Magnet

By Siryn Sueng

Jessie and Ryan are supposed to be at odds. They are rival pop singers, after all. But when Jessie gets the wild idea to perform a duet with Ryan and the two fall desperately in love with each, the odds are stacked against the fake rivalry manufactured by their record labels.

Most seem to support Jessie and Ryan's newfound friendship, but there are some with a vested interest in keeping them apart. Can these two pop-star-crossed lovers make it work in spite of it all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Shorts
• Release date: Nov 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094431598

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Jesse

I don’t really agree with this, Jesse.

I flapped my hand at my manager. It was the most acknowledgment he would get from me at the moment. Sprawled across the long couch, tucked against the far wall of the studio, I was too engrossed in my social media outlets to give him any more attention. Besides, I was waiting for a certain someone to show up. Oh, is that what he’s complaining about this time? I looked up from my phone to see my distraught manager pacing the floor. He tugged at his neck tie, fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, and kept checking his phone. It was almost amusing, watching him crumble into a total mess. Especially when Alex was anything but a mess. I tucked my phone into my pocket and sat up, one arm across the top of the couch as I lounged there, watching Alex pace.

Something wrong?

He stopped long enough to send the world’s coldest glare. He continued pacing. "This! This meeting with Ryan Audin is a huge mistake, Jesse, he finally answered me. This is going to backfire."

How could it possibly backfire in any way? It’s not like we’re releasing this to the public. It’s just a friendly little jaunt, that’s all.

A friendly jaunt. Of all the things you do, this is by far your worst idea.

I shrugged, and picked at the threads in the old white couch. It isn’t my worst idea. Besides, what better way to beat my rival than to see the competition up close and personal?

Is that what you’re telling yourself now?

Alex’s phone went off and I flashed him my best smile. He glowered at me before tapping the device and bringing it to his ear. All of his anger and irritation melted as he began speaking with the person on the other end. He was nothing but sugar as he spoke.

Yes, you’re at the right spot. The building is a bit small; I know. My client prefers smaller studios than something large and extravagant. It’s distracting otherwise. Alex tilted his head against his shoulder, holding the phone like that so he could adjust his tie. He smoothed it out as well as making sure his dress shirt was as crisp as could be. When he finished, he took hold of his phone again, nodding to whatever was being said to him. Right. Just as agreed. No one else is here but us and this will not be published or spoken of on any social media.

At that last bit, he turned his hazel eyes on me and narrowed his gaze as if to say I would be the one to break the deal. I shook my head at him and flopped back against the couch with a sigh. Rolling my eyes, I dug my phone out of my pocket yet again. Flicking through my Twitter feed, I amused myself for the time being while I waited for our guests to enter the building. Alex said a couple more things that I ignored, and he hung up. It wasn’t long after that until Ryan Audin entered the room. A woman dressed in a nice pink button-up shirt and black skirt followed behind him. Ryan held the door open just long enough for her to get through. I sat up again on the couch, my attention long gone from the funny video I’d been watching. I stood up and tucked my phone away. The woman presented herself to Alex, her hand held out and a smile on her face. Long black hair was tied up in a tight bun, not a strand out of place.

Alex Corvin?

That’s me, Alex replied as he took her hand and shook it gently. You must be Arina Lyster.

Alex continued speaking with Arina and I found myself lost in the presence of my rival pop singer — Ryan Valkyrie Audin. He was a little bit taller than me, with dark red hair that swept across his forehead neatly and almost seemed to get into his eyes at the perfect angle so that he didn’t have to brush the long, slightly curly locks aside. When I caught his attention, I was immediately lost in his rich blue eyes. I’d seen him on TV plenty of times, but up close and personal without a screen separating us was something entirely different. He wore a nice silver button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. I could clearly see his tattoos creeping up his forearms and snaking underneath the rest of his clothing. An array of wildly colored designs covered his skin and I couldn’t help the thought that I liked how it looked.

His shirt was tucked into dark blue pants. I’d never seen him dressed like this before. He usually wore dark, loose clothing. At least, he did when he was singing. I had to wonder what made him decide to dress so… formally. I opened my mouth to say something but stuttered instead. Ryan arched a fine, dark eyebrow at me and I just about melted.

