Page 13 of Bony Bony
Hefixed his glowing stare on me once more, the same way he had when he was onstage.Withoutthe stage lights throwing me off,Iwas sure it wasn’t a trick of the lights.Hehad to be a supernatural. “Itdoesn’t have to be only this one time,Gianna,” he said without blinking.
Ifurrowed my brows. “Whatdo you mean?”
“Thatwas merely a taste of what it’s like.”Hiseyes blazed brighter. “Comeon tour with us.”
CHAPTER5
ZANE
“What?”Giannagaped at me.
Thelighting surrounding us was dim.Multicoloredlights dangled over band posters on one wall that were interspersed among neon signs advertising beer.Thefloor was sticky from spilled drinks, their stale scent permeating the walls.Thevoices of my bandmates blended into the background.
“Joinus on tour,”Irepeated, staring into her eyes, which were a fascinating blend between blue and amethyst, while attempting to persuade her.Withthat electrifying energy from the show humming through me, it felt likeIcould take on the world.Partof that buzz stirred from recognizing whatGiannacould do for me.
Whileshe’d sung with me on stage, whatI’dsuspected about her became a certainty.Shewasn’t an ordinary human.Withthat mesmerizing voice, head-turning beauty, and enticing scent, she had to have siren blood.I’dencountered a trio of them inNewOrleansa while back and recognized the similarity inGianna’sfragrance as well as her magical signature.
ButwhatGiannapossessed was something more.Herstage presence had captured the attention of every red-blooded person in the club.Somethingabout her vibrant aura captivated the crowd, just as her allure captured the attention of others no matter where she went.I’dseen it at the concert and in her club.Butwhen she was on stage with us, singing with us, she beamed with a glowing energy.Utterlyelectrifying.Thatenigmatic spark was what we needed to get to the next level.
Andit brought me an excitement thatIhadn’t felt in a long time.Shecould be my muse.
“You’rejoking, right?”Shehuffed and planted one hand on her hip.
Ah, she wasn’t so easy to conquer.Iloved that about her.
“I’mquite serious,”Iassured her.Iinhaled her scent.Suchperfection. “Yourvoice.Yourlooks.Youhave something special.”Shecould take my band out of these dingy clubs and catapult us to the stratosphere.
Atfirst,I’dplanned on seducing her for a night of pleasure.NowIwanted more.Somuch more.Thinkingabout the enigmatic sensations that roared through my veins while we performed together sent another surge of blood flow rushing through my body that was almost as potent as ifIdrank her blood.
Shewas more valuable than simply a warm body in my bed and a delicious meal for the night.Ihad to convince her to join us, at least untilIgot whatIwanted from her.
“Whywould you ask me that?”Giannablinked and looked away. “It’simpossible.”
Ifought to keep the scowl from my voice.Whenshe broke eye contact, she disrupted my ability to influence her.
Yes, she was stronger than a weak-willed human.Awave of heat rose inside my body before coiling down in my groin.Shewouldn’t make it easy to win her over, yetI’denjoy every moment of the challenge.
“Impossible?”Irepeated with feigned innocence. “Ithink you could do anything you wanted,Gianna.Youwere a natural up there.You’remeant to be on stage.”
Shetook two heavy breaths before her lips parted. “I’mflattered,Zane.TrulyIam.Butit’s not an option.”
Ibrushed her forearm. “Didn’tyou enjoy yourself up there?”
“Yes,” she admitted, the high from the stage vanished from her expression, and her voice grew clipped with impatience. “Fora night.Fora couple of songs.”Sheraised her hand and circled with a dismissive flourish. “ButIhave responsibilities here.Aclub to run.Ahusband.”
Iswallowed the sour taste at hearing that word.Thatmangy mutt was my competition?
“Ah,Iunderstand,”Ilied. “Responsibilities.Obligations,”Idrawled out the words with distaste. “I’msure you can have one of your staff run the club for a little while.”Mynostrils flared at the idea of her husband, butIfought to keep the distaste from my face. “Andplenty of musicians are married who go on tour.”
Hereyes widened. “I’mnot a musician.”Shegestured around us. “I’msure you can find someone else here tonight who would love to take you up on your offer.”Giannaglanced around. “Ibetter go and find my friend.”Shewaved. “Hopeyou have a great tour.”
Istared at her as she walked away.Herdeparture was only temporary.Oneway,I’dfigure out how to get her to join me.Thefirst part of the plan would be getting her away from that furry scruffball.
Thatwas fine.Ihad time.Endlessamounts as a vampire.
Oneday soon,Giannawould be mine.
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