Chapter 3
Chapter three
“Are you lost?” I ask, trying not to stare at the gorgeous woman.
She stares at me like she doesn’t know how to speak. I get this a lot. It’s part of being a rockstar. My millions of followers nicknamed me Rockstar Thirst Trap. It’s grown on me so much now I even hashtag it on my posts.
“Um,” she stalls. “I was just…the bartender told me to use the bathroom back here, and then I definitely got turned around. I’m sorry.”
“Let’s get you back to your friends. The bartender’s always sending people over here trying to be helpful. I don’t think he realizes how dark and twisty it is.”
“Okay, thank you,” she stammers, turning away from me.
It’s adorable. I know she’s trying to pretend she’s not into me, but she’s terrible at hiding it. A shit-eating grin threatens to slide across my lips. I place my hand against the small of her back and guide us toward the bar. Her pulse is racing, which sends a rush of adrenaline through me.
“So, are you excited for the show?” I ask, trying to make awkward conversation.
“I’m excited to be here with my best friend. This is her favorite band. She’s been following them forever. When she got the email, she immediately bought the VIP tickets, then called to inform me I’d be attending with her,” she confesses.
My smile deepens. We’re almost to the end of the hallway. The buzz of the busy bar is faint. There’s something I can’t figure out, though. For someone who claims to be here for a good time, she looks…sad.
Surprising us both, I shoulder-bump her. She goes rigid and stops walking. “Why do you look sad?”
She stares at me for a second like she’s trying to decide if she’s going to answer honestly or lie. Then she takes a deep breath and grumbles, “Fuck it.”
“Fuck it,” I repeat, confused.
“Yeah, fuck it. What do I have to lose? Maybe you’ll take pity on me and turn my night around.” She laughs awkwardly.
I run a hand through my hair, then place it against the wall just above her head. Leaning in to frame my body over hers, I whisper, allowing my breath to land on the shell of her ear, “Why is it funny?”
Recognizing she’s stuck between me and the wall, this siren of a woman looks down, avoiding eye contact with me. “Because my ex just sent a story with his new girl. He’s the lying, cheating, asshole type, so he doesn’t deserve to love someone else.”
Tonight, I want nothing more than to be the reason she forgets him.
He sounds like a fucking loser. It’s his loss.
I barely know her, and I’m already far too invested in how her night ends.
It’s crazy. There’s an intense urge rushing over me, demanding that I make her mine.
To show her what it feels like to be cherished beyond measure.
Even if it’s only for one night, no strings attached, just a rebound.
I’ll happily volunteer myself for this duty.
My mind races with half-formed plans, and then it lands on one. She said maybe I could make her night better. I know something that might. She doesn’t know who I am, but plenty of my fans do—a photo of us would definitely go viral fast.
I slide my finger under her chin. Her skin is soft and her eyes, are a warm honey-colored brown. I find myself staring into them for longer than I should. “How about I do you a favor,” I rasp, my voice low. This conversation meant only for us.
“Okay.” She gulps.
“Do you have your phone?”
She nods her head.
“Can I see it?”
She stares at me in shock, and for a minute I think she’s going to bolt. “Let’s post a photo together, so you can one-up his night. Besides, I think we can both agree I’m way more attractive.”
She presses her hand against my chest, pushing against me, but I remain a solid wall, blocking her in place.
“Awfully bold of you to assume,” she teases.
I smile a very knowing grin. If only she knew I’m the guy she’s here to see perform tonight.
“Trust me. My confidence is overwhelming. I don’t need you to tell me I’m attractive. I know I am—“ I pause. “What’s your name?”
She laughs. “Okay, Mr. Confident. You’re a smidge better than my ex.” She tucks a strand of wavy blonde hair behind her ear. “My name’s Vivienne.”
“Well, Vivienne,” I coax. “Since I’m only a smidge better than your ex, which we both know is a lie, will you take a photo with me?”
“A photo?”
“Yeah. Let’s take a pre-concert photo together.” I press, casually trying to act like it’s completely normal.
She opens her mouth to protest, but I cut her off. “I bet it would make him jealous.” I give her my best smolder, allowing my icy blue eyes to penetrate right through the wall she’s trying to put between us.
After a few seconds, she reaches in her bag for the phone, then swipes it open to a social media app. Handing it over, she smiles. “I love a petty post. Why not?”
I take it from her, then clear my throat. That was easier than I expected, given her initial hesitation. “Come over here and stand in front of me,” I instruct, leaning against the wall to use it as a backdrop for our photo.
She follows my direction, leaving too much space between us.
I grab her by the waist with one hand, enjoying the way her body melts against mine.
I have to think wholesome, unsexy thoughts to keep my dick from reacting.
And it’s consuming all my focus. Once I get myself under control, I hold up the phone for a selfie, my mask photobombing as I drape my arm around her, leaning in close.
“Look at me,” I say, analyzing the reflection on the screen.
My finger is positioned over the button, ready to snap a bunch of photos. “Good,” I praise her. “Keep looking at me. I’m going to look back at you. Don’t look into the camera. Eyes stay on me. Do you understand?”
“Okay.”
I position myself, then drop my eyes to return a smoldering gaze waiting for it to decimate her final layer of protection. The moment a shy smile stretches across her lips, I capture the photo. Bringing it closer to my face, I examine it. Satisfied it’s perfect, I add a caption.
Backstage with my new man @CasWilder
I add our most trending song, make sure the tag to my account stuck, and press post to her stories before she can see it and stop me. I can’t risk her seeing the tag.
I hand the phone back, kiss her on the cheek, then take a step away. “I’ve got to get back there, but I’d like to see you again after the show.”
With one last wink, I put my mask on and walk down the hall to prepare for the show.