their support, you know? I know you don’t want to keep trying with them, but eventually they have to see how hard you’re working, right?”

I sit on the edge of the bed and sigh. I think I see where this is coming from.

“What’s this about, Stace? Do you think if they break for me it’ll make things easier for you?” I ask gently.

“What? No!” She hesitates. “I didn’t mean it like that. I guess I just see myself struggling along the same path you are in a few years.”

“Which is why you don’t need their blessing, sis,” I remind her. “You’ll always have me behind you.”

“Thanks, Sax. And I’m so happy for you.”

I’m pissed at my parents for being the way they are. Hearing Stace stress about what life is going to be like for her years from now makes me so angry. She’s a fucking kid. She should be enjoying her life, not worrying about how she’s going to please everyone. Reaching for my jacket, I can feel my whole mood has changed. I’d planned a relaxing night for once, but now all I want to do is drown my sorrows.

****

I’m a fucking mess as I sit in the hotel bar, empty glasses surrounding me. This should be one of the happiest days of my life, but having your family shit all over your achievements kind of dulls the mood.

Lyndall sinks into the seat next to me, but I don’t even acknowledge her. “I thought you guys went out.”

“They did. I didn’t,” I say bluntly, stating the obvious.

“Well, you’re cheery. I can see why they left you behind,” she mutters, clicking her tongue. “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” I sigh. “Just some family shit.” I nod at the barman, watching as he pours me yet another straight whiskey and slides it across the bar to me.

“You wanna get out of here?” she asks, resting her hand on my arm.

“To where?” I ask. My head is cloudy from drinking too much and I’m not sure how mobile I’ll be on my feet. But if it gets me out of this hole I feel trapped in, I’m more th

an willing to risk it.

“I know of a small party happening in one of the rooms here. If you’re up for it.” She studies my face.

I shrug and get to my feet as she tells the barman to add my bill to her tab.