Page 97 of Sangre
Chapter Twenty-One
Isla peeked outfrom the curtains backstage, scanning the throngs of people as they filled in the venue, packed together like sardines. The electric atmosphere sparking through the room was intoxicating, and that feeling of conquering the world pumped through her as it usually did before she took the stage.
She saw Keith and Jeff standing with security around the stage, and Mark was her constant companion backstage. Sangre had spoken to Jim about beefing up the guards, so their presence was visible. Metal detectors were also installed at the front doors, making her feel safer.
Sangre thought of everything.A hot flush crept up her neck when she remembered the hot sex they’d had the night before. It had been incredible, and he’d been so caring and loving as well as sexy and rough. In the past month since she and Sangre had crossed the line and became lovers, she’d come to know him as a rough around the edges sweetheart. She suspected that she was the only one who saw his soft and playful side and that made what they had even more special.
The night before when he’d told the men at the club party that she was his woman, her insides had turned to mush when she’d heard his words. Even though they spent a lot of time together they hadn’t had “the talk” yet. She wasn’t sure if they were in an official relationship, but when she’d heard him say “my woman” her heart had soared.I also went to his parents’ house for dinner, have met his friends, and went to his club’s party.To her, it meant they were boyfriend and girlfriend—and it thrilled her. Just thinking about it made her tingle from her head down to her toes.
“You doing good?” Sangre’s gravelly voice caressed her. He slinked an arm around her waist and drew her back into him.
“Yeah. Just checking out the crowd. The opening band was good and I know Immortal Sÿnn’s going to rock it. It’s great when a direct support band gets the crowd all fired up. Benz wants them to tour with us in the fall.”
“When did the tour thing happen?” Sangre held her tight.
“I just found out about it at sound check. We leave after Labor Day weekend. We’re touring the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington.”
“For how long?”
He sounds kinda sad or am I imagining it?“A little over a month. I have mixed feelings about it.”
“Why?” He nuzzled her neck.
“Because I’m really going to miss you.”
A pause. “There’s texting and phone calls.”
Texting and phone calls? I thought I was ‘your woman.’“Yeah, you’re right.”
“You’ve got a sold out show tonight. Good job, honey.” He spun her around and kissed her hard.
I should be thrilled. We’re so close to signing a record deal, our fan base is growing every day, and we’re going on a kickass tour. This is everything I’ve ever wanted, but I’m sad and anxious as hell. If only Sangre could come on tour with me. Would he?
Sangre pulled back and gripped her shoulders as he scanned her face. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”
“Nothing.”
“Aren’t you happy about the show? Don’t lie to me because I know when you’re down and trying to pretend that you’re not.”
She shook her head. “I’m excited for the show. It’s just that everything seems to be happening so fast with the band. If we end up signing on with a label, it’s a big deal and involves a huge commitment. I mean, my whole life would be taken up with touring and recording.”
“Don’t think about that tonight. Just take it one day at a time. You’re getting all worked up before you even know if the band has a label contract. You guys may decide the terms are shit and not sign with the company. Just enjoy tonight.”
“You’re right.” He always knew how to cheer her up when she was low.He knows me so well.
“Madison is here with some dude. Did you see her?”
“There’re too many people. Did she actually come up to you?”
“Yeah, but she looked scared as shit.” He chuckled. “The brothers are here with their women too.”
“Oh yeah… I have the two CDs for Ella and Zoe. Make sure you bring them backstage after the show.”
The crowd grew quiet as Immortal Sÿnn opened their set with hard pounding, double bass drum beats. Isla stepped away from the curtain. “I need to have some time alone before we hit the stage.”
“Sure, babe.”
“I’ll be in the green room area. There are two security guys who are making sure no one goes down there except for Iris Blue. I’ll see you after the show.” She hugged and kissed him then headed downstairs.
