Rio’s driver was waiting just outside, to take them back to the hotel to freshen up. Kylee and Kelly climbed in, the doors closing with a quiet thud that sealed them off from the buzzing crowd behind. The leather seats were cool against their skin as the city lights blurred past the windows.
Kelly let out a breath, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Well, this is fancy.”
Kylee smiled, the thrill of the night settling in her chest. “Perfect spot to catch our breath and get ready for whatever comes next.”
The limo glided smoothly through the streets as the sisters talked softly about the concert, replaying their favorite moments and laughing over shared looks. Ahead lay the after party and a night full of possibilities.
The driver pulled up to the curb of their hotel and opened the door with a courteous nod. Kylee stepped out first, Kelly followed close behind, practically bouncing with energy.
As soon as they entered the room, Kylee kicked off her heels. “We’ve got, what like twenty minutes before the limo comes back?”
Kelly glanced at the clock and laughed. “Yes! So Hurry the fuck up!”
They moved quickly, buzzing with adrenaline from the concert and the surreal turn the night had taken.
Kylee stood in front of the mirror, touching up her makeup and smoothing her freshly curled hair. Kelly was in the bathroom applying a bold red lipstick. “You realize we’re about to go to an actual rockstar after party, right? Like... this is real life.”
Kylee laughed softly, adjusting her earrings. “It still feels like a dream. But if I’m dreaming, I don’t want to wake up.”
They both grabbed their bags just as the hotel phone rang notifying them their ride was downstairs waiting.
Kelly squealed. “Let’s go, groupie.”
Kylee rolled her eyes, grinning as they headed for the elevator, hearts racing and heels clicking across the marble floor.
Tonight was about to get even more unforgettable. They jumped into the limo outside and it drove to a private venue tucked away just off Bourbon Street. The bass from inside thrummed through the pavement, and the line of people out front parted instantly when the driver stepped out and opened the door for Kylee and Kelly.
Kelly’s jaw dropped. “This is not someone’s house party.”
Kylee took in the velvet ropes, moody up lighting, and well-dressed crowd.
“Nope. This is a rockstar’s playground.”
The moment they stepped inside, the energy shifted. Music pulsed through the air deep, sultry, and loud. The room glowed with low amber lights, casting shadows that made everything feel a little more electric. People danced, drank, and laughed in corners of the room filled with leather couches, crystal glasses, and smoke curling from designer cigars.
A familiar voice broke through the hum.
“There you are.”
Rio emerged from the crowd in a black button-down, sleeves rolled up, and tattoos peeking out along his forearms. His silver rings glinted under the lights as he ran a hand through his tousled hair. His eyes flicked from Kelly to Kylee and lingered.
“You look amazing,” he said, his gaze dropping for a second before meeting hers again.
Kylee smiled, feeling the slow, dangerous curl of heat under his attention. “So do you.”
Kelly nudged her with a smirk.
Rio turned to Kelly, giving her a nod. “Glad you came too. My drummer won’t shut up about you.”
Kelly laughed. “I’ll drink to that.”
Rio motioned them toward a reserved lounge area roped off from the rest of the chaos. “Come on drinks, music, whatever you want. Tonight’s yours.”
Kylee let herself be led by the hand, Rio’s palm warm against hers. She could still feel the phantom thud of the concert in her chest, but it was nothing compared to the rhythm starting to build now. Her life had been so small, so structured but tonight? Tonight was wide open.
The place was dimly lit and plush, with low leather seating and bottles of top-shelf liquor already waiting on the table. A server brought over two crystal glasses filled with something golden and smooth before either of them had to ask.
Kelly was instantly swept into conversation with Rio’s drummer, a tall, tattooed guy with a wild grin and a whiskey laugh leaving Kylee and Rio alone on the velvet couch.
