Chapter 21
Twenty-One
As Seth leads me through the backstage area of Madison Square Garden, I’m in absolute awe, and I’m also putting behind me that last night I’d started nesting. Jasper reassures me it’s natural, while part of me can’t help but feel embarrassed about how I took all their clothes and bed sheets to sleep on.
But pushing that aside, I take in the stadium.
The sheer scale of everything is mind-blowing. There are people bustling around, setting up equipment, adjusting lights, and preparing for the concert. The energy in the air is electric, and a surge of excitement courses through me.
I never imagined I could ever reach Fever’s level of success, but to experience this with them is overwhelming, insane, and mind-spinning. I’m giddy to a level of madness with excitement that I get to see what it’s like to run such a massive concert.
“Can you believe this?” I exclaim, turning to Seth with wide eyes. “It’s incredible!”
He chuckles, a warm smile spreading across his face, his handsome stare drawing me to him. “Welcome to the big leagues,” he says, his voice filled with pride. “This is where the magic happens, which I know is corny, but it’s kinda true. Back home, when we work on music, that feels like me… the real me. Here, it’s a different side of me coming out. The performer.”
“And I can tell you love that part. You have no idea how excited I am to watch you perform live.”
“You’re going to love it.”
As we walk, Seth points out different areas of the backstage, explaining their significance. Some of it is going over my head, but I’m nodding, taking it all in. Those working around us greet Seth, not giving me a second glance, but that’s fine. Evidently, they’ve all been made to sign NDAs, meaning no one can share anything or anyone they see, hear, or discuss during the entire event.
There’s no holding hands, as we don’t want to bring any unwanted attention to us. I’m now the new person on their team, and Seth is just showing me around. However, I notice how he keeps walking close to me, our arms occasionally brushing. It sends a thrill through me every time, and I find myself wanting to stay close to him.
We pass by dressing rooms, and it makes me think of all the different artists who have graced this legendary venue. My heart races as I take in the history of the place.
“And over there,”—Seth gestures toward a set of steps that lead up to the main stage from the back— “is where we make our grand entrance.”
I can hardly contain my excitement as I imagine them stepping out onto the stage, the roar of the crowd filling the air. I gaze out at the sea of empty seats, imagining them filled with cheering fans. The enormity of the venue hits me like a ton of bricks, and I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach. I’m not even the one singing. I mean, one can dream, but just being part of this is more than I could ever wish for.
“It’s massive,” I murmur, awestruck.
He’s staring at me, smiling, his mind clearly on anything but the stage.
Nudging him in the side with my shoulder, I whisper, “You shouldn’t stare at me that way.”
He schools his look for a brief second before he returns to that devious smile. “No one’s paying attention to us.”
“I’m not talking about them.” I grin especially wide and brush past him, on purpose this time.
“Danica, wait, are you talking about…”
I speed up my walk, those earlier butterflies now beating their wings for Seth.
I dart through the backstage doors, laughter bubbling up from deep within me. Seth’s determined pursuit has me laughing more, his footsteps echoing behind me as I weave through the labyrinthine corridors. Glancing over my shoulder, I catch a glimpse of his determined expression, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
As Seth chases me down the hallway, my stomach flutters. But just as I think I’ve managed to outmaneuver him, he catches up to me and pulls me into one of the back rooms with a playful grin. When I spin around to playfully push him away, I realize we’re not alone. Reed’s in the corner, tuning his guitar, while Jasper lounges nearby, indulging in a burger. They both look up as we enter, eyes huge with curiosity.
“Looks like the party’s arrived,” Jasper quips, taking one last bite of his meal before gesturing to the spread of food on the table behind him. “Help yourself.”
Reed sets down his guitar and walks over to us, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary. It sends a strange ripple through me, but I quickly shake it off, refusing to let him get to me.
“Is everything set up?” Reed asks, one hand by his side, the other combing through his hair. “I’m itching to get up there and start the rehearsals.”
Before anyone can answer, the phone in the room rings, and Reed practically leaps for it. Meanwhile, Jasper saunters over to me, offering me a plate of fruit.
“Care for some grapes?” he asks, holding out the platter with a glint of admiration in his eyes.
I accept with a grateful smile, plucking a few grapes from the bunch as Seth reaches for some, too.
“The stage equipment is all ready to go.” Reed beams, hanging up, practically bouncing on his toes. He absolutely loves being on stage, and I admire his passion.
Without a look my way, he’s out of the room, Jasper on his heels, blowing me a kiss before he vanishes.
Seth turns to me, a slight smile playing on his lips. “I’ve got the laptop with some emails on merch needing responding and chasing up,” he says, his voice steady. “Also, there are emails from the customer service team being threaded through for our response. I can leave those with you?”
