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Iwasn’t sure of the man’s identity and glanced atAxel, who seemed unimpressed by the information. “So?” he asked impatiently as the security started moving people out of our way. “Myshows always get sold out.”
“Yes,” the man agreed tentatively. “Onlythe venue manager let it slip that you aren’t scheduling any new shows once you fulfill your remaining contractual obligations.Peoplewent insane after hearing the announcement.”
Axelswore under his breath, appearing on high alert and tracking the crowd for danger.
Iwas seething overAxel’sprevious display but couldn’t hide the bafflement over the stranger’s news.IknewAxelhad slowed down on doing shows but didn’t know he planned on stopping altogether.Ihad followedAxel’scareer closely, so this must be a recent development.Why?
“I’mLevi, by the way.”Theman removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair of kind blue eyes.
Levi,Imulled over the name mentally.Itsounded familiar. “PiyaAmbani,”Ioffered in turn.
“You’resupposed to find out about these things before it happens,”Axelicily snapped, interrupting our conversation. “Whatthe hell doIpay you for?”
Axel'sattitude didn't fazeLevi. “Fansgot frantic after hearing the news.Thesepeople never even bought tickets and just showed up to meet you in case they can’t make it to another rave.Whatdo you want me to do about it?Youshould have told us earlier that you planned to stop doing shows.Icould’ve prepared better.”
IlikedLeviinstantaneously.Heappeared to beAxel’shead of security, but clearly, they shared a camaraderie beyond that of employer and employee.Levidid asAxelasked but also gave it to him straight.
“Thisis your fans’ way of saying goodbye,”Leviconcluded.Atiny bit of emotion was laced in his voice, andIempathized.Icould hateAxel’sass but still recognize the end of an era.
However, onlyLeviandIfound the moment bittersweet.Axelwas immovable. “I’llbreak your face if you touch her again,” he yelled instead, grabbing the shirt collar of another fan to bump into me.
“Itwas an a-accident,” said the man, who could be better described as a teenager of eighteen or so. “S-Someonep-pushed me,” he stuttered nervously, expecting to meet the same fate as the man who had been pummeled.
OhGod, he was just a kid, probably only a few years older thanPoppy.
“Axel, what are you doing?Lethim go.”Iheld onto his forearm tightly asLevisurged out of the crowd, trying to stop the fight from escalating.Theother two bodyguards pushed the people ahead, gaining us more ground.
Axelshot me a look before pushing the boy away, andIswiftly made my way toward the entrance to avoid any more drama.Althoughthe bouncers and bodyguards had gotten the hang of crowd control, we struggled with the last few feet.Wewere shoulder to shoulder with the masses, many shouting, “Ilove you,Axel.”
Whenwe finally reached the door,Axelpositioned me in front of him soIcould enter first.
“Weneed more security,”Axelgrunted once the door shut behind us, drowning out the echoes.
“More?”Levilooked puzzled andIcould relate.Axelalready had a security detail of three big dudes plus the bouncers working at the venue.Moreseemed overkill, though hard to refute upon glancing at the increasing crowd through the rectangular window of the door.
“Findtwo more guys.Keepthe regulars at the two entrances.”Heglanced at the two men standing five feet away from us. “Getsomebody to keep watch of the backstage and someone else specifically forPiya.Findout ifGeorgeis scheduled here tonight.”
“George?”
“Heis the usual guy manning the backstage entrance of this venue.Heis the biggest guy they have; no one will try to go past him.Iwant him to bePiya’spersonal bodyguard and watch her between my sets.”
Iopened my mouth to sayIdidn’t need to be watched butLevicut me off. “Axel, those guys aren’t here to be your personal security,” he placated gently. “Theyare on crowd control and can’t leave the dance floor to watch over your girlfriend.”
Myhead whipped towardLevi, suddenly feeling lightheaded.Girlfriend?What!?Iwas married, hello!Atbest,Axelwas a question mark for me.
So,Irepeat,Girlfriend?Whenhad that been decided?
Mybewildered gaze fell onAxelnext, who ignored it as if a bombshell hadn’t been dropped.Hecalmly continued the conversation withLevi. “Iwould have asked you to hire more security for tonight hadIknown the venue announced my departure from shows.I’mguessing they’re over capacity, too.I’mnot leavingPiyaalone when we have no control over this chaos.”Henodded outside at the crowd, all desperate for another glimpse ofAxel. “Anyone of those people can sneak inside.Someonealmost slammed into her earlier,” his voice rose—irritated—with each word he uttered.
“Yes,”Levistarted slowly. “Theyshould have told us beforehand so we could’ve taken appropriate measures.Itdoesn’t mean they’re obligated to provide security coverage.”
“I’mwalking if they don’t give me extra security,”Axeldeclared without a morsel of doubt. “Thevenue can explain the reasons for it to everyone who bought table service to see me play.”
Levilet out an exasperated breath asAxel'sanger heightened.Hetook a moment, then spoke calmly. "Walkingaway isn't an option.Youknow that.Yousigned a contract with them."
Axelstepped forward, leveling him. “Inthat case,I’lldragPiyaon stage with me during my sets soIcan keep an eye on her.”
Iglanced atAxelwith horror in my eyes.Ohgod, no.Thethirty seconds it took from the car to the entrance had my nerves frazzled over being recognized or trampled to death.Ihad never experienced something like that before.Thepeople outside were tripping on various substances and couldn’t suppress their inhibitions.Itgenerally wouldn’t be a big deal as drugs were common party favors inNewYork.However, the odds weren’t in your favor if hundreds of people were on drugs simultaneously and all those people were pulled inAxel’sdirection like a magnet.IfIstood next to him, everyone would gravitate toward me as well and undoubtedly take tons of photos.Iwasn’t equipped for this.
