FALLEN: A New Adult Romance (First of the FALLEN Trilogy)

Rumours

I look at him intensely, wondering why he wants me to lead on Ash as he is so jealous of him already. I question myself on my morals. Should I do it? I won't see Ash in weeks. Maybe that could be a bit of excitement for him on tour, a gift to remember me by... At the same time, why does Marcel think it will affect Ash? Maybe he doesn't see me that way. Why would he want a curvy redheaded woman when he can have any girl he wants on tour?

I look at Marcel again. I am doing this for him, not Ash. I just need to do it. It's thrilling, and that's exactly what I wanted to feel. Why would I back down now that the opportunity is there?

"Are you serious?" I step back and frown very hard.

"Make me proud," I question his intentions, but he seems really serious.

Alright, I'm going to make him pay for asking me that. It's exciting for me to do. Let's make him excited too.

"Be prepared to be jealous."

I smirk at him and lean in for a very tempting peck before I open my door and leave the car. I walk around the car, putting my panties into the pocket of my jeans as I walk to my friends.

I smile at them as I hear them talk. They are synonyms of pure fun to me. I can't help but feel happy when I am with them. I still get a bit scared of how they'll react to my night away with Marcel. I hate to lie, but I somehow convince myself I am not lying, but as Marcel put it, I'm acting.

"Hey, guys! How are you?" I ask them with a genuine smile on my lips.

"Good." Ash only answers a bit coldly.

"Not too hungover today?" I try to bring back the mood.

"Wouldn't you know?!" Ash lets out, and it surprises me how arrogant he is. Marcel...

"What is that supposed to mean?" I let out, but Sophie speaks over me, taking the last puff of her boyfriend's cigarette before handing it back to Lucas.

"Where were you last night?"

"Eddy told me to sort things out with Marcel."

"And you did?"

"It was the professional thing to do. He has my career in his hands."

"So you slept with him?" Ash asks and takes a big puff of his cigarette before throwing it on the ground and stepping on it.

"This wouldn't be the 'professional thing to do', Ash. I agreed to work with him on my story, that's it."

"Why is he here with you, then?"

"Ash?! Can we please talk about it in private? Please?" I plead, and with a deep sigh, he accepts.

He walks me to the end of the tour bus and stops to face me.

"So?" He lets out coldly. Maybe he does care about me...

"I played with fire getting involved with Marcel, and I got burnt." And addicted, I think to myself. "I don't want to put my dream in jeopardy. This means so much to me. I am sure you can understand that..."

"I do. I just wanted to have more time with you last night."

"I'm so sorry. After dealing with him, I didn't feel like partying. I should have texted you..."

He looks at me and sighs again. He steps closer and finally looks at me.

"Alright... Anyway." He only says and looks away. I panic, thinking about the task I have to do. I don't want to hurt Ash. I like him very much, he is such a nice man, but I feel like he is ending this conversation.