Page 15 of Scream For Me
The thought lands before I even consciously form it. A thought I haven’t had in a long time.
I make my way over to the bar, scanning the crowd out of habit. I nod to my bartender, and I have my usual whiskey on the rocks in front of me as I enjoy the next few songs. I take a slow sip of the amber liquid, letting the burn distract me from the way my body reacts every time she moves. Temporary fixation. That’s all this is.
I finish my drink and make my way to the back of the room. The crowd parts for me as I walk to the concrete pillarand rest my shoulder against it. Here I have the perfect view—it’s slightly elevated, so I have an unobstructed line of sight to her. As the final notes of the song ring out, that’s when the room narrows, and I see her face. Her porcelain skin becomes a beacon beneath the dark hood, pulling me towards her. Her plump lips open slightly as her doe eyes lock with mine. The shadow of the fabric framing her eyes makes her look even more breathtaking. I can feel her pulse spike from across the room. It’s intoxicating. My thoughts drift to what her eyes would look like gazing up at me from my—
Fuck.
I push the thought down before the need to leave and relieve the tension takes over. For half a second, she looks like she wants to bolt. But for the other half? There’s a flicker of something there. That flicker does more damage than her exposed skin ever does. It’s almost like a challenge. A challenge I’m about to throw myself into.
“All aboard!” screams the vocalist, and the hairs on my arms stand on end.
My favorite fucking song.
I let a smirk slip free, a rare surge of excitement coursing through my veins. I watch as she steadies her hand and slows her breathing before beginning a performance that could wake Randy Rhoades himself. Her fingers move up and down the fretboard with such ease, I can’t look away. She’s a fucking siren, and I’m caught in her song.
As the chorus hits, she throws her head back, her ice blonde hair peeking out from behind the hood, and commands the stage. I watch as the crowd pushes to the stage, eager to be closer, as if they could inhale the music like oxygen. She controls them like a goddess, and I am but a slave.
As the song ends and bleeds into the next one, time slips through my fingers. I almost miss someone sliding into the seat next to me.
“Problem, boss,” Gareth murmurs.
“What is it?” My voice is strained, but my eyes are still fixed on the stage and the temptress currently throwing her head back as she flies through another solo.
“It’s Delirium. Someone with a badge has shown up demanding to see licenses.”
“And you can’t handle it?”
“You like to handle the feds, boss.”
I silently curse to myself. Of course I do.
“Bring the car around. I’ll meet you out front.”
Gareth nods and weaves his way through the crowd towards the back exit. I let out a frustrated sigh, picking up my second drink and knocking back the whole thing. The warm liquid leaves a satisfying burn in its wake.
Cheers erupt as Tether finishes up their set, thanking everyone for coming out for them tonight.
Perfect timing.
I stand up, adjusting the cuffs of my tailored shirt as I make my way across the room to them. Their energy forms a contagious bubble around them.
“Congratulations,” I say to no one in particular.
“Thanks!” beams the bassist.
“You have a great spot here, Mr. Headstone,” says the vocalist.
I suppress a snarl at the nickname.
“Drinks are on the house tonight,” I announce as I motion for my bartender, who gives me a tight nod in acknowledgment.
“Free drinks and four thousand dollars a night? Score!” shouts the drummer.
“Drinks are for tonight only,” I say as his face falls sheepishly. “Your payment will be deposited first thing in the morning. Have a great night.”
Thank yous ring out, but I let them fade into the background as I step towards Kat. Her chest rises and falls rapidly as I approach her, her adrenaline like a needle hooked directly into my veins. Her hands are shaking and her eyes are darting over my face.
What can you see, little rebel?
