Without a thought to the dire consequences that would result from her shortsighted intentions.
“That you, sweet girl, make me sound like a hack.”
“Hardly,” I whispered seriously.
He squeezed my thigh again, becoming playful. “Just do me a favor and don’t go singing backstage tonight or anything, okay? Don’t need you going and outshining me, especially on my birthday. Don’t think I can handle that kind of blow to my ego.”
I rose up so I could press a kiss at the center of his strong throat, my words soft and rumbly where I murmured them at his Adam’s apple. “I could never outshine you.”
This dark, mysterious man had become my brightest light.
With a slight grin, I pulled back. “Besides, I’m not sure I could pull off all those growly screams you’re so famous for.”
Deep, seductive laughter rolled from him, and he hugged me closer, wrapping a single hand in my hair and murmuring low. “You scream just fine, baby. Just make sure what you’re screaming is my name.”
A slow ache settled between my thighs.
Later.
The venue was off the strip, and the driver made a couple turns before he pulled into a lot and rounded to the back entrance of the music hall. Everyone was quick to climb out. Sebastian never released my hand as we followed the guys into the dingy, dusky theater, up three concrete steps to a blackened-out door manned by a burly guard.
The second we stepped into the darkness, I could feel the sizzle of energy snap in the dense air. As if that magnetized energy drew strength from the guys who breathed it in, and radiated it back out. It only increased as they lifted their chins and sucked it down, as if they fed into the frenzy. A buzz of hyped eagerness seemed to come naturally, as their minds shifted gears in preparation for the show.
My eyes darted around, capturing everything.
It was strange because I was so accustomed to live music at Charlie’s, the energy that would hold fast to the air, an anticipation unlike anything other as someone took to the stage and brought a song to life.
But this…this seemed entirely different. The way roadies bustled around backstage, carrying gear and setting it in position, the test of the soundboard, the hustle and scramble to get everything set in place, the directions being shouted, an adept chaos I couldn’t imagine transpiring any other way.
Added to the feel was the deafening level of rock music that seemed to dictate every move and beat.
Sebastian squeezed my hand, leaned in close to my ear, and lifted his voice. “You all right?”
There was no missing the concern swirling in the depth of those attentive eyes as they peered at me, the man searching for any discomfort I might feel. For flickers of the regret and betrayal I’d sustained in a world so similar to this.
We’d only touched briefly on the hurt, the dreams I’d had that had never quite been my own, but were still seated so deeply within my spirit. I still ached for it every day.
The truth of how much I loved to play.
What Sebastian didn’t know was none of that could ever be worth the cost I’d been asked to pay.
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been nervous when I’d boarded the plane this morning, that I hadn’t wondered what it might feel like to stand backstage again and know none of it would ever belong to me. Just an outsider looking in on something magnificent and inspired.
But, no.
There was no discomfort or ugly memories or pangs of regret.
“Better than all right,” I told him truthfully. “I’m just excited to see you play.”
His expression softened with a tenderness I was sure he only allowed me, and he wound me into the safety of those strong arms. His voice was hoarse. “Can’t tell you how damned happy I am you’re here. Hope you know that, baby. Want you with me. Always.”
My hands clung to his sides. “And I’m here because with you is where I want to be. Always.”