“Yeah, you bet,” I reply, nodding.
He cups my face gently, his touch warm against my skin. “It feels different being here with you.”
I smile at his words. “In a good way, I hope?” I ask, a hint of playfulness in my tone.
“Really good way,” he affirms, his gaze sincere. “Last time, I wasn’t exactly myself… now this feels right.”
I remember the news about him losing control and getting on stage drunk… it was a mess. So, his words have me beaming because maybe I’m serving a purpose here for them beyond them just helping me.
He strolls out of the room, leaving me feeling slightly less uneasy. As I glance around the backstage area, I find his laptop on the table and head over there, but first I grab a small plate with a bit of everything on the food platter. Settled in a nearby chair, I pull open the laptop, ready to help out how I can. Sure, I’d like to go out to watch them, but I figure there’s plenty of time leading up to the concert.
I delve into the emails, the sound of bustling activity backstage serving in the backdrop, soon followed by the start of a guitar and drums. It keeps stopping and starting. The excitement of the upcoming performance fills the air, and I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it all.
Responding to some emails, inquiries, and coordinating merchandise orders, I think about how much my life has changed.
But when Nexus comes to mind, that uneasy feeling ripples through me. What if they find me, drag me away? I’m not sure I can bear to be apart from this pack. They’ve grown on me, even Reed.
My thoughts swing to my mom and my sister, and a longing settles in my chest. I miss them and would love to see them soon, at least to tell Ruby that I’m okay. But I won’t call them, not after what happened last time I did. I can’t risk it.
I will see them soon. Somehow, I’ll find a way.
As the first notes of music echo through the backstage area, my thoughts pause, and I’m staring up, listening to Seth’s voice. It’s velvety and powerful. A wave of arousal ripples over me at his voice. I sigh, knowing this isn’t the time to have my heat flaring up.
I go and lie on the couch, taking deep breaths to calm myself, closing my eyes, and listening to the music. Footsteps sound, and I glance up from the lumpy couch to find Seth entering the room. Had I fallen asleep? The earlier heat still lingers, but it’s not as profound.
“How are you feeling?” he asks softly, his gaze scanning me head to toe.
“Okay,” I croak, accepting the glass of water he brings me as I push myself to sit up. “How’s the rehearsal going?”
“Amazing,” he murmurs, settling down beside me. “It’s more about getting the lighting and sounds right than anything else since we’re killing it.”
“You sounded incredible, even from back here,” I say, offering a weak smile.
“What’s going on, Danica?” Seth’s gaze is intense, and I know he can sense something’s wrong.
I hesitate, not wanting to mention the heat that still lingers inside me, despite my efforts to suppress it. I won’t come between him and rehearsal and getting ready for his concert. That’s his focus, not me. But he’s staring at me, waiting for an answer, so one pops out of my mouth.
“I miss my mom and sister,” I admit. “I worry about them and if they’re doing alright. Last time we spoke, she said their street was swarming with Nexus informers. I just don’t want them to be punished for my disappearance after the bus accident.”
Seth reaches over, his touch comforting as he takes my hand. “I’m certain they’re safe.”
A pang of guilt chews me up.
“You’ll need to give me their address, and maybe I can send them a gift… something they’ll know is from you?”
I perk up instantly. “I love that idea. My sister loves peaches, and they’re so hard to get in our city. She’ll know it’s from me, as I told her once that I would get her a basket of peaches all for herself.”
“Consider it done,” he assures me, pulling me into a hug.
I melt against him, unsure if this is really happening. “No one’s ever been this nice to me,” I murmur, my eyes stinging with tears. “Thank you.”
“We’re going to do one more round of rehearsals, then we’ll head back to the hotel,” Seth whispers in my ear. “Do you want to come and watch?”
“Yes!” I practically jump off the couch with excitement.
“Good,” he says, staring at me like he’s lost himself, as though he can’t think of anywhere he’d like to be. I love that look on his face. He’s calm, tender, and seems to promise me the world with only his stare. I’m swooning, feeling dizzy, caught up in him.
I try to remind myself not to fall for him because what happens if Nexus finds me? What if I can’t stay with Fever?
Seth
Stepping off the stage, the last chord of my guitar still echoing in my ears, I make my way back through the labyrinth of backstage corridors. The others are still caught up in the fervor of rehearsal, but my mind is miles away, wrapped up in thoughts of Danica. Every song I belted out tonight felt like a serenade meant only for her, each lyric a line in the letter I’m writing her in my head.
