Page 5 of Hard Rock Fling
Their expressions weren't the only thing that matched. Both heads of light brown hair stood up in soft spikes. Identical leather wrist cuffs covered the backs of their hands and half their forearms. They wore the same band t-shirt, ever changing depending on their current favorite. The Twins would wear an Iron Maiden shirt one week, and a boy band shirt the next. Whether they were serious or not was up in the air, as always.
Their performance was something to behold. The frantic energy they exuded was both exhilarating and exhausting. By the time their set wound down, I felt like I'd been the one jumping and running around on stage.
"Hope!" My manager called. I swung my head forward, pretending I hadn't been watching the concert.
Pretending I hadn't been watching Ian.
"Don't let Damian wander off with those sunglasses or we'll never see them again," Janet said. "We didn't get one of the pairs back last time."
The encore concluded. The band members said their final thanks and farewells. Tomorrow morning Darkest Days would be back in the studio to continue working on their next album.
I stood, ready to intercept. I needed to get those sunglasses back.
August left first, not hanging around to bask in fan adoration. His thin white t-shirt stuck to his chest with sweat, clinging to every peak and valley. Tempting enough for fangirls to swoon over, not that he ever noticed. He took a towel from the outstretched hands of an assistant and handed over his drumsticks without glancing at her, an absentminded look on his face.
Cameron must have run out of souvenirs to throw to the crowd, because he was already tugging Noah off stage with an arm hooked around his neck.
"Would you shove off?" The lead singer gave the bassist a withering glare. His ever-present leather jacket fit his upper body like a glove. Messy black hair fell over his eyes, his brow furrowed in annoyance. Noah shoved an elbow in Cameron's ribs and tried to duck out from under him. Cameron was having none of it.
"Stop your scowling." Cameron tussled with him until Noah gave in. "You were awesome out there tonight. Let me shower you with praise."
Assistants followed behind them like ducklings. Cameron was too busy laughing and trying to jump on Noah's back to notice.
The Twins left the stage last, still pumping their fists to the crowd and raising two fingers in arock ongesture. Their chests heaved as they panted, out of breath from the intense performance. They buzzed with energy, bodies practically vibrating. When they were out of sight of the audience, Ian leaned over and braced himself on his knees, limbs trembling.
Although their eyes were unreadable, hidden behind sunglasses, I saw concern on Damon's face. He placed a firm hand on the back of his brother's neck, bringing their foreheads together. His lips moved, murmuring. Ian shook his head, murmuring back, and got a satisfied nod in return.
The two of them looked back to the audience, still cheering and chanting. The sly expression that crossed both faces was unmistakable. They switched guitars, taking back the instruments they'd each started the concert with.
"I've got your towels, Damian." The assistant who'd previously given them their bottled water was immediately at their sides.
Damon tugged on one of the towels, using it to pull her close. She squeaked as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "You're doing a great job, sweetheart. So attentive to our needs." He whispered something in her ear. She gave him a dazed nod. He kept the arm around her waist as he led her further backstage.
I intercepted, making them halt in front of me. "Sorry, but I need your sunglasses back."
"No problem, sweetness." He tossed them at me with no warning. I fumbled to catch them before they fell. He sidestepped around me, giving me no further thought, all his attention on bottled water girl. She looked to be in a Damian-induced stupor.
Ian was still at the edge of the stage, busy toweling off the sweat from his hair. He didn't see me approach. I took a steadying breath. I wasn't going to let him throw me off balance like before.
"Can I have your sunglasses, Ian?"
He looked up briefly. I could feel him staring at me even through the shades. "One pair wasn't good enough for you?"
My stomach did flips at his teasing smile, but I forced myself not to show it. "My boss wants me to get all the accessories back."
He took off his shades and held them out for me to take. Our hands brushed. It sent a shock from my fingertips, up my arm and through my spine. Every nerve tingled. I yanked my hand back and stuck the shades in my bag for safekeeping.
"Anything else I can give you?" Ian asked. "My shirt? My pants? I'll gladly hand them over. All you have to do is ask."
I swallowed hard. "The sunglasses are fine."
The softly tufted spikes were now a tangled mess falling over his face. I unconsciously reached out and pushed the hair away from his forehead until his green eyes were visible again.
He paused with the towel still in his hand and gave me a puzzled look. I backed away, appalled at myself.
That look turned into a smirk. "Just can't wait to get your hands on me, can you?"
Of course he thought every girl was going to fall for him. It no doubt happened all the time. He probably expected it.
