Page 13 of Hunger & Harmony

So I can’t reach for what I lack.

My chest tightens. Even if his focus is elsewhere, the buzz beneath my skin mirrors last night. The spotlight doesn’t need to follow as he takes the mic and steps forward, warm silver bleeding into shadows.

Your pulse is pounding through the floor,

And I won’t pretend, I can’t ignore.

Like hunting for prey, he moves through the room’s shadows. Some audibly hiss. Others shudder or hold themselves. My eyebrows slide forward in confusion.

You hum with silence I can’t touch . . .

I swallow hard. He’s nowhere near me, his attention still on others. So how can I feel him pressed up behind me again, his hands burning into my waist?

You’re not enough,

My stomach flips as a familiar sting presses against my throat.

But you’re too much.

Gasps rip through the room as the song bursts from behind him, a contrasting blend of hard rock and eerie vocals expanding in the room. Goosebumps erupt over my skin, and I watch as people fall to their knees or lift their hands like men possessed. Glassy-eyed and swaying, everyone but the band members and myself seem lost to the haunting song.

Hunger. That’s what overwhelms Niko’s voice as he draws closer to me. His phantom touch dissipates with each step, replaced by anticipation.

Danger pumps my heart faster, but I refuse to run. A thirst of my own buzzes through my veins, pushing me to test his restraint. Will he dare touch me for real? Confirm what he’s been acting like didn’t happen?

Don’t come closer, don’t back away.

I meet his gaze head-on when he’s finally in front of me.

You’ll ruin me, either way.

The last lyric echoes like a promise. His glowing eyes widen when he sees me. I catch it regardless of how immediately he buries it.

Just as I reach for him, my fingers grasp air. I whip my head forward to see he’s back in the spotlight, the song fading into powerful silence.

As the lights come back, it’s like the entire room eases from intoxication.

A pout purses my lips. Why did he go right back to avoidance? Was he disappointed that I wasn’t like everyone else? For how alluring the song is, I’m much more interested in this game he’s playing than the music. I’m not here to be a groupie.

Whatever. I should leave it alone. Maybe stewing in disappointment will bring back my professionalism.

“Wow, incredible,” a woman wiping her tears away pipes up.

Agreements sweep through the room. I suppress the urge to roll my eyes.

“Cadence,” Selene calls for me, and I perk up. “Get everyone refreshments.”

I nod, but right before I exit the room, Niko speaks up.

“I’m fine without.”

Pausing in the doorway, I turn to confirm with Selene that it’s okay. All I notice, though, is Niko’s back turned and attention conveniently occupied. He’s right back to pretending. I hold a scoff on my tongue and turn away from him.

Two can play at that.

4

STAGE LIGHT SIREN