The backstage area is deserted, the usual hustle replaced by silence. As I approach our shared room, a voice drifts to my ears, soothing and captivating. I pause in my tracks. A siren’s call that I’m powerless to resist curls around me from inside the room.
Is that Danica?
Rooted to the spot, I’m mesmerized by the melody, by the unmistakable timbre of her voice weaving through the air. She’s singing one of my songs, the very one I’d been pouring my soul into during rehearsal. But in her voice, it transforms, takes on a life I never knew it could possess. It’s my song, yet she makes it entirely hers, each note a revelation, every line a confession.
A smile spreads across my face, unbidden, as goosebumps trail down my arms—a confirmation of the magic in her voice. Danica had always downplayed her singing, content to hum along in the background, but this... this is a glimpse into the depths of her soul, a side of her she’s kept hidden. The raw, primal quality of her voice, the way she now blends my melody with words I don’t recognize. It’s intoxicating. In this moment, she’s not just the woman I’m drawn to; she”s become a muse, a new addiction I never saw coming.
I’m shaking, completely crazy for her more than I thought possible.
The music stops, and time seems to stand still. I wait, holding my breath, until she starts again, her voice a thread pulling me closer to the core of who she is. When the song finally ends, I’m left in a daze, the echo of her voice the only thing grounding me to the spot.
After a few heartbeats of silence, I muster the courage to knock and step into the room. Danica straightens up, her demeanor shifting to nonchalance, as if the soul-stirring performance I just overheard was nothing out of the ordinary. But I can’t shake the sound of her voice from my mind; it’s etched into my memory, a haunting melody that I’ll carry with me.
She’s standing there, grinning, and I’m completely obsessed with her. Her blonde hair, pulled over one shoulder so she can play with it, those deep fresh-green eyes, to the cute dress that I’m drooling with on how it hugs her curves and falls mid-thigh.
“Hey, the music sounded incredible,” she ventures, her voice casual, revealing none of the amazingness from moments earlier in her singing.
I nod, my smile broadening. “I couldn’t agree more. Anyway, what have you been doing?” I probe, my curiosity barely contained.
“Just your admin stuff, nothing exciting,” she replies.
I study her for a moment, taking in the sight of her—those lips that had just woven magic, the casual shrug that belies the depth of her talent. I know her well enough by now to recognize the walls she puts up, and I understand that pushing her might only drive her further into her shell. So, I let it go, for now.
“Come, I want to show you something.” Seizing the moment, I take her hand and lead her out of the room, my mind still replaying the enchanting sound of her voice, knowing that this is just the beginning of a whole new melody between us.
The buzz from the crowd seeps through the walls of the stadium, a constant reminder of the chaos just a stone’s throw away. I’ve got Danica by my side, guiding her through the backstage maze.
“So, where are we going?” she asks, glancing over at me with curiosity. “Are Reed and Jasper joining us?”
“Nope, it’s just us two,” I answer. “And you’ll see soon enough.”
She gives me that side-eye glance that’s adorable.
“I’m not telling you until we arrive there,” I tease and hurry my steps, her keeping up. I want to take her hand in mine, but when we’re out in the open, I can’t risk the chance of anything leaking out about me having a relationship with Danica and having it go back to Wing Music.
We reach the back doors, and the two guards open the door for us.
“It’s wild out there,” one of the men says to me.
On cue, as the door swings open, the roar of screaming fans pierces the air. It’s late afternoon, and many look ready to camp here until our concerts kick-off. But today, it’s not about the band, the music, or the fame. It’s about getting Danica to the surprise I’ve been itching to show her.
She’s got her oversized hoodie pulled tight around her, shadowing her face to dodge any paparazzi and images of her getting back to the like of Nexus. So, we’re playing it cool, blending into the background as much as a rock star and his girl can.
The noise hits us like a wave. There’s a moment when Danica freezes. I feel it in her posture, this tension, because out there, it’s my world, but it’s not exactly familiar territory for her. Fans are packed tight, held back by a thin rope, their cheers cranking up a notch when they spot me. Can’t help but throw them a wave; these folks are the reason I’m here, after all. Cameras flash, the crowd’s getting wilder, and guards are holding them back, but my mind’s on Danica, making sure she’s okay with this whole circus.
“Let’s make a run for it,” I whisper in her direction, nodding toward my sleek black sports car parked at the end of the driveway. The fans are feet beyond that. We run, Danica keeping her head down.
I round the car to reach the driver’s side, coming closer to my chanting fans, who are going wild, jumping up and down. I turn to them with a grin, shouting over the noise, “You rock my world every single night! Stay wild and keep the fever burning.”
Then I dive into the driver’s seat while they go mental, calling my name and for me to stay with them. Once upon a time, I might have, and I’ve lost track of how many girls I’ve taken back to my room. But I have no desire for that… my sights are set on Danica.
