Free Rock God (Hearts of Metal Book 3) by Brooklyn Ann Page A

face. “And when I first started singing with bands in high school, so many of my bandmates were living in poverty—and sometimes with abusive parents and drug addictions. I just didn’t think it was fair, you know? They were all so talented, and they had so many things holding them back that weren’t their fault. Just like it wasn’t my fault I was born into a stable, well-off family. I always did what I could to help, even if it was just giving them a place to crash in the basement and food. And some of them even made it, like Brand Kife from Viciöus.” Dante took a big swig of his beer. “I guess I’m still the same. And I guess I do it to honor Mom’s memory too.”
    “Wait, she passed away?” Shayna’s heart clenched.
    Dante nodded. “The cancer came back with a vengeance two years ago.” The clipped sentence belied the agony in his eyes. “This time it was quick, and nothing could be done to make it go away.”
    “I’m so sorry,” Shayna said. She meant it, too. She knew all too well what it was like to lose a loved one.
    “Thanks. I’m still torn up about it, but at least I have Dad. He comes to visit twice a year and I go see him in New Mexico.” He took another big gulp of beer. “But enough about me, what about you?”
    Shayna took a sip of wine to delay. “There’s really not much to say. I…write.” Her gaze focused on the wood grain of the bar, silently pleading for him not to ask her to elaborate. “I don’t have many friends, and I haven’t traveled much. I haven’t worked any fancy jobs, or really many jobs period. I’m newly divorced, as you know.” A helpless laugh broke from her lips. “I’m really kind of boring.” And bound to become even more so if she didn’t get her life and creative spark back together.
    Dante eyed her over the rim of his glass. “I highly doubt that. Boring is the last word I’d use to describe you.”
    Shayna’s pulse jolted. Did he mean that he found her interesting? Was he just being polite—or was it a joke referencing how she’d come to be here?
    As if sensing her anxiety, he allowed the question to drift away, humming to the music and tapping his foot. Finally, he poured their fifth drink, eyes suddenly serious. “What happened to the baby, Shayna?”
    The world tilted for a second, and she pushed her glass away. “I don’t want to talk about it. I mean, I…” She shook her head. “It hurts too much.”
    He leaned forward until his face was inches from hers. “I’m not a shrink, but I do know that talking things out is the first step to healing.” He softened the statement with a teasing smile. “Besides, since you spent all day ‘studying’ me, I think it’s only fair that I get to know you better.”
    Shayna’s resistance crumbled beneath his intense gaze. “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,” she whispered.
    “I’m sorry,” Dante said after a moment.
    “I can’t help thinking it was my fault.” Shayna looked away and fiddled with a drink coaster emblazoned with the Deity logo. “I kept forgetting to take my prenatal vitamins, and if I wasn’t so busy working on my next—”
    “Stop!” He cut her off, grabbing her shoulders. His eyes had darkened to a stormy gray. “It wasn’t your fault.”
    “But—”
    “No, we’re done with this topic. I’m sorry I even brought it up.” He gave her a brief squeeze before releasing her, making her oddly dizzy from the contact. “God, Shayna, your husband was a monster for not being there through that.”
    Shayna nodded, trying to dispel the burning tears. “He lost interest in me the day my pregnancy began to show. I did some research on it, and I guess it has something to do with the Madonna/Whore complex… Anyway, no, he didn’t care—except to treat me like I was a failure as a wife. Maybe I am. I could never make him happy.”
    With a gesture, Dante stopped her again. “Please indulge my curiosity. Although I’m glad to know you’re happy to be free of what