AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I grinned, and gave Killian a curt nod. “I’m ready.”
Killian yelled out to the band. His words all ran together, but it didn’t matter. Once the music started, I let it seep into me. The floor thumped with the beat of the drum. My chest rumbled as the bassist started playing and Killian strummed on the guitar.
I cringed at how over-the-top loud it was up close. Killian tapped my arm and handed me earplugs. I popped them in, tapping my foot. After Killian sang the first line, he pointed to me. I’d never sung with earplugs before. I said a little prayer that I sounded okay. This was my big chance and I had no intention of blowing it. My body still trembled, but my voice was steady as I sang the following line and the one after that.
I was pretty sure I saw Killian give me a thumbs up and mouthed, “Fuck, yes!”
My eyes were trained on the bar. Seeing my friends and family excited for me was the best feeling in the world. It was like sparkles filled the air. The room took on an otherworldly glow and everything just felt good. I was so darn lucky to have the support system I did. So lucky that it seemed selfish that my heart hurt because Jareth wasn’t here.
As if my thoughts had magic powers, the door from outside burst open, and Jareth hurried inside. The second his gaze met mine, I drew in a deep calming breath. Now, tonight was perfect. He gave me a slight wave and smile as he sat down on the stool Gran had saved for him right by her side.
I let the music take over my body and I sang.
With a smile stretched across my face, I looked at the crowd, and that last bit of nerves fled. The absolute joy of the people cheering for us infused my body until it vibrated with energy. The place was packed, and while they had come here to listen to Wicked Ways, the yelling of my name and clapping when I sang showed they accepted me too.
“What do you think, Hazel, should we bust out some of our old moves?” Isaiah winked at me and began the first notes of the next song, All Yours. Without saying another word, they were going out of their way to make this the best night of my life.
They hadn’t done synchronized dances since they first started singing, and it wasn’t quite the bad-boy rockstar image they had cultivated.
“I think your amazing fans would love to see this, and I’d love to give it a try.” Squeals of delight and stomping thundered around the room. “I just hope they’re gentle with their expectations of me keeping up with you all,” I quipped, giving the crowd an exaggerated wink. The steps were simple, and they all came flooding back to me. I’d danced the same moves while I watched their music videos ten years ago in my bedroom. At one point, I flubbed a step but found myself laughing and the crowd joining in with words of encouragement.
Our next song had an edge, and our already hyped-up audience sang along. I glanced at the men on stage with me, and my heart wanted to burst in happiness and gratitude. They all had a smile on their faces and you could feel the love they had for performing with each word sung and each move they made.
One song bled into the next, and I realized how comfortable I was with the guys, so comfortable they felt like friends or at least like the older brothers I didn’t have. They teased me in between sets, and a few times, I got a few zingers right back at them. Although not that I’d admit it to anyone else, most of the time, I didn’t mean what I said to sound snarky, but the crowd ate it up, and I for once, went with the flow. The whole experience was more than I could have imagined. And seeing all the smiling faces excited about the music and my singing was everything.
I felt my soul give a happy little sigh. Telling me this was what I should have been pursuing all along.
CHAPTER 31
Jareth
She was fucking brilliant up there.
It had been the right move to ask Killain’s band, Wicked Ways, to be here. Even though Lance had promised to send someone, I knew having the guys here would be an extra incentive. And the crowd was packed with such a well-known name headlining tonight.
“The whole place is recording them. She’s going viral, Jareth,” Jess squealed next to me. She knew social media, and if she said this was getting big, it was.
Each time Hazel smiled at me, I knew Niki and Lacey were right. Once she got over her nerves, she was a natural, and the audience loved her.
The only concern I had was that Terri was nowhere in sight. I had Dex stationed out front and Tony at the back doors to ensure he would be unable to leave if he showed up.
“Mr. Vizier,” Trixie McBride said as the band began to wind down.
“Yes, Ms. McBride.” She was new to the company. I sensed the nervousness she tried to hide with the clench of her fists and admired how she kept my gaze. I’d have dismissed her if she couldn’t at least do that.
“I’d like to float the idea to Wicked Ways that we record a few of their tracks with Hazel singing lead. I believe it will breathe new life into their old songs.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Agreed. Send me a contract for Hazel by tomorrow morning.”
“The band members?—”
“Will do as I say.” I was sure Killian would give me shit, but I could handle him and Lance if they tried to say no. Hazel was exceptional, and my relationship with her had no bearing on my opinion.
“I’ll make sure you have it at the start of your day.” I had no doubt she wouldn’t sleep tonight and would be on speed dial with the V&S Productions contract department.
I glanced at the stage as Hazel thanked the crowd for being so wonderful. She moved to exit the stage down the side stairs, but Killian grabbed her arm and motioned to the back.
“Where are they going?” I asked, not able to hide the edge in my voice.
