My fingers start flying over the keys and the song comes out of me like my body is expelling something. I think about Luc backstage listening to me play this song live. We’ve never spoken about that album, and how he is so obviously the inspiration for all these songs.
The crowd harmonises with me beautifully, singing the underlines while I sing the longer notes on top. It’s one of those moments where even as the moment is happening you know you’re going to be thinking about it for a long time. That it’s going to be a memory you return to.
After all my thoughts of taking a break, of retiring, it is this moment, special moments like these, which make me realise how much I’ll miss it. As much as I need a break from some of it. Maybe I can find new ways to get moments like these.
My legs feel like jelly when I finally leave the stage at the end of the show. The adrenaline, mixed with dancing in heels for the last two hours, has done a real number on my legs.
I clutch my dancers, grabbing any of them as we leave the stage – whoever is closest.
Luc is waiting for me. The whole crowd roars at the sight of him, at the visible proof in front of their eyes that the tabloids were wrong. That there isn’t trouble in our relationship. Adrenaline surges around my body, and I rush towards him. The screaming gets louder. There are a thousand cameras pointed in our direction. I don’t care.
I just have to reach him.
I fall into his arms and the scent of him is intoxicating. The cries from the crowd get even louder still when mine and Luc’s bodies make contact. A warmth radiates through my body and a smile spreads across my face. I can do nothing to stop it from taking over. I clutch him tighter than I’ve ever clung to anyone before. My heart drums against my chest. Luc grins, and it spreads slowly across his face, like each of the muscles are waking up slowly.
And I kiss him. Right there. My lips meet his and I know I should stop as soon as they connect but I can’t. And he can’t. Three, four, maybe seven seconds pass before I pull back.
‘We haven’t staged our break-up yet,’ he whispers into my hair. ‘Just giving the people what they want.’
‘I thought we weren’t doing that anymore,’ I press.
‘Well, you tell me. Because you’ve gone dark on me again, Sienna.’ There’s a hard edge to his voice.
We disappear into the tunnel and follow stadium staff back through the long corridors. I grip onto Luc the entire way.
I climb out of the long-sleeved, green, sequin mini dress, and it falls in a puddle on the floor around me. I change intomy jeans and jumper. Luc looks at me, his head dropped and eyes wide.
‘I would really love the opportunity to explain why I… yeah,’ Luc trails off.
‘I think I’m ready to hear it.’
I’m vaguely aware of the fact that Mimi, Jess, Dennis are all waiting outside. I realise that this dressing room isn’t very warm now that night has fallen and no one has been in here all night. Kareem will be waiting for me in the car.
Luc’s eyes trail my face, caressing every angle on my cheekbones and jawline. His face softens. ‘If you don’t want to talk here, I can come back to your hotel room.’
He pauses and assesses my face for my reaction. I try not to give anything away, but something in my eyes must hint.
‘I’ve got my own room though, don’t worry,’ he reassures.
I nod. ‘Sure,’ I breathe. ‘Let’s go.’
THIS IS MY ROMAN EMPIRE!!!
Why is this video 45 minutes long????
Omg they’re my faves, I’m so happy for them
This is so perfect HELP ME
Did the world just stop spinning?
CHAPTER 28
THICK AS THIEVES
TRACK 3 | SWEETHEARTS INSIDE AT NIGHT
‘Thick as Thieves’ is another song about Luc. Our first relationship. When I felt completely and utterly inseparable from him. It was a feeling which didn’t last long before it scared me.
