“Hailey.” He presses his body against mine, and I can feel what he means by hard. “You want to win. I know you do. You’ve fought every step of the way. If you do this, you are guaranteed to win.”
Revolted, I shake my head. “No. It doesn’t work like that. It’s on votes.”
He sneers. “No, it’s not.”
I gasp. Vanessa was onto something. The whole comp is rigged, by Steven. If I do what he wants, I will continue on, but if I reject him, I’ll be out. It doesn’t matter what voters want. “But…”
“But what?” He strokes my neck.
“You…there’s a team of people running the show,” I say, desperate to find some reason, or an escape.
“I am the primary ‘stockholder.’ I own the show. If the people who tally the votes want to get paid, they do what I say.”
I chew my lip. I don’t want to do it. Not with him. I want to win through my own merit. “I can’t.”
“Hailey, think about what you’re saying.” He strokes my collarbone.
I meet his gaze, my chin quivering as I stand my ground. “I won’t.”
His hand pulls away from me as his light brown eyes go cold. “You have until next week to change your mind.”
“Steven!” Jeff pulls Steven’s arm away from me. Never in my life have I been more relieved to see anyone, ever. “She’s off limits.”
Steven steps back, his eyebrows shooting up. “She’s what?”
Jeff’s grip on Steven’s wrist tightens as he speaks slowly. “I said she’s off limits.”
Steven’s lip curls. “Why?”
“Why?” Jeff crossed his arms and stands his full height, giving him almost a whole head over Steven. “Because I’m about ready to spill on this show, screw being sued. I’ll get the best lawyers in the country.”
Steven scoffs. “Over her?”
Jeff’s eyes narrow. “Yes.”
Steven presses his hands against his hips, puffing out his chest. “Watch it, Jeff. You’re not the superstar you used to be.”
Steven marches away. I can’t move, even when he turns the corner out of sight. I can’t believe what just happened. Sex in exchange for the prize? No. I had to be dreaming.
Jeff looks at me, concern in his eyes. “Hailey.”
His voice makes reality sink in. Steven wanted to have sex with me. He wanted to use me, my hopes and dreams to get off. I throw my arms around Jeff’s waist, tears forming in my eyes. “Jeff, I’m out. I’m done. I was so afraid. I couldn’t…I just couldn’t.”
His hand rests on my head. “I know. I’m leaving at the end of the season. I can’t bear it anymore.”
I take several quivering breaths before I ask weakly, “How long?”
“This is the third season.”
“The last two seasons had female winners…” I look up at him. “I know you wanted me to win. But I couldn’t.”
“I know. I made you look wholesome for a reason.” He clasps my chin. “I’ll make sure things turn out for you. You don’t need this farce of a show.”
“I should just go home now,” I whisper.
He shakes his head. “We’re going to make you go out with a bang. He’ll regret this when everyone sees how amazing you are next week. When you get eliminated, questions will arise.”
That’s it—why he favors me. I’m his way out, his way to expose Steven. He knew I had the abilities, the talent, the support, but that I’d refuse Steven’s advances. He’d lined up everything for a checkmate, and I’d been his pawn.
Chapter Twelve
I play it cool. I don’t even tell Clarissa I’ll be going. She doesn’t need to know. Steven won’t hit on her because she isn’t quite eighteen yet. He wouldn’t risk everything on jailbait. She could enjoy the experience of the show.
Jeff pulls out a song about empowerment. We work hard, making it shine. The words resonate with me, reinforcing that I’ve made the right choice.
Near the end of my last practice, he sat me down, facing me. “Hailey, let’s chat.”
“It may be the last chance we have,” I say.
He shakes his head. “No. You’ll be back for finals. They always bring the top ten back for the finals.” He rests his hands over mine. “I need to tell you what you need to do.”
I nod.
“I know who Steven has set his eyes on, and she’ll go for it without hesitation. But you need to outperform everyone tomorrow night. This song will stick it to him and leave a sour taste. You must leave right away. Be packed and ready to go.”