Once we’re in the car, the roar of the crowd dims, replaced by the hum of the engine. Danica’s still under that hoodie but safe now, away from prying eyes. We’re in our own little space, the world outside tinted by the car’s dark windows.
I shoot her a look, trying to read how she’s holding up with all this cloak-and-dagger stuff. “You good?” I ask, keeping it light. Tonight’s about more than dodging Nexus or shaking off fans. It’s about showing Danica that, despite the chaos, she’s my focus.
The city blurs past us, lights and shadows, as I navigate the streets. Danica, in a fluid motion, pushes her hoodie back, revealing her face in the soft glow of the dashboard. She turns to me, curiosity lighting up her eyes.
“So, you want me all to yourself?” she teases.
I love that she’s in a flirty mood. Ever since the incident back home when I found her in the bathroom cutting herself, she’s calmed down. There’s an unspoken connection between us, and I can tell she trusts me more now.
“You bet,” I reply, the smirk on my face feeling as natural as the bass line in my favorite track. My hand finds its way to her knee, a gentle squeeze to affirm my words. I realize how much she’s changed the game for me. It’s like I’ve been living in a constant loop of gigs, fans, and after-parties, then getting blind-fucking drunk. But Danica... she’s this melody I never knew I was missing. And damn, it’s not just about wanting her close; it’s this deep-seated need to make her mine.
“Looks like you’re doing some heavy thinking there,” she teases.
“Just pondering life,” I say.
“Wow, that’s huge.” Her laughter mingles with the night air.
“Yep,” I smirk, taking a sharp turn, and her gaze follows the movement until the sight of the airport comes into view.
She stiffens. “Wait, what’s going on?”
“We’re going on a small flight. You’re not afraid of heights, are you?” I ask, trying to gauge her reaction.
She blinks, first at me, then at the looming airport, then shakes her head. “Not that I’m aware of, but I’ve never flown before...”
“Good, then I’ve got you,” I assure her. “I promise you’ll be fine.”
She remains quiet, and it worries me that I’ve pushed her too far. We drive toward a more secluded part of the airport, the private area coming into view. The location is surprisingly serene, the usual airport hustle replaced by a tranquil exclusivity. The tarmac stretches out, bathed in the soft glow of the runway lights.
I park the car and quickly move to open her door.
“You trust me, right?” I ask, extending my hand to help her out.
She blinks, a mix of confusion and uncertainty in her eyes.
“I actually really do.”
We stride through the sleek building, emerging to a sight that takes her breath away—a private jet plane, sleek and imposing, with a red carpet unfurling toward its welcoming doors.
“Oh my God, we’re going on that? You own a plane?” The awe in her voice is matched by the sparkle in her eyes, and I’m fucking ecstatic to hear the excitement in her voice rather than fear.
Leading Danica toward the plan, I can’t help stealing glances at her, absorbing every inch of her excitement. Her face is alight, her eyes glinting with anticipation. It’s a look of pure, unadulterated joy, and it reminds me of why I wanted to share this moment with her.
I guide her gently inside into the small jet plane and into one of the seats, ensuring she’s comfortable before sitting next to her in the plush seating. Our sides touch as we buckle up.
Danica’s attention is flitting around, her knees bouncing slightly. Her excitement is infectious, and a grin spreads across my face.
“It’s going to be safe, right?” she asks, staring over at me with those huge doe-like eyes.
“Of course,” I reassure her. “I only hire the best. And to answer your earlier question, this isn’t my plane, but it’s from one of the best companies I know. We’re in good hands.”
She nods, only half-listening, her gaze already drawn to the world beyond the windows.
As the motor grows louder, we start to move, picking up speed as we start our ascension. Danica’s hand finds mine, her grip tightening as we lift off, the city sprawling out beneath us like a vast, illuminated map.
Watching her, I’m transported back to my own first plane ride, to the thrill of it all. I was glued to the window, staring down at the world. Seeing it again through Danica’s eyes, the experience is intensified. Her breathless, “I have no idea where we’re going, but even if we just do this ride, I’ll be happy,” has me feeling giddy.
“You’re so beautiful,” I whisper, more to myself than to her, as she’s completely captivated by the view below, the city lights dancing in her wide eyes. Her hand squeezes mine tighter, a silent acknowledgment of our shared experience.
At that moment, as we move above the city, the world a blur of lights and shadows beneath us, a realization washes over me. It’s not just the thrill of the ride or the beauty of the night that has me spellbound—it’s Danica, in all her excitement and beauty. And I think, maybe for the first time, I understand what it means to fall in love.