“Because you are delicate.”
“Too delicate to have sex with?”
“Is that what you want, Ember?”
“Isn’t that what we’re leading up to?”
“No, this is me exploring your body. It’s also me showing you that I can control myself.”
“Why do you want to control yourself?”
“Do you trust me?” She nods. “Enough to tell me everything about your past and know that I’ll never judge you?”
“I want to, but I’m scared.”
“Then I have to prove myself. When I know you truly believe in me, then you’re mine. In. Every. Way.”
“Give me some time?” she asks quietly, cupping my cheek.
“As much as you need.” I kiss the tip of her nose and hope to God there aren’t months of cold showers in my future.
Chapter 14
We’re Getting There
Ember
Bile rises in my throat as I read the article for the second time.
EXCLUSIVE! SAYGE’S GOLDEN GIRL NOT SO GOLDEN!–Music City Enquirer
~ Article written by A. Reeves
The hottest news around the last few months is local band Sayge’s rise to stardom. Rumor has it that landing on the American Top 40 last week secured them a spot on a nationwide tour this summer with some of the hottest bands in the country. There’s no doubt this group is HOT, and their sound is in demand, but what do we really know about them?
Earlier this year, SCENE magazine did a spread on Sayge spotlighting their humble beginnings and pathway to success. In that same interview we learned lead singer, Declan Collins was off the market and engaged to be married to Ravenel ‘Raven’ Hayes. You may remember Raven as the beautiful object of desire in their hit single, “Surviving.” Brenda Brown did a great job painting this relationship as a fairytale fantasy. Almost too good to be true. Here at MCE, we wanted to know more about this muse. Once we started digging around and talking to sources close to Raven, we learned this Golden Girl is not so Golden!
On the surface, she may look like the quintessential good girl, but she’s anything but. Sources tell us when she first met Declan Collins, he was in a relationship. She was relentless in her pursuit, even moving in with his sisters to keep tabs on him. Once they started dating, she took over all control of their shows around town and even banned fans from coming backstage during performances at local bars. Loyal fans of the band from the beginning were turned away from social events unless Raven approved them.
Months later when Sayge became a local favorite and started branching out to local and regional stages, Raven took over their web presence insisting that she handle all fan interaction. She even told the guys what to Tweet! Friends of the band say Declan fell hard and deep and had severe jealousy issues. Raven would parade guys in front of him all of the time threatening to leave him unless he married her. Once she had a ring on her finger, things got worse.
We spoke to Declan’s ex-girlfriend. For privacy reasons, we have chosen to keep her name anonymous, but our hearts go out to her. Shortly after hearing about the engagement, she became so distraught, her parents have placed her in a facility in order to make sure she doesn’t hurt herself. Her doctors say her depression is a day-to-day battle, and medication and therapy are needed.
Sources claim that things became too much for the members of Sayge, and they refused to have Raven join them last summer on tour. As retaliation, she left the country and spent the summer in Europe in the arms of another man. Declan’s heart was broken, and he almost drank himself to death until his friend, Ryan Knight, stepped up to save him.
There are endless stories surrounding how friends and family members worried about the success of Sayge while their lead singer dealt with a cheating fiancée. There are reports of several other men in her life, but what is the most surprising is how she came back in the picture. It’s been told that Declan decided to give her a second chance, against the wishes of everyone close to him.
Raine Mitchell, a national model, was originally chosen for the “Surviving” video. She told us that Raven was in the creative meeting and had a fit when she learned Declan would have to be intimate with her. Raine felt she had great chemistry with everyone in the group, especially Declan. She was released from her contract within twenty-four hours. Her agent told her Raven did not approve.
MJ Labels, who signed Sayge to a multi-record deal, is owned by a family friend of Raven’s. She threatened to pull in a favor and have the deal eliminated unless he married her. Raven is from a very influential family with ties that run deep in Nashville. While Mrs. Brown painted her in a very positive light, we have learned differently.
Friends, family, and fans are screaming their support for Sayge to succeed. Maybe now that the truth is out, they can cut ties and free themselves of any unwanted burdens.
How could someone write such trash and lies about Raven? Can’t she catch a break?
I pick up my phone and call Robbie immediately.
“What?” he barks into the phone and I cringe.