“But Clarissa—”
“Tell her I’ve given you permission to see your boyfriend, or go sit an exam, or something like that. You must disappear quickly to raise suspicion after being eliminated after such an incredible performance. Over the next few weeks, lay low. People will start asking questions. When you come back for the final, keep a low profile again until the night. People will want to talk to you, but ignore them.
“I’ll be running the group performance. As you know, it’s after the finalists’ performances while they’re ‘counting the votes.’ I’m going to make you lead singer. I want you to learn this.” He hands me a score and a USB stick. “I wrote and recorded it in my studio, for you.”
I flick through the pages. “Oh my gosh.”
“You like that?”
“You screwed us over, you made us believe, then you went ahead and crushed our dreams. Harsh.”
“But true. The final performances are all live, so the producers won’t pull it. They’re going to think we’re doing something else, but last minute, I’ll switch it.”
I look into his eyes. “I’m…I’m not sure if I can.”
He nods, squeezing my hands. “I won’t make you do anything you’re not comfortable with. If you can’t do this, I’ll work something else out.”
“Wait.” I examine the score. “It’s a duet?”
He nods. “I’m going to sing with you.”
“Wow, really?” I grin. “You haven’t performed in years.”
He shrugs. “No better time to get back on the horse.”
“What will happen?”
He grasps my hands tightly. “I’m going to protect you, but we’re going to get our asses sued.”
***
I tap on the hotel room door. Levi answers, grinning. “Hey, Hailey.”
“Hey, I need to talk to Lucas.”
“Will I do?” Isaiah appears, leaning against the door without his shirt. Mmm…Don’t check him out, Hailey.
“I need some help with my performance,” I say, locking my gaze on Isaiah’s face.
“I can help.” He pushes Levi out of the way.
“Actually, no offense, but Lucas knows what he’s doing.”
Isaiah rests his hand over his heart. “I am offended.”
“Isaiah…” I roll my eyes. “You’re a great singer and performer, but he’s good with the technical stuff.”
“Okay, I’ll give you that.” He leans against the doorframe, giving me the once over with a playful spark in his eyes. “How about we hang out afterward?”
“Maybe.” Maybe not. Please put a shirt on.
He grins, touching my chin. “Excellent. You’ve been so busy this week I’ve hardly seen you.”
“I’m feeling the pressure.”
He leans closer, his voice becoming heavy, “I can relieve it for you.”
“Isaiah!” Lucas marches through the door that joins the boys’ room to Kessa and Lydia’s.
“What?” Isaiah slumps, rolling his head to look back at Lucas. “I meant going out for dinner or something. Chill.”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” Lucas brushes by him, blocking him from me. “Levi said you needed me.”
“I need help with my performance,” I say, glad he arrived when he did. The last thing I need is Isaiah clouding my judgment after what had gone down with Steven.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
As I turn, Lucas’s hand rests on the small of my back. His touch s
ends a chill through me.
In the conference room, Lucas and I run through my performance. At the end, he holds up his hands. “It looks fantastic. What are you worried about?”
I sigh, wanting to get to what really plagues me. I want to tell someone, and he seems to be the only person who’d understand. “I…I…”
“What?” He steps closer, his voice gentle and caring.
I gaze up through my lashes into his eyes. “I can trust you, right?”
He nods. “What is it? You’ve been quiet all week.”
“You noticed?” I ask with a wince.
“Yeah.” He grasps my shoulders. “What is it?”
I chew my lip, no longer able to look him in the eyes. “Swear you won’t tell anyone.”
He hesitates. “Okay.”
I nod, staring at my feet. “After elimination night, Steven found me and wanted me to…to…”
His grip tightens. “What?”
“Jeff says for the last few seasons, he’s traded sexual favors for the winning place.”
Lucas tenses. “What?”
