AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I can't afford another Natalie, can't risk the fall.
Yet, here I am, hovering on the brink with Andrea. Her presence stirs something, a dangerous cocktail of attraction and apprehension.
The tension coils between us, an electric, silent standoff. She's oblivious to the storm she's reigniting in me, the battle of desire versus defense.
I swallow the knot of mixed emotions, my gaze lingering as she continues her sold-out performance. The beautiful woman at the center of everyone's universe for the night.
But it's Andrea I want to know. Andrea I want to see when the last note fades and the lights dim. That thought alone is a risk—a risk I'm not sure I'm ready to take again.
The thunderous applause pulls me from the darkness of thoughts.
Andrea retraces her steps after a wave of cheers and applause, and she waves goodbye to the audience.
"You were amazing!" says her manager, the first to approach the girl before he hugs her.
I can’t tell whether he notices the expression of discomfort that furrows her face or not, but either way, it's clear that this girl doesn't like to be touched right off the bat.
But Andrea restrains herself from making any comments. “Thank you,” she whispers, almost shyly.
It’s a mystery to me how a woman who is able to convey such strength with her voice suddenly becomes such a submissive person. She seems to be like a chameleon.
Her gaze and mine cross for a moment, but she immediately averts hers. Her cheeks, red from her exertion on stage, seem to take on a darker tint as she tries to avoid my gaze.
Well, this is interesting.
Without thinking, I follow Andrea and Brandon to the dressing rooms, guided by the magnetism she exudes.
But as soon as we arrive, Brandon turns and tries to stop me.
Brandon's eyebrows knit together, forming a comical V-shape on his forehead. In a voice that's supposed to sound authoritative, he says, "I'm afraid we have no more use for your company, Mr. McAllister."
"I disagree," I say.
My eyes don't waver from her as she catches my stare, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of red. Her gaze darts away, but not before I see the faintest glimmer of... something.
Intrigue? Desire?
She bites her lower lip, the action sending a jolt of heat through me. It's a simple, innocent gesture, but on her, it's anything but.
My heartbeat quickens, and I know I'm in deep. I can't turn away from her light. And I know I won’t be able to let this go.
"Actually, Brandon," I say, my eyes flicking to him, "my associates are waiting for you in the club's private area. Some contract details need your... attention." I smirk, my words heavy with innuendo. "I'd hate for you to keep them... unfulfilled."
Brandon's cheeks redden, but he doesn't miss a beat. "Of course, Mr. McAllister. I'll... uh, I'll... be right there." He stumbles over his words.
"That's fine, Brandon. You can go." Those deep aquamarine eyes are fixed on me, so deep I feel like I could dive into them.
For a moment, Brandon waits.
"Follow the hallway straight ahead. It's the last door on the left," I tell him.
Brandon mumbles something under his breath but quickly leaves once he realizes he has nothing else to do.
Only then does Andrea turn and enter the dressing room. I follow her in.
She removes a glittery jacket. Her pale arms are exposed, and I notice a strange tattoo on her left shoulder blade.
Andrea has the lyrics of one of her songs tattooed on her skin, along with something else. There’s a symbol there that I can barely make out.
