Ethan didn't sing, but he spoke to her through his music. There was a bluesy edge to the classic metal that touched her deep within like the lyrics had done.
Mandy had never felt like this before. Like she was standing on the edge of eternity. The excitement of the night multiplied endlessly knowing that this moment was all about her. And Ethan wasn't afraid to show it. Suddenly he was playing extremely fast, the sound heavy and loud and powerful in the arena filled with adoring fans. Jaime and Henson were in the unlit background, and for now it was just Ethan, visceral and gorgeous, his own star. And he was shining right on Mandy, turning her gaze wide-eyed, awed. So this was what it felt like. Beyond the theatrics and the makeup, Mandy could see in his eyes the rawness of his emotions, the stripped-down persona he'd shown her many times when they'd been alone. Having him share that with her in front of everyone watching gave her goose bumps. He looked at her so hard she was sure most people could tell whom his focus was on. And Mandy didn't care.
Suddenly she felt hands on her shoulders and she turned in surprise, shocked to see her sisters Tiffany and Melanie. They grinned happily, and she made out the words they mouthed, about Ethan giving them VIP tickets and that they'd been there the whole time, wanting to surprise her. Mandy felt tears prick her eyes and looked up at Ethan, who smiled slyly as he finished his solo. Suddenly, the whole stage burst into flames and floodlights. Henson and Jaime came into sight and finished the set with Ethan, who backed up to stand close to his band brothers. It was an explosive finish. Mandy's arms circled around her sisters' waists as they watched The Strum close the show, followed by the encore. The beaming faces of the fans were enough evidence to show how well the concert had gone.
And now, almost an hour later, Mandy was squeezing through the whining groupies to make it into the restricted area. She heard the handlers say they weren't giving any more passes that night or taking anyone in to see the band.
Was that normal? Mandy wondered. The Strum was known for being good to the fans, especially the female ones who liked to get frisky with any band mate, roadie, or management team member they could sink their claws into. Mandy shouldered through and showed her pass to one of the hulking guards.
The bodyguard glanced at the card and then at her face. "Ms. Sloane? Mr. Tyler asked to bring you straight through. This way please," the man said in his deep, gruff voice.
As she was led through the door, Mandy realized there was really nothing glamorous about the backstage. There were reporters and technical crew dashing about with microphones and cameras in their hands, band crew and the many assistants handling makeup, styling, or management.
Mandy stumbled slightly as she hurried forward, trying to keep up with the bodyguard's big strides. Just ahead, she caught sight of a familiar figure standing and talking to what had to be a news crew. It was Ethan, looking incredibly hot in the flesh. He'd shrugged on one of The Strum's black leather jackets with angel wings etched on the back. His hair was tied up, giving a clear view of his profile. " … Yes, that last song was a preview from the new album we're working on. As it happens, I wrote the song just two days ago and my guys thought it was cool to go with it to end the show."
Mandy's heart warmed as she realized Ethan might very well have written the song for her. He'd said as much. Her steps grew surer as she made her way across the bustling space to where Ethan stood.
"The song was nothing like the usual fare we get from The Strum. This was sentimental and deep. From what you said on stage, Ethan, it's for that special woman. Care to tell us who she is exactly?" asked one of the reporters, shoving a mike close to Ethan's face.
Right at that moment, as if sensing her presence, Ethan turned around and saw her. An irrepressible grin split his face and Mandy couldn't help smiling back, forgetting the crowd or the paparazzi around them. The bodyguard stepped aside and Mandy felt like wings on her feet took her closer even as her brain told her to stop, run off, and hide. Ethan waved her forward and she came close enough for him to pull her to his side.
"I could tell you, but I'd rather just showed you guys," Ethan was saying to the reporters, a smirk teasing his full, sexy lips, which he suddenly pressed down on Mandy's as he bent her over his arm.
Gasping with shock, Mandy felt her head spin from the touch of Ethan's lips as the flashes from the cameras blinded her. She closed her eyes tightly to the magic of Ethan's heated, possessive kiss.