“Steven wanted me to…but I couldn’t.” My emotions—the ones I’ve kept bottled up this whole time—surface. Tears stream down my face. My body trembles. I look up into his eyes, my throat aching as I speak. “I’m going home this week because I wouldn’t. I want to tell Clarissa, but I can’t ruin all this for her. I won’t get to say goodbye because Jeff said my song and a rapid departure after the elimination will raise questions.”
Lucas swears under his breath. “I knew something was going on.” He clasps my face, his eyes igniting with ferocity. “Clarissa. Has he done anything to Clarissa?”
I shake my head. “She’s underage. He’s not completely stupid. Jeff says he has his eyes set on someone who will go for it.”
Lucas’s jaw tightens. “You did the right thing. We’ll leave with you tomorrow night. When you’re eliminated, we’ll walk out with you.”
“No.” I grasp his wrist. “You keep going. You’re amazing. The further you go, the more likely you are to get a recording deal.”
“Not like this.” He clenches his jaw.
“It’ll be okay. Keep going. For me.”
He searches my eyes. “For you we will give the slut Steven chose a run for her money. For you, we will perform so well everyone will wonder what’s going on.”
I gaze up at him, in awe of his zeal. “Lucas?”
“Yes?”
His brown eyes captivate me, giving me the comfort I so desperately need. “Why didn’t you let me be your friend sooner?”
His hands fall from my face. “I don’t know.”
I sigh, my fingers twitching to grasp his. “It doesn’t matter. Thanks for letting me unload on you. It’s been an awful week carrying that around.”
“I can’t believe Steven would do that.” He purses his lips. “Actually, I can.”
“Don’t tell anyone. Please.”
He nods. “I swear. But I will promise you that he won’t come near you again, and I’ll keep Clarissa safe when you’re gone.”
I smile. “Thanks, Lucas.”
***
With a deep breath, I take the stage. Jeff gives me a nod when our eyes meet. The performers before me hadn’t been at their best, so if I perform well, our plan will work brilliantly.
The music begins, and I start my performance. I watch Steven as he stares at me, his arms folded, a hint of a scowl turning his lips down. With my white lacey dress and my hair framing my face with gold, he has to know this song is just for him. I look pure, wholesome, and radiant.
At the end, I stare Steven down. He leans back, hatred twisting his face. Yep, he gets it.
Jeff launches to his feet with a standing ovation. Lance and Drusilla immediately do the same, followed by the audience. I grin like an idiot and give a quick curtsy.
“Hailey!” Lance exclaims into his mic. “Amazing, breathtaking! Yet again you’ve blown us away.”
“Thank you,” I respond with a giggle.
“You’re a force to be reckoned with this round.”
I giggle, but glance at Steven who remains sitting. He leans forward to speak into the mic. “There were a few places you were off, and your presentation was sloppy—”
The audience boos.
“But,” he says, raising his hands, “you did well. Thank you.” He motions for me to leave.
Backstage, Isaiah meets me, grinning. “Good job, as usual.”
“Aren’t you up soon?” I ask, my heart still racing from the insane tension.
“Yeah, I just snuck around to congratulate you. We didn’t get to go out last night, so I thought tonight we’d grab a bite after the show.”
I need to pack, but I can’t tell him that. I’m planning to pack while Clarissa sleeps so she doesn’t notice. “I’m pretty tired.”
He frowns. “Hailey, I feel like you’ve been blowing me off.”
“No. I’m…” I stare up into his pleading eyes. “I’m concerned about being seen together and Tom thinking the worst.”
His frown deepens. “You’re still with him?”
“Yes.” I rest my hand on my hip. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You haven’t talked about him much lately.”
“I haven’t seen him much lately. One phone call and a few texts every day doesn’t exactly make for great conversation.” I shake my head. “I’m glad it’s almost over so I can get back and repair our relationship.”
“You know, I’ve wanted to say this for a while but…” He leans forward, lowering his voice. “You can do better than him.”
