Page 20 of Love at First Ink

Marisol flashed him a wide smile that sent heat straight through his body. She didn’t get the opportunity to respond to him though because the house lights dimmed once again, and The Sinner’s Web theme music started to play and pump up the crowd.

“Oh my god, is it time?” Marisol squealed and reached out to touch his arm.

Her excitement was infectious, and Cisco couldn’t help but grin.

"It’s time," he said, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Marisol’s fingers tightened around his arm, her grip firm with childlike wonderment. A charged energy rippled through the air as the lights dimmed, and for a brief moment, the crowd held its breath. Then, one by one, the band members stepped onto the stage. The silence shattered—cheers erupted, a deafening roar of applause and screams filling the venue as the audience came alive.

CHAPTER 10

Marisol

“We are The Sinner’s Web, and we want to hear you scream, California!” the lead singer yelled into the mic, followed by a chorus of screams and chants from the crowd. Not even Marisol was immune to the excited energy coursing through the crowd untethered.

A euphoria of music filled her body and couldn’t be contained. She screamed with the rest of the crowd the lyrics to the band’s most popular song. For the first time ever, she allowed all her walls to break down so she could enjoy her favorite band without any restraints. The booze in her system also did wonders to help boost her confidence.

Next to her, Cisco bobbed his head along with the drums, singing every word alongside her. He was right. He was a terrible singer, but so was she, which made it all the more fun. When he noticed she was laughing at him, he proceeded to amp up the goofiness and jump—dance?—around. He reached for her, attempting to get her to join him.

Marisol laughed at first, trying to push him away as thoughts of what her mother would think if she saw her nowplagued her mind. She wouldn’t recognize her daughter singing out loud to an underground rock band. But was that such a bad thing?

She was already here, disappointing her mother. Might as well go all out. Marisol matched his energy, jumping and pumping her fist to the beat while she sang like an angsty teenager who was finally let out of the house. In many ways, it felt like that.

The Sinner’s Web played all her favorite songs and never once lost their energy. Neither did the audience as they belted out every song. A few people from the crowd below started to crowd surf, something Marisol had only ever seen in movies. It looked fun, but she could never have that many hands roam all over her body. Especially in places that should only be reserved for the bedroom. It made her even happier that Cisco was able to get them up on the balcony. It offered a perfect view of the stage without having people pressed up against her the entire show.

She only had Cisco pressing up against her, and she quite enjoyed that. Through his clothes, she felt the hard body that lay underneath and spent an embarrassing amount of time wondering what he looked like without them. Was this a normal reaction? Because she never thought about Archie naked, and he had been her husband.

Pushing all thoughts of Archie aside for now, Marisol took Cisco’s hand and allowed him to spin her to one of the band’s more pop-ish songs. Everything about this night was amazing. From the drinks, to the company, and, of course, the music. Their set lasted for close to an hour and a half, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted more, and the sour taste of disappointment poisoned her when the band played their last song. Evenafter The Sinner’s Web exited the stage, the chants still echoed across the room.

“Marisol, did you hear me?” Cisco pulled her out of her funk.

“No. Sorry, what did you say?” She gave him her full attention.

Thankfully, Cisco didn’t seem upset. “I asked if you were ready to meet them.”

“Meet who?”

“The band?”

“What band?”

With the patience of a Catholic saint, Cisco said, “The Sinner’s Web.”

“Wait.” Marisol put up her hand, letting her slow brain process the words. She didn’t think she heard him correctly. “We are going to meet the band?”

“They probably don’t have a whole lot of time, but enough time to take pictures and sign something if you want,” Cisco said, oblivious to the excitement building inside her.

“Are you serious right now?”

Cisco paused, looking at her oddly. “Uh, yeah? Do you not want to meet them? Because we don’t?—”

“No, of course I want to meet them!” Marisol interrupted. “Oh my god, but will they let us?”

“Half-owner, remember?” He smirked. “Comes with a few perks, but we gotta hurry before they head out.”

Marisol only nodded, afraid that, if she tried to speak, her voice would betray her. Cisco took her hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world, his grip warm and steady, and guided her down the stairs. The first floor was still packed with people grabbing last-minute drinks or picking up band merchandise. Cisco didn’t hesitate, maneuvering her throughthe crowd with ease, his hand a reassuring anchor as they made their way toward a roped-off section near the stage.

A woman stationed at the entrance caught Cisco’s eye, offering a quick nod before pulling back the barrier to let them through.

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