Page 149 of Fame & Rhythm

Different.

Distracting.

Exactly what I need.

A slow, dangerous smile pulls at my lips.

Maybe tonight, I stop thinking.

Maybe tonight, I forget.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Annie

After three quick shots of tequila and a beer, the tight knot in my chest has finally loosened. I feel lighter, calmer, and detached in the way only alcohol can manage.

Ella’s out on the dance floor, completely in her own world, when a familiar face appears. My eyes widen as she squeals and throws her arms around him.

Danger.

She glances back at me with a smirk, pointing toward the dance floor. I shake my head, smiling, as she disappears with him into the crowd.

I watch them for a moment.

I knew they had been talking on tour. I just didn’t realize it was still a thing.

Maybe he’s the one she sneaks out to see.

I turn back to the bar and order another shot. The buzz is settling in nicely now, warm and humming under my skin. Being out and unnoticed is exactly what I needed—no screaming fans, no expectations, just noise, darkness, and anonymity.

VIP definitely has its perks.

A hand brushes my back, and I turn to find the dark-haired guy standing beside me.

“Hey, gorgeous!” He leans in, shouting over the music.

“Well, hey there yourself,” I shoot back.

“Can I buy you a drink?”

I tilt my head, giving him a once-over. “If you’re lucky, you can buy me two.”

He grins. “All right then. What’ll it be?”

“Something strong.”

He nods and signals the bartender. “Two double Black Johnnies.”

As we wait, his gaze drags over me, slow and assessing. “You don’t look like someone who can handle hard liquor.”

I smirk. “I’ve got more range than you think.”

That earns me a raised brow and a small, approving grin.

The drinks arrive, and he hands me mine. “Bottoms up.”

We clink glasses and knock them back. It burns going down, but the warmth hits almost instantly, spreading through me in a way that feels dangerously good. I glance toward the dance floor again, where Ella’s laughing, completely wrapped up in Danger, and for a second, I’m genuinely glad she’s happy.