Page 144 of Hayden's Stalker

When I make my way to the front of the stage, my heart pounds in my chest, and I look at the crowd. “How’s everyone doing tonight?”

They scream in response, and I smile at them as though I don’t feel like I might have a heart attack.

“Tonight, I’m going to sing a song from our first album.” The crowd goes wild, and they already know it’s “Devil’s Chance” because it’s the only solo I had onCards Have Been Dealt. “Sing along if you know the words.”

The guys begin playing, along with one of our backup musicians on the drums, though the spotlight is trained on me. I sing the song, trying to remind myself that Tati isn’t far away while I also frequently look down at Jesse, whose back is to me, as he watches the crowd.

Heather and April are off to the side of the stage in the VIP area, with Heather’s bodyguard also keeping a close eye on the crowd. Heather twirls April in a circle, and it makes me smile. It’s nice to see them having fun, and it distracts me enough to help me relax a little as I sing. I’m still relieved when my solo is over, and I head back to my kit. I smile at Tati as I take my seat on my throne, feeling calmer at once when I’m back near her again.

When the show ends, I talk with my friends and some of the crew for a short while before we head back to my dressing room. Tati checks my gifts, and, as usual, I’m on edge until I’m out of the shower, and she’s confirmed there’s nothing here from the stalker tonight.

Jesse escorts me to my tour bus with Tati, and she does her usual role-play with the driver about someone trying to get him to open the door. Jesse stays nearby while she does a sweep of the bus, then she comes back and smiles at him.

“All good, thanks, Jesse.”

He nods, and I give him a wave goodbye as he takes off in the direction of Harrison’s bus. Tati locks the secure door, and I slide my arms around her waist from behind.

“I figure we’ve got about five minutes before my friends arrive. So, I’m going to enjoy them.”

Tati laughs and winds her arms around my neck as she turns to face me and presses her lips against mine to kiss me.

“I love you, Mr. Vega.”

My cock jerks in my jeans, and I chuckle, “We donothave time for that, but I’m more than happy to indulge you as soon as we do.”

I pull her onto the sofa, and she rests her head against my chest while I hold her tight. The relief of being safe and secure on my bus while I have Tati here with me is immense. I don’t getto hold her nearly long enough because there’s a knock on the security door.

Tati stands and is on alert as she approaches the door. “Who’s there?”

“Heather,” she calls, and her voice is unmistakable.

Tati doesn’t just open the door, she cracks it barely a couple of inches and peers through the gap before she seems satisfied by who’s waiting to get in, and she opens the door wide to let them in.

“The others are on their way, too,” Heather says with a smile at Tati as she passes her.

“Others?” Tati asks, sounding as surprised as I feel.

“Yeah, Seb, Lita, Gabriel, and Ariana.”

As soon as Heather finishes speaking, the rest of my friends arrive, and I greet them as I stand from the sofa. “Hey, guys. Does anyone want a drink?”

Harrison and Heather follow me to the kitchen to help me pour drinks, and I comment to Heather, “I saw you and April dancing during the show.”

She smiles at me. “Yeah, it was awesome. God, I miss coming to every show.”

“And me, I’m sure,” Harrison says with a wry grin.

Heather kisses him and grins at him. “Of course I miss you the most. Our bed is so cold and empty with you gone.”

“Maybe we should get a puppy,” he suggests.

“Ooh, I like that idea. I could get it some cute accessories.”

“You shouldn’t get a puppy just to have an excuse to buy cute leashes, angel,” Harrison laughs, and I laugh as well.

“Will Serenity’s next offshoot be a line of dog clothes if that’s the case?” I tease her, and she joins in our laughter.

Tati makes her way to us and arrives in the kitchen area as I hand Heather’s drink to her. “Thanks. Man, I didn’t think it would be so squishy here. Harrison’s bus has heaps of room.”Heather looks at Tati. “Your room must be quite big? Where is it?”

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