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We spend most of New Year’s Eve practicing with the bands we’ll be crossing over with. Ruined Records started this gimmick, where bands perform certain songs, but members of other well-known label groups pop in, and the audience fucking loves it.
I’ve never participated in one before. It’s hard to pick up someone else’s song with no notice and vice versa, but with eight to twelve musicians rocking out, it’s impossible to pick up any errors. It all blends into pure fucking crazy energy.
If I wasn’t worried about Tinsel, I’d actually be really fucking excited to be in on such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“You’re going to stay with Steve the entire time,” I say, nuzzling my nose to hers. I don’t frame it as a question. That asshole Carter was involved with could be anywhere.
Rook and Jamen Jacobs are on site for the show, and it still hasn’t quelled my anxiety. Not even the extra security they’ve got in place is lessening my impulses.
“I will,” she says, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Those lace-up leather pants arekilling me. I’ve never had a butt obsession until you bent over to tie your boots.”
“Hey,” Ramsey says indignantly. “My ass is worthy of you lady-perving it too. Hold on, let me just…” He bends over, wiggling his hips at Tinley.
I laugh, but damn, I’m on edge. If it wouldn’t reflect badly on Donovan for vouching for me, then I absolutely would have backed out of this performance.
“It’s a very nice butt too.” Our little omega giggles, finally releasing my neck.
“I hope you’re ready because, after this, we truly get to start our lives.” I bend low, capturing her mouth again.
She grins against my lips as she pinches my ass in the skintight leather. “I’m not complaining. That eyeliner is strangely doing things for me.” She laughs like a fiend.
I snort, shaking my head as I palm her ass in return. The wardrobe department sure did go hardcore on our appearances tonight.
“All right,” Warrick says, coming back into the room. “They’re ready for us.”
Tinley spins around, and her jaw falls. “Um, yeah, so am I.”
Warrick smirks, sauntering over. “I hope you look at me like that for the rest of our lives.”
I release her.
Her black dress flares out as she skips over to Warrick. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”
Ramsey catches my eye. “Let’s do this, so we can be done anddo her.”
That sounds like pure fucking bliss.
ChapterThirty-One
Tinley
The guys are in front of us with a bunch of other artists from bands I recognize. The energy is palpable as they get fitted for their earpiece thingys. Each band has its own manager and assistants making sure their wardrobe is exactly right.
Ramsey spins around, shooting me a wink before they’re guided out on stage. I’m supposed to take some pictures from the backstage area, but they’ll be out there for multiple songs, and all the important people are still loitering around.
“You’re going to need to be within three feet of me at all times,” Steve says, giving me a serious look.
“I will,” I assure him, swallowing thickly. I liked the greenroom because it was a confined space. I know there’s extra security, and they have pictures of the scary guy from the bathroom.
In all honesty, I don’t think he’ll want anything to do with me. It would be really ridiculous for him to even show up tonight.
* * *
After the first song or two, most of the venue and label staff clear out. This show doesn’t have fans or the crush of people that I normally have to battle backstage. I stay well behind the curtain but walk the small area to get as many pictures as I can. This view is definitely different from when I’ve been in the audience, or even on the stage, which was by far the most stressful experience I’ve had as a photographer. I think these images will be especially cool for anyone who wonders what the special backstage vibe feels like.
Despite it being a huge stage, there are so many musicians up there that it actually seems a little cramped. Steve stands a few feet behind me, and it’s almost like I can feel his eyes burning into the back of my head.
I spin around and face-plant into the boob of a beautiful and very tall woman. Or maybe someone other than Steve’s eyes, I guess.