Mandy wasn't sure what was happening till many minutes had passed. Ethan's mouth on hers always had the effect of shutting out the world for as long as it lasted. By the time she straightened in his arms and his lips pulled away, she found the area deserted and could see several security personnel ushering the press people out.
Ethan had eyes only for Mandy as she gripped his shoulders, steadying herself on her booted feet. "Looks like you're stuck with me now," Ethan said with more than a little smugness in his tone.
"What do you mean?" Mandy asked as her eyes ran over his face, with the gorgeous stubble and the sea-blue eyes.
"That kiss. The press. We're going to be all over the tabloids tomorrow." He cupped her face as a look of dismay came over her features. "Relax, babe. I told you I've got you. My people have a lot of weight with the paparazzi and gossip pages. They'll circulate some kind of release with a few details about us both. Enough to keep the curious wolves at bay – and enough to make sure everyone knows you're mine. I told you I don't share."
Ethan's gruff tone made her shiver. He knew she still hadn't got the chance to tell Marcus about them. Mandy figured Marcus would definitely see or hear something after tonight. He would add things up and realize Mandy had dumped him for her new rock star client, whom she had barely known for a week. Imagining how that would look, Mandy drew in a deep sigh.
Ethan's eyes sharpened. It was as if he could read her mind and was about to speak again when they heard sounds from behind them.
Mandy turned in Ethan's embrace and saw Jaime appear with a bevy of groupies, three of them latched to his lean black-clad frame, all of them managing to walk without tripping over each other. Behind them she could see Henson with his shaggy red hair and his clothes showing layers of rock-style stylishness. He wasn't short of female attention himself, with a few half-dressed beauties hanging onto his arms with more coming up behind them. Jaime held a large expensive-looking gold bottle in one hand, which he took a swig from before passing it to the nearest girl joined to his hip.
With his free hand, he fist-bumped Ethan. "Hey bro, party's started without you," Jaime announced, nodding to Mandy in greeting. She smiled tentatively, and Jaime added, "Why don't you bring your girlfriend along, huh? We're taking things to the tour bus. More champagne waiting, plus everything a good hard party needs. Enough to get us good and set for our next stop: London."
"You guys go on; Mandy and I've got other plans," Ethan said with a smile. Jaime made a face while Henson came forward and wrapped an arm around Mandy's neck, whispering something into her ear that made her blush. Ethan shoved him off good-naturedly and the red-haired drummer chuckled.
"Don't worry, mate. All I told her was she's officially the hottest girl who's ever agreed to hook up with your sorry ass," Henson joked.
"Hey!" Ethan was mock-scowling, though he tugged Mandy closer to his side with a sly smile that made her blush deepen. "Well, he's right though. You're definitely the most beautiful girl I've ever wanted."
"Aw … and I wonder what that makes me, then," said an unfamiliar female voice from behind the group. Mandy had to crane her neck as everyone turned and drew apart to let someone through. Her eyebrows climbed at the sight of the woman who appeared.
Mandy recognized her from photos and videos.
It was Zuriel – just Zuriel. She was one of those very famous music stars who only needed to go by a single name. Her presence spoke for itself. She had the body of a supermodel and a face that looked like it belonged on a magazine cover. High, defined cheekbones, a sensuously formed mouth, and eyes such a beautiful pale gray they looked almost transparent. Her hair was inky black and bone-straight, falling past her shoulders. Her makeup was all for effect; dark and mysterious to match her edgy outfit, which was an eclectic mix of rocker chic and movie star glam. Patterned tights slashed from hip to ankle revealed lusciously fair skin at the sides. A cropped clingy top in metallic gray and an even shorter leather jacket with the sleeves pushed up finished her look. Even without her ankle boots, she'd have been a very tall woman, easily six feet. Mandy felt Ethan stiffen beside her as the renowned rock goddess made her way to where Ethan stood with Mandy.