I step back. “You don’t even know him.”
He shrugs. “I know enough to know you’re too good for him.” His fingers toy with mine. “Let’s just—”
I pull my hand away. “I’m not a cheater.”
He folds his arms. “Then dump him.”
“No.” I chew my lip. “Look, you’re great, but I can’t. Not like this. My relationship with him is more than some whim. We’re talking about getting married. I can’t just—”
“Okay.” He pouts. “I get it. I have to go.”
“Break a leg.”
He smirks. “After your performance, I need that.”
***
Clarissa clutches my hand like always. But Lucas took the spot on my other side. His shoulder presses against mine, and he gives me a knowing look. I smile, grateful he understands.
They are called to continue, and I’m left standing there. My stomach ties in knots, and I glance at Steven while Drusilla calls the names. He stares right at me, a cocky smirk dancing across his face. No cameras point at him, so he can stare as much as he wants.
“The last contestant to continue is…” Drusilla scans the three of us standing there. Her eyes linger on me for a moment longer, then she calls, “Jason Long.”
Even though I knew it was coming, I still feel a sinking sensation. Clarissa stares over at me, her jaw hanging open. I avert my eyes and look at Lucas instead. He nods, his eyes full of sympathy, but also respect.
I turn to head off stage and someone calls, “Hailey! You’re number one for me!”
I look toward the audience and see the crowd standing, banners flying with my name.
“We love you, Hailey!”
“Hailey!”
“Hailey!”
My name turns into a chant. I can’t move. I just stand there, stunned. The cameras turn to me. I smile and lift my hand in a wave. The audience roars. I giggle, then glance toward the judges. Steven scowls, Drusilla is in tears, and Lance scans the crowd with his mouth gaping open. But Jeff…he nods and motions for me to leave. Yes, I have to split.
I hurry off the stage and straight to the dressing room. My bag is already packed, so I snatch it up and run out the back door. The credits haven’t even started to roll as I climb into the cab.
Back at the hotel, I shove the last of my things into my suitcase and rush downstairs.
“Hailey!
” The Murphys burst through the entrance to the lobby, blocking me. Clarissa grabs my bag. “You can’t just leave!”
“I have to.” I glance at Lucas for help.
“Let her go,” he says, grasping Clarissa by the shoulders.
“But…but no!” She throws her arms around me. “No! You were supposed to go all the way to the final with us! You and me, all the way.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, squeezing her. “But I have to go.”
“But how did you get a flight so fast?” She pulls back and looks into my eyes.
“I have to go.”
“Hailey?”
Lucas pulls her back. “Let her go.”
“No.” She struggles to push him off.
“I have to go,” I say again, plucking up my suitcase again.
Isaiah’s eyes narrow on me. “Something strange is going on.”
“Bye.” I kiss Kessa’s cheek. “You guys are amazing. I’ll see you at the finals.”
Without looking back, I rush out the door into the first cab waiting.
“Hailey.” Isaiah pulls the door open. “What’s going on?”
My heartbeat quickens as I scan for any onlooking cameras. “I was eliminated.”
His knuckles turn white as his grip tightens on the metal. “But why the rush?”
I bite my lip. “I need to get home, that’s all.”
“Hailey.” He leans down, moving in to kiss me.
I push him back. “You know I can’t.” I pull the door shut and open the window. “Goodbye.”
He straightens, grabbing his hair as the cab drives away.
Chapter Thirteen
I arrive home just after midnight. My heart is heavy as I drag my bag from my car to the apartment. My phone buzzes. Clarissa again. With a sigh, I push the apartment door open.
“Don’t move!”
I scream and drop my suitcase.
“Hailey!” Lauren lowers her gun, her dark brown hair everywhere. “You scared me half to death! Wait, you were barely…it’s only been a few hours. Man, you must have hightailed it out of there.”
“There was no point sticking around.” I clutch my chest. “A gun?”
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