I hope so.
Something tells me tonight’s gonna be one wild ride.
Chapter Four
MERCS
Effa was electrifying.
It was hard to focus on my job with her onstage—blonde, wild, and dressed to kill in a tight purple leather dress and thigh-high platform boots. The kicker? A glittery pink lightning bolt was painted on her face.
It should have been ridiculous.
Instead, it made her even more attractive.
I don’t get it. She is the complete opposite of me—loud, colorful, chaos wrapped in glitter.
And yet, my cock twitches every time I look at her.
Not ideal.
I’m here to work.
Still, I fucking nailed it tonight. The lighting was flawless. The crowd was lit. The waterfall effect? Iconic. WithLuminousgiving me creative freedom, we made their set feel like a damn experience. If we keep this up, their shows will be world-class.
While they’ve headed off to their after-party, I’m left to wrap things up. I climb down from the rafters, some cable slung over my shoulder, as Jay and Tank wait for me at the bottom.
“That was epic, Mercs,” Tank says, grinning as his shirt strains around his biceps. “Your ideas are fresh, bro. Love what you’ve done with the show.”
Tank’s built like a tank—literally. Native Islander, massive frame, face like a brick wall. Looks like he belongs on the security team, but he’s one of our crew.
I hop off the last rung and hit the floor with a soft thud. That rare feeling of satisfaction hums through me. “Appreciate it, man. But it was a team effort.”
“Bullshit.” He laughs, slapping my shoulder. “This was your baby. Take the credit.”
He nods to Jay, then toward the other crew, who are starting to pile the gear into a messy heap like they did this morning.
“Time to tell them the news,” Tank mutters with a grin.
I nod, taking a breath and walking with purpose as we cross the floor. I let out a sharp whistle that slices through the noise. The crew all look over, curious, but not hostile. That’ll probably change in a minute.
“Right,” I start. “I know Dennis didn’t care much for order. I knowLuminousis all about the music, the vibe, the chaos. But from now on? That changes.”
I step forward, tone steady and commanding.
“The way everything was stacked when you came in tonight? That’s how it’ll be every damn time. Set up and breakdown will be organized. Gear will be cared for. No more busted lights, tangled wires, or crap left lying around. It might add time, but it’ll save us in the long run. That’s how it’s done properly. And that’s how it’ll be done with me in charge.”
Silence.
Then a pause.
Then, Benny, one of the younger techs, lifts his chin and says, “It’s about time. Dennis had us running like headless chooks. I’m glad someone’s finally bringing order.”
Around the circle, nods start, some smirks, and I even sense relief.
Tank throws me a look—told you so.
“Good,” I reply. “Let’s pack it tight and right for tomorrow, then we’re done.”
