Page 61 of Retaliation
I channeled my inner Nina Simone and Annie Lennox as I sang, following the riffs of the musicians with my own voice. I loved the soul and blues both women brought to the song and I poured my heart into the words.
I finished out the song, and a heavy silence settled before the crowd erupted, clapping and whistling. I dipped slightly, as much as the dress would let me, waving and smiling at the people in the crowd. Shouts of encore caught my ears, but I wasn’t prepared for anything else tonight, and my voice needed a break. The musicians began to play some instrumental tunes from the blues era. I waved and bowed, turning to go backstage.
“Sara!” A voice I recognized shouted my name.
Dev stood at the edge of the stage, near the stairs. He held out a hand, and I took it, letting him guide me down and through the crowd. I threaded my arm through his as he led me back to the table. I locked eyes with Tibby for all of three seconds. Enough to see her nod. My new gear must be in my dressing room by now.
Dev dropped my arm and pressed his hand to my back, his fingers brushing against my bare skin, as we approached the table. Ty wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me down to perch on his knee. His fingers traced down my spine, and he leaned forward, trailing kisses across my shoulders.
“That was beautiful, little vixen,” he murmured against my skin. “And you’re keeping those horns for later.”
Levi winked at me, his eyes dragging down my body hungrily. “Our very own siren, come to sing us all into submission.”
I laughed. “Does that mean I’ll get all four of you on your knees tonight?” I turned my gaze to Andras, and he smirked.
“Fuck, you even got the boss whipped already.” Levi grinned, shoving Andras, who scowled but said nothing. “Where did you come from, diabla?”
I shrugged. “I was born of pain and suffering and very few moments of happiness, just like everyone else, I suppose.”
“You’re nothing like everyone else, beautiful,” Dev countered, and I turned to him, catching his pretty eyes. Maybe he was coming around to the idea of me sleeping with the others. His face softened as he smiled, and my insides melted a little. His eyes were still guarded, but I had hope.
“Agreed,” Andras added.
A waiter dropped off a bottle of champagne and five glasses at our table, and Dev poured and passed them out.
Andras raised his glass first. “To my brothers. And the siren who’s captivated us all.”
My blood began to sing with emotion as the others saluted and drank the bubbly liquid. I sipped my drink, feeling dazed and powerful all at once. These feelings were foreign, a lightheartedness I didn’t know my soul was still capable of. Even with Tibby, as much as I trusted her, there was still a barrier. There was always a barrier. After losing everyone I cared about, I couldn’t drop that final wall. I didn’t want to feel all those feelings if I cared so much for someone again only to lose them.
I wouldn’t deny something was shifting with the Princes, but for now, lust was the only feeling I was willing to name. And yet, the thought of killing any of them was starting to become…uncomfortable. I gulped down more champagne and let Levi refill my glass. We quickly polished off the bottle, and Andras stood, commanding our attention.
“Time to go,” he announced with authority and offered his hand to help me stand.
I ignored his hand and pouted. “Why are we leaving?”
Andras scanned the room, his lips tight. “Because, sweetheart. If I have to watch one more male in this room undress you with his eyes, I’m going to burn this entire club to the ground with everyone in it.”
“Oh, let’s do that anyway.” Levi grinned, rubbing his hands together.
I swatted him playfully. “No! I like this club.”
Ty wrapped an arm around my waist from behind, bringing his mouth to my ear. “I can build you a new club, pet. One where you’re the star.”
“And let me guess, no one else is allowed in?” I rolled my eyes, and Ty nipped my ear with his teeth.
Dev smirked at my comment, but said nothing.
“As I thought. No thanks. I like singing for a real audience.” I elbowed Ty in the gut but he refused to let me go. “Don’t smother me, assholes. Or I might just disappear.”
Levi shrugged and stood next to Andras. He crossed his arms and looked down at me with hunger in his eyes. “You could try. But we’d find you. We’ve got your scent now, Sara Braun. There’s no escaping.”
His words made my insides flutter, but I rolled my eyes again as if I was unaffected. “I need to change out of this costume if we’re leaving.”
Ty pinched my ass, making me jump.. “No, leave this on, pet. I want to peel it off you later.”
The idea was incredibly appealing, but I shoved him away. “No! This is brand new and you monsters will ruin it.”
“As if Andras won’t buy you a thousand more dresses,” Dev scoffed, and I grimaced.
