We walk to the backstage area, and the hum of the crowd’s chatter is almost deafening. I can’t wait to hear them cheering for my boys. I’ve seen them perform in bars, larger clubs, and smaller arenas, but nothing compares to a packed stadium. I have a feeling the roar of this crowd is going to knock me off my feet.
I can’t wait.
Luminous is here, and they are buzzing with excitement. This is the largest crowd they’ve ever played for, and I’m so happy for these girls. They’re fantastic at what they do, even if Effa is a little too friendly and spiritually connected to my guy. Danger glances over at me, and I wave before he takes a deep breath and returns my smile. He mouths, ‘It’s showtime,’and I give him two thumbs up and call out, “Good luck.”
Ryan, Matt, and Nate rush up the stairs. The stage is shrouded in darkness, and the crowd erupts with ecstatic screaming. The floor beneath me vibrates with the energy ofthe audience, and I smile so wide it brings tears to my eyes. I turn back to Danger, and he’s grinning the widest smile I’ve seen since I told him I was leaving the club. His chest heaves in pure adrenaline-fueled excitement, and witnessing him in his element fills me with immense joy.
I stand on my toes in excitement. The neon lights flash brilliantly and strobe down onto Ryan and Matt as Nate kicks in with the drumbeat. The powerful rhythm flows through the stadium, sending shivers down my spine. The deep bass vibrates and penetrates my soul. With one last look at Danger, who cracks his neck to the side and jumps on the spot a couple of times, I catch his wink before he turns and dashes onto the stage.
The crowd’s shockwave makes me stagger, my hands instinctively covering my ears against the deafening screams and cheers.
Danger’s deep, sensual voice washes over the stadium, sending shivers down my spine. I clench my thighs together while I stand in awe as he rocks the stage, wondering how I got so lucky to score him. With each rhythmic thrust of his hips, I’m reminded that every girl wishes they were with him, and every guy dreams of being him.
I catch myself singing along to the hook of the first song, joining the crowd. They’re only halfway into their first song, yet I can already sense that this concert is going to be a smashing success.
Bouncing along in my own little world, a sudden, eerie feeling washes over me, a sensation of being watched. I turn my head sharply, and my heart skips a beat when I find someone appearing out of nowhere.
“Excuse me, are you Annalise or Lunar?” she asks loudly over the music.
My hand snaps to my chest, trying to slow my rapid heartbeat as I stare at this random woman. Glancing around, I try to figureout where the hell she came from, but I can’t see anyone else back here while she continues to stare at me like she’s wondering why I’m not replying to her question.
I glance back out to the stage where Danger’s in his element, so I spin back to the woman who’s materialized out of thin air. “Um… both,” I answer.
She’s dressed in a suit, looking like she should be working in an office as a PA or some other corporate role.
She seems so utterly out of place here.
She grins like she is happy with my answer before she takes a step closer to me. “Can I ask you a few questions about your relationship to the band?”
Furrowing my brow, I shrug. “Sure… I guess,” I reply, though I have no idea who she is. But I figure answering a few questions won’t hurt.
Right?
“How did you meet the band?” she asks, sporting a slight smile that suggests she’s excited to be talking to me.
Tensing, I opt for the truth, albeit a limited version. “Danger came into where I worked, and we became friends.”
She nods, adjusting her black-rimmed glasses. “Mm-hmm… and where did you work?”
“At a bar,” I answer, not entirely dishonestly. Strapless is a bar. Even though I worked there as a dancer or stripper, whatever you want to call it, I didn’t serve drinks like I’ve implied.
“And you sell the band’s merchandise, is that correct?”
“Yes,” I confirm, wondering why she is asking all these questions. “They also helped me establish a foundation they support to raise awareness for autism.”
“That’s very noble of you,” she remarks, raising her brow.
“Well, it’s not noble, just something I want to do.”
“And, Annalise, what’s your full name?”
Tilting my head, I furrow my brows. “Annalise Sheffield.”
“And do you prefer Annalise or Lunar?”
“Either is fine.”
“Thank you. You’ve given me plenty,” she states, smiles almost mockingly, then turns abruptly and walks off in a hurry.
