Page 17 of True Stars Collide

But André was legit with the sticks and Zoe brought a new energy to the band, one he’d not anticipated. And judging by how she had killed it during rehearsal, despite the circus surrounding them, tonight would kick off a new era. A different era.

A fresh start.

Since they’d arrived at the studio yesterday until tonight, he and Zoe hadn’t had a moment alone. Initially, they’d planned on being “seen” again last night but after twelve hours of rehearsal, everyone had returned straight to the hotel and crashed.

Ian insisted he and Zoe should play up their relationship during the show. A kiss here, a stroke of her hand along his shoulder, long, lingering looks between them. More acting. More performance that had nothing to do with their sound.

His gut clenched––if he hadn’t needed this band like he needed oxygen––he’d bail. Factor in his very fucking real and very fucking unexpected attraction to Zoe and he was a mess. Would liking her make the acting part get easier as time went on?

In the end, it would all be worth it, right? The new album would hit platinum fast, they’d have a successful tour, and then Zoe and he could return to their “normal” lives after a quiet annulment.

“Rock and Rollers, for the first time in more than three years, and for the first time with lead singer Zoe Hastings, I introduce to you Black Velvet Machine,” the emcee shouted, effectively shutting off his meandering thoughts.

Show time.

The lights flashed, André beat on the drums, and the crowd roared. The band sounded tight, the acoustics were incredible, showcasing the riffs, the rawness of the music, and the mesmerizing range of Zoe’s voice. Like they’d been playing together for years. Her performance hypnotized the crowd who sang along, danced, and some fans even sobbed with joy.

Adrenaline coursed through his veins and the power, the intensity, the sheer fucking joy of performing the music he loved so much for an enthusiastic audience again filled him. Damn, he’d missed the connection of a live performance.

Song after song, his awareness of the fire in Zoe’s eyes and the passion behind her performance surged. Sweat glistened on her ivory skin and her ebony mane was wild around her face. And yeah, the memory of how she tasted was close to the surface.

They reached the end of the set, and it was time for Zoe’s song. He strummed the opening chords, and she sauntered over toward him on her five inch heels, owning the stage with her confidence and skill. She ran one hand down his bare arm, and he went stone hard. She turned to the pulsating crowd, who had not only accepted her but fucking loved her voice and energy.

She was a live wire, owning the stage.

“So, I’ve got a special song and I’d like it to dedicate it to this guy right here. Does anyone know why I’d do that?” Her voice was flirty, throaty. Sexy as hell.

Shouts came from the packed venue––he could see the whites of some of the fans’ eyes, the place was so crowded. “You love him!” “He’s your lover!” “You two are married!” “Because he’s hot AF!”

She threw back her head and laughed. “You’re all right. Because this sexy beast right here is my husband. Maybe we’re playing with fire by working together and by…” She looked around, her ebony brows raised, working the crowd to perfection.

More screams and howls, “Tell us, tell us!”

She pursed her cupid’s bow lips and blew them a kiss. “No, no, I don’t kiss and tell. This song is called Shine and it’s about letting go of all the crap that weighs you down, that dims your light, and choosing to shine your brightest to the world, no matter what. If Liam Jones doesn’t personify shining bright, there’s no hope for the rest of us, right babe?”

She smacked his ass and sashayed away, in a blur of black leather and dangerous curves. The crowd roared their approval, and he focused his gaze on his guitar strings and launched into the brilliant opening riff of Zoe’s song.

She worked the stage, belting out the lyrics all while strutting and swaying to the beat. She moved like a dancer––all grace and power. Had she danced? Whether she’d been trained or not, she was the sexiest most powerful thing he’d ever seen. She lifted the fans up and soothed them down, finishing the song next to him, one small hand on his shoulder.

The crowd thundered and stomped on the floor, screaming for more. The curtains fell and Ben and André joined them to take a final bow. When the drapes parted again, the applause and screams continued. They bowed and waved and sauntered off stage, Zoe’s hand clasped in his. Their connection felt real. Despite how much of the rest of it was fake, fake, really fucking fake.

“You were incredible.” He whispered the words against the silky skin beneath her ear. “Fucking magic.” He’d underestimated every single thing about this woman.

Her lips curved up and she squeezed his hand. “We were incredible. I loved every second of it.”

Black Velvet Machine 2.0 was back, and judging by the audience’s reaction, Zoe was the right choice.

When the band reached the alcove where the press awaited them, he pulled her in close to his side. Champagne was on ice and a fine bottle of Macallan had his name on it in the band’s back room but first, they had to answer some questions. Make it good for the public and set up the new album and Fall tour.

Ian had set up a podium––at least they had a small physical barrier from the upcoming onslaught. He gazed around the people holding out microphones and shouting questions. Then, he caught sight of Marissa, her calculating narrowed eyes scanning between him and Zoe. Shit.

Time to take charge before the reporters went rogue. Before Marissa spewed her usual venom. He held up a hand.

“Hey everyone, we’ve got time for a few questions. Quiet it down for a sec and we’ll get started. How about you?” He pointed to a wiry bald guy he recognized from one of the major music sites.

They alternated answering questions about the upcoming tour, how they chose Zoe, and other softballs––nice and easy. Even though he hated dealing with this aspect of the industry, the reporters were keeping the questions to the band for the most part.

So far, so good. His shoulders relaxed.

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