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At that moment, the door opened, and a stage technician called out, “Twenty minutes left!”

Leaf hadn’t even noticed that the opening act had finished their set, but he was glad they had their own dressing room. This way, Nightstalker could focus entirely on the upcoming show. The countdown announcement always worked like a trigger, heightening excitement among them. José warmed up by using the sofa and the table as drums, while Andrej finally tuned his bass and plugged it into the small amp under the table.

Since the last tour, it had become customary for them to jam together before the gig. Most of the time, they played jazz to warm up and relax.

Mid-song, the bathroom door opened, and Tristan emerged. He moved lightly to the rhythm of their music, loosening his shoulders as if preparing for a fight in the ring. He made his way to the drink table, poured himself some water, and danced back and forth. He appeared striking in a loose black shirt, rolled up to his elbows and tucked into his jeans. Around his neck, he wore a necklace with a silver feather pendant, and on his left wrist, Milo’s bracelets.

The warm-up visibly did him good. The man positively exuded charisma. While Leaf’s fingers automatically created music, he couldn’t take his eyes off him. He loved watching Tristan, so carefree and focused on the upcoming gig. Tristan swallowed his drink as he scanned the dressing room.

“Alright, everyone,” Carol announced, putting her phone away. “It’s official: Diego Garcia has been charged with incitement to murder and drug trafficking.”

Tristan almost choked on his water and coughed, while Leaf felt like his blood froze in his veins for a few seconds. The dressing room fell silent.

“What?” Carol asked, arms outstretched. “That’s good! Justice has prevailed!”

“Diego’s sister probably sees it differently,” Andrej said, giving Leaf an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “You should probably stay away from her from now on.”

Leaf struggled to keep a straight face. Andrej’s grin was infectious, and although Leaf knew it was closer to the truth than just a bad joke, he burst into laughter. “Damn, man, that woman is gonna come after me.”

The door opened again, and a technician approached the table. Leaf and Andrej unplugged the cables from their instruments and handed them to the technician, who took them to the stage.

Leaf gradually felt the nervousness; something was choking his throat, and his breathing became erratic. So, he stood up and also relaxed by shaking his arms. Andrej and José did the same. Leaf’s heart pounded faster and faster. He hopped on the spot two or three times and loosened his legs.

Like a paparazzo, the guy with the camera sneaked around them, making Leaf even more nervous. But when he caught Tristan’s gaze and couldn’t look away, he felt a warmth spreading inside him, making him forget everything around him.

Tristan smiled lovingly at him, watching him from afar, and when he gently bit his lower lip, Leaf knew what he was thinking. It hadn’t even been an hour since they had jerked each other off in the bathroom.

God, that was sexy.

Just the thought of it warmed Leaf’s core, so much that he felt compelled to tear his gaze away from Tristan.

He took one last drag of his cigarette and stubbed it out in the ashtray. Tristan suddenly stood next to him, wrapped his arms around Leaf’s body, and nestled against him. Resting his face on Leaf’s neck, Tristan kissed him softly. Leaf smiled and hugged him back.

“What?” Tristan asked. “Are you laughing at me?”

“No,” he replied immediately, combing his fingers through Tristan’s black curls. “It’s just … It’s nice when you seek my affection. It makes me feel loved.”

“Dance with me.”

Leaf wanted to protest, but before he knew it, he was swaying with Tristan slowly.

“Yes,” Tristan said beside his ear. “I love you. You’re the best. Nobody knows me as well as you do. Just the thought of losing you too, paralyzes me. Please stay with me.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

“That’s good.”

As Tristan lifted his head, he found Leaf’s mouth and kissed him gently. His soft lips were electrifying, sending warm waves through Leaf’s body. Feeling Tristan’s slender form against him reignited Leaf’s desire.

“Fuck, why do you always turn me on?”

Tristan laughed against his lips. “No, you turn me on.”

“Stage is clear!” a technician called out.

“Let’s go, guys!” This time it was Carol, cheering them on.

“Or do you want to have one last quickie?” Andrej teased.