The alcohol made its way through my veins, the signs unmistakable. My limbs grew heavy, but I welcomed the lightness in my mind that came with it—a perfect contradiction. The aggressive rumbling music no longer bothered me, and I let myself relax.
It seemed I was more distracted than I’d realized. I returned to the table as Twisted Elements finished and the members of Rebel Rebellion were climbing on stage to set up their equipment.
“Great timing. Let’s head toward the stage.”
I handed Jade her drink and raised an eyebrow. “We aren’t going to sit here?”
“Now, where’s the fun in that?”
Once again, eagerness radiated off her in waves. Her attitude was so infectious that I couldn’t stop my mouth from curving into a grin to mirror hers.
I gestured. “Lead the way.”
I followed her as we walked through the crowd, allowing my own spark to tingle within. I had a new pep in my step. Was it from the alcohol or actual excitement? I wasn’t sure. But it didn’t matter. I was finally having fun.
My gaze bounced between the band members I’d just met, watching Colton set up the amps, and Hudson perfect the position of his drums.
And thenheappeared.
He strolled onto the stage as if it were just another ordinary night, unaware he would bare his soul to the entire establishment.
Damien.
Immediately, his gaze locked onto mine, causing my breath to catch in my throat. Once again, he fascinated me with the passion behind his gorgeous eyes.
He had transformed his attire, now cloaked entirely in black and leather, his hair sculpted and standing on his head in a faux hawk. It should be a crime how, with every stride he took, he exuded a blend of unshakable confidence and smoldering sex appeal, mesmerizing everyone in the room. With his shirt sleeves rolled up I could see the intricate tattoos that lined his arm, and I loved the way the color contrasted against his dark clothes.
“I’m so excited!” Jade squealed beside me, and I let my gaze fall to her.
When I turned back to the stage, Damien was bent over plugging in his microphone.
The spell was broken.
I lifted the corner of my mouth. “Me too.”
I took a large gulp of my drink, trying even harder to chase away the unsettled feeling that burrowed in the pit of my stomach whenever I saw Damien. A feeling that grew stronger each minute.
It felt like a premonition, like this one night would irrevocably change my life forever.
While they ran through sound check, the crowd gathered around the stage.
A palpable sense of anticipation and exhilaration buzzed through the air.
Damien looked out into the audience, enjoying every second he was in that spotlight, before his gaze settled on me with a mischievous grin.
And then they played.
Indescribable sensations washed over me as the chords on the guitars rang out. The hair on my arms stood at attention, waiting for what would come next. As Hudson hit the drums, it reverberated throughout my entire body. Each beat felt responsible for pumping the blood through me instead of my heart.
When Damien stepped up to the middle of the stage and stood before his microphone, he already had me in a trance.
His gaze met mine briefly before popping back out to the crowd. “Who’s ready for some rock’ n’ roll?” Damien laughed into the mic as the audience roared. “I can’t hear you!”
When the first note left his lips, his voice caressed my body like an old lover.
Primal and sensual.
Velvety smooth.