Coughing, I got myself together. I have to admit I didn’t think you’d accept.

I think we both know what this truly is, Ryan replied.

God, his voice was rich. Listening to him sing was something else and I couldn’t wait to hear it in the studio. It took me a minute to register what it was he’d said though. I hooked my thumbs in the belt loops of my pants and rocked back on my heels. "Oh? Well, I know what I’m here for and that’s to sing. What about you?"

"Just to sing? Pretty sure this little stunt is to size up your competition. Last week’s charts were very close."

Insanely close, I thought to myself while I kept my smile. I’d managed to hold onto my #1 spot, but it was definitely difficult. Ryan was a rising star, and if I wasn’t careful, he’d sweep me aside without a second thought. I wasn’t going to just let my competitor take my win from me… even if he was good looking and his voice could seduce just about anyone. Not without a fight anyway. At least, a battle of music sort of fight.

Next to us, our managers finished talking. I was only alerted to it when Alex tapped my shoulder.

Are we ready? The quicker we get this done, the better. Last thing we need is some snoopy asshole with a camera running a tabloid on you two.

I agree. Let’s make this quick, Arina said. Her business tone was rather sharp.

I stepped back and nodded. Sure, right this way, then. It shouldn’t take all that long to set up. Especially since we’re not recording anything. Just a bit of fun, singing away, I said, with a smile.

I turned and led the way to the recording booth at the back of the building. The studio was sparse with only a few rooms to use. There were very few furnishings, but I liked it that way. I went down the only hallway, going all the way to the back. A row of doors lined the way down the sharp white walls.

As I walked, I could feel Ryan right behind me. He had such a powerful presence. It was no wonder he killed when he was on stage. Maybe I’ll go see him in concert sometime, I told myself.

Arina and Alex went into a separate room while Ryan and I entered the larger one. I closed the door and made my way over to the microphone that hung from the ceiling. The mic was covered with a soft black mesh with a thin disk in front of it.

I hope you don’t mind what I picked out to sing, I said offhandedly.

Ryan shrugged as he looked around. It’s fine.

I paused as I adjusted the microphone. Looking over to him, I noted how he eyed the room. I addressed his wandering gaze with a frown. Is it not to your standard?

It’s fine. I’m just a little surprised, is all. I’d been expecting something a bit more extravagant. Especially from you.

I ignored that last bit and put myself in front of the microphone, ready to sing my heart out. Well, let’s get this started, shall we?

Ryan ran a hand through his hair, the dark red locks catching the light just right, looking brighter than before. He situated himself at the microphone directly across from me and looked me straight in the eye. Give it all you’ve got, Jes.

I grinned at him and put the headphones on. A few hours later we finished our session. I couldn’t get his voice out of my head. Such beautiful vocals. He’d nearly stunned me with how he sang. Thankfully, I managed to keep up with him and not lose pace or forget the lyrics. Still, just the fact that I was able to listen to him merely two feet away was exhilarating. I almost wished we could do it again.

When he left, it was a short goodbye between us. His manager ushered him out with a deep scowl on her face. Alex came in after them and raked his hand through his hair. Once the door closed and it was just us, he spoke up.

That woman is a nightmare.

Oh? You mean worse than you?

That earned me a cold glare. I smiled in return and Alex grumbled to himself as he pulled at his tie yet again. She hated this set-up and made sure I was well aware of it. They won’t be doing this kind of thing ever again, that’s for sure.

I felt a twist in my chest at the words. I swallowed the lump down and shrugged. Well, it was just a fun little thing anyway, I told him.

Was it really though? I couldn’t help but feel like I’d just lied horribly. I glanced at the microphone hanging from the ceiling. The memory of him standing there close enough to touch was jolting. I sucked in a sharp inhale. Let’s get outta here. Besides, I promised Wes I’d meet him at the coffee shop.

Right, the new fling. Is this going to last longer than the previous one? Alex asked, as he opened the door and waited for me to walk out.

I dug my phone from my pocket as I answered him. Eh, who knows. Except right then I was already certain I