SHATTERED MELODIES

Adrian's POV

"Good morning, Rob," I said, picking up and tucking the phone under my shoulder and ear as I adjusted my shirt cuffs.

"You don't sound like a man set to take the biggest opportunity of his life," Rob goaded. His voice was abrupt, coffee-fueled as always. "Damian Knight's tour is coming up in a few days. Ready?

I let out a slow breath, forcing confidence into my voice. “I’m ready. More than ready.”

"Good." Rob's tone eased slightly, but the tension persisted. "Adrian, you have to catch this. Damian is no fluke star—he's one of the greatest musicians of our generation. If you tour with him, you're not going to play a gig, you're stepping into the spotlight that could make or break your career. We're talking exposure, buzz, fans, real money. This is it."

I smiled feebly, but he couldn't see that. "I know, Rob. Trust me, I've waited my entire life for this moment. I won't mess it up. I promise.”

"Good man," he said, satisfied. "I'll handle the last-minute details. Just make sure your head's clear, voice is crisp, and confidence is indomitable. Damian's team doesn't play games with amateurs. This is a big one, I know you know but I will keep reminding you. Do not mess this up.”

"Got it."

"Okay, I'll get back to you later."

The phone hung up, and the room vibrated with a silence that hummed. I released my held breath, setting aside my phone. Damian Knight. The sound of his name carried weight. If I could ever rule that stage, present myself under his banner, doors would fly open.

After taking off my shirt, I went to the bathroom and turned on the water until the mirror fog was created by steam. I let the hot spray run over me as I stepped into the shower, soaking into my sore muscles. I closed my eyes and just took a deep breath. The only place I didn't have to act or think was in the water.

There was a creak in the door. That sound was familiar to me. "Ethan?" My voice reverberated off the tile as I yelled. I got a quiet laugh in return. "Who else?" His lips touched the back of my neck as he stepped behind me and put his arms around my waist, pressing his length against my ass cheeks.

 I wanted to believe the promises he breathed against my skin but they always sounded hollow. He caught my mouth as I moved in his arms.

For a while,  the only sound in the bathroom was oir moans and groans.He grabbed a towel, tied it around his waist, and leaned against the counter when we finally finished, each man breathing heavily.

"Did you answer Damian's team?" he asked, voice loose but unindicating.

My stomach tightened. I caught my towel, buying time. "I did."

"And?"

I hesitated. His eyes flashed sharp, commanding.

"I told them," I said weighing my words, "that I will go out on stage. The moment I step out in front of that crowd, I'll do it. No trickery, no rumor—just the truth."

His face went black in an instant. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Ethan—"

"You think that's good for business?" His voice grew louder, slicing as glass. "You think that kind of scandal will benefit us in any way? You have any idea of the danger you are running? You are risking yourself, yes, but you are putting me at risk too."

I tried to keep my voice calm. "I'm not doing this to hurt you. This is my life, my profession. If I hide forever, if I allow others to distort the truth, then I'll never own who I am. Damian's stage is my moment. I must be truthful."

His face clenched. "Truthful? Or selfish?"

"Why can't you just realize that it matters to me?" I pleaded. "Please, Ethan. This can make everything change. If you're with me, it won't be for me only—it'll be for us. We won’t have to go around hiding or anything to go on dates. We can stop the rumors once and for all. We can show the world the power of our love. Please, Ethan… this is all I’ll ever ask for.”

But he shook his head again, a flash of anger igniting his green eyes. "No. I'm a businessman and businessmen can not be gay, Adrian. Do you have any idea what my competitors will say? Do you have any idea what the public will say? The insults? I don't plan risk it all on something that can ruin me. I'll do anything else for you—but not this. I can not put myself out there with you, as my husband!”

The words cut. My throat tightened. "So you do not want to  be seen in public with me? That's it? Are you embarrassed I'm not a corporate giant like you?  Are you embarrassed about my career choice?Or is it me? Am I not worthy of being your boyfriend? Am I not worthy of being someone you want to be related to? Or are you ashamed that I am your employee? You do not want to be seen with someone under you? Is that it? All I am ever good for is for shoving your dick down my throat and up my ass! Is that it?”

He growled, "Don't make this about you."

“Then describe it!" The weight of it caused my voice to break. "Because it sounds like you're ashamed of me right now."

Silence was louder than any response as his lips formed a hard line. Without saying another word, he snatched up his clothes and rushed out, leaving me shaken by the sound of the door slamming. With a towel tied around my waist and my chest rising and falling, I froze. I was cold, but there was still a hint of steam from the shower. empty.

Reaching for my phone on impulse, I called Marcus. My best friend, my rock since birth. He always picked up. Always.

The phone rang. Once. Twice. Then: The number you are trying to call is not available.

I scowled, tried again. Same response.

"Come on, Marcus…" I complained, staring at the screen. Where was he?

I threw the phone on the bed and put on a hoodie, the chill of the outside air beckoning me out. Maybe a walk would clear my headspace and make room to think. I stepped out onto the street when my phone buzzed in my pocket. Rob once again.

"Adrian," he said the moment I answered, his voice strangled with hurry. "We need to see each other. Now."

I blinked. "What's the matter?"

"It can't be discussed over the phone," Rob answered quickly. "Just trust me. It matters."

My heart was racing, fear seeping into me. "Rob, you're scaring me."

"Sixty minutes. Meet me there. I'll send you where."

The line went dead.