Page 20 of Within Shadows
“I’ll see you when I get home?” My voice is more than a little hopeful, and he nods.
“I’ll be waiting on the edge of my seat to hear all about it. Have fun.” He kisses me, short and sweet, before shutting the door and waving goodbye as Jess blasts the radio, cheering as she hits the gas harder than necessary. We’ll be lucky to make it to the concert in one piece at this rate.
Chapter 12
Knox
I yank my mask over my face as I sprint through the door to the backstage, flashing my pass to the guard in a hurry. Al is sitting on the black couch on the far wall, arms crossed and glaring at me with his mask in his lap. I ignore him as I grab the body paint, covering my hand in red before slapping it hazardously across my bare chest.
“You’re late.” His tone is more than a little irritated. I only grunt in response, already prepared for the lecture as the rest of the band passes through, heading onto the stage to make sure everything is ready.
“Were you with her? Or just lurking outside her window like a coward.” Al stands as I turn to face him, dropping my mask only to pull on a blonde wig and tuck my hair inside.
“If you’ve got something to say, then spit it out. We don’t exactly have time for this conversation.” I snatch my mask up and slip it into place. I realize a moment too late that I just smeared a red handprint over the pale skull, but I don’t have time to fix it.
“I’ve been saying this is a fucking mistake, Knox! You’re just not listening. Maeve is a smart girl, and she’s going to figure out what’s going on. Jess is already asking me questions about Garrett.” He huffs, and I wipe my hands off on a towel, dropping it back onto the vanity without looking.
“She is my soul, Al. The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew that she is everything I will ever need or desire in this world. I crave her, just as much as she craves me,” I tell him, gripping his shoulder and pleading with him from behind my mask to understand. The moment his face softens and he returns my hold, I know that Al mirrors my feelings.
“That was probably the lamest confession of love I’ve had to endure. Next time, tell her.” He smiles, pulling his mask into place as he shoves me towards the stage.
Sweat has dripped into my eyes more than once, but as the music fades, I still scan the crowd. Bright lights obscure my vision as I raise my hand, waving to the crowd as they cheer for us. Something pulls me to the left, my soul searching for the only light I need. She’s there, somewhere, with her eyes on me. I can almost hear her voice, smell the perfume she used the first time we met. My lips curl upwards as I tilt my head, knowing that she specifically used the same one while getting ready for tonight.
We all file off stage and I stop next to one of the stagehands to lean in close to their ear so they can hear me over the crowd.
“There are only two guests tonight with backstage passes. Bring them back immediately.” He nods once, rushing off as I mutter a thank you. Al has already cleared the rest of the band, and they’re off in their own rooms, with their own problems to deal with tonight. I snatch a water bottle out of the fridge and pull my mask up while twisting off the lid. I down the entire bottle, chugging to chase away my overwhelming thirst. Soft footsteps catch my attention and I pull my mask back into place, nearly groaning when I catch sight ofherin the mirror.
Even though I already know exactly what she’s wearing, Maeve still manages to rip the air from my lungs. Seeing her so nervous, hands clasped tightly in front of her as she peers at me through her eyelashes, only excites me even more. Jess runs towards Al, leaping into his waiting arms as he spins her around.
I turn to face Maeve and open my arms. “Don’t I get the same greeting?” I ask, my voice gravelly from singing. She opens her mouth, eyes wide as Al carries Jess to his dressing room. Jess gives Maeve a thumbs up over his shoulder, nodding herhead towards me with a wink. Maeve clears her throat, but that doesn’t stop the blush from crawling up her neck.
“You guys were great, again,” she says awkwardly, looking everywhere around the room except at me. I drop my arms with a chuckle and drop onto the couch, motioning for her to join me. Maeve waves her hands. “Oh no, thank you. I’m fine standing. You should rest, though, because you’re probably exhausted after all of that.” She laughs nervously.
“Maeve, come sit with me.” My tone is stern, and her eyes widen. After a moment, her feet finally move, bringing her closer to me as if against her will. She tries to sit away from me, but I grab her waist and pull her to drop onto my lap. Maeve falls onto me with a squeal, grabbing onto my shoulders to catch herself.
“You can’t just grab me!” She stares at me with wide eyes, her chest rising and falling faster with each breath.
“Why can’t I? My lap is much more comfortable than this couch, and my only goal at this moment is to please you.” The intention behind my words isn’t missed as we stare at each other. I lean close, taking a deep breath through my nose. “You smell incredible, Thalia.”
She stiffens, eyes flashing to mine.
“What did you just call me?”
“A fitting name for my muse.” I sit back, keeping one arm wrapped around her hips to anchor her in place.
“How did you find out my name? Did Jess tell you?” I can see the wheels turning as she searches for a rational explanation. I keep watching her, my fingers inching their way beneath her shirt.
“We’ve made a mess already.” I sigh, reaching out to pull on her shirt. Maeve looks down and frowns at the red smears that now stain her shirt.
“Is it washable?”
“Take it off, and I’ll have it washed and dried before you leave.” I tug at the hem, but she grabs my hands.
“Nice try. You just want me to take my top off.” Her voice is borderline annoyed, but there’s something more. A challenge.
“If I’m being honest, I’d like you to take everything off. Except the blue thong.” I watch as her eyes widen and she pulls her shirt lower, thinking I’ve caught sight of it somehow. Her willingness to excuse away everything makes me bolder.
“I’ve got a spare clean shirt, you can get changed in my dressing room.” I wrap my arms around her and stand, easily lifting her. Maeve’s arms whip around my neck as she clings to me in surprise.
