Doren was born with a powerful gift -- a gift he's managed to use to put him well on his way to becoming a star. But there is more to that gift than just musical talent, and as careful as Doren is to hide that fact, there are some who know of the power behind the sound, and all the ways they could abuse it.<br><br>August's goal in life is simple: make an impact in the music industry. An opportunity to work as the personal assistant to Doren seems to be exactly the kind of break he needs to accomplish that goal.<br><br>But all too often in life, simple becomes just another complication, especially when there are people whose goal is even simpler: destroy and dominate.

The Gift

When August showed up beside him and offered him a cup, Curtis lifted his head and peered into it. It looked like coffee. It didn’t smell like coffee, though. “What you got there?” Curtis asked.


“Espresso and grappa. Try it. You’ll like it.”


Curtis grimaced, sniffing again. “Is there something wrong with plain old coffee?”


“Yes,” August grinned, nodding his head in Doren’s direction. “From what I understand it’s ‘unrockstarish.’“


“Oh.” He took cautious sip. “Good to know.”


Doren dropped down beside them, gazing up at August and Curtis almost snorted into his coffee. Easy there, boy, try not to make it too obvious. Even he knew that rule, and God knew he was no Casanova. His snort won him a grin, as if Doren knew exactly what he’d been thinking, but it also got him a whack in the shoulder. “Were you hitting on my assistant, drummer boy?” Doren asked.


Chapter 65