Page 109 of From Drummer to Gamer

“Don’t,” I mumbled before I caught her lips in a smooth kiss, sure but soft at the same time.

I loved kissing her. The sounds she made in the back of her throat and the way her fingers curled over me made me want to just keep kissing her for the rest of our lives.

“Did I just get my second good luck kiss?” Sierra grinned as we parted. “But as much as I’d like another one, we have to get going. I need to rendezvous with the team for gameplay.”

I nodded, clutching her hand as she led me through the venue, looking so adorable as she explained the way to the backstage rooms for the players. I didn’t want to burst her bubble and tell her that I’d been here numerous times. We played in this arena countless times back in the day. Now, our crowds outnumbered them, but I’d never forget where we came from.

She nodded to some of the staff, her steps light as we entered the corridor by the stage area. I kept my head down, trying to keep a low profile as I drew my hoodie lower.

“We only get rooms like this when we make it to the quarters. Until then, we are all put in the same hall, oh, and this is us,” she informed, pointing at the door that said “Voltron Voids.”

She paused before she opened the door and her hesitant eyes found mine. “Wait, you don’t mind me introducing you to all my friends, do you? They’re going to act a bit crazy, but I swear they’re good people.”

“Sierra,” I said, softly sliding my thumb across her cheek. “You can scream from the rooftops that you’re my girlfriend, and I don’t give one fuck about it.”

Crimson crackled the apples of her cheeks as she nodded. “Hey guys,” she announced just as we entered the modest four-by-four room with a lone couch in the corner and a larger table in the center with some chairs thrown about.

Four pairs of eyes landed on us, of which three popped with stunned amazement and one narrowed with an underlying glint.

“What the fuck?” mumbled a boy with blue streaks in his hair. “Is this for real?”

“Guys.” Sierra gave them a pointed look, holding up a hand. “Before you all freak out, I’ll explain everything, so listen before you ask me anything.”

The three of them nodded as if they were in a trance.

Sierra spent the next few minutes reiterating everything and ended by saying that we were now dating, which made the guy with the brown hair, whom I remember her calling Tin, seethe as his jaw clenched tight. He stood in the lone corner, leaning against the wall as he stared at me with utmost disdain.

I met his stare head-on. Only mine was laced with an undercurrent warning.

If he were smart, he would never have let something as precious as her slip through his fingers.

But too bad for him, Sierra was mine now, and that wasn’t changing anytime soon.

Or forever.

“Matty,” Sierra said, turning to me. “Meet Kiki, Freddy, and Ken.”

She gestured to the girl with curly blond hair and round blue eyes, a younger guy wearing a blue jacket matching the highlights in his hair, and a guy in his early twenties with stark raven hair and kind eyes.

They approached me with wide smiles, stating they were big fans, and even took a few pictures, which I didn’t mind because I would do anything for her.

“And that is Tin, my best friend,” Sierra said with a smile as that fucker advanced toward us.

I didn’t like the fact that her best friend was a guy. But I bit through it as I gave him a nod, which he returned with lackluster enthusiasm.

“When are you guys putting out your next album?” Kiki blinked at me. “I still can’t believe I get to talk to a celebrity in real life like it’s a normal thing.”

“We’re still working on it. Nothing’s confirmed at this moment,” I replied politely.

“Can I score some tickets to a concert, man?” Freddy asked, shifting on his feet. “My baby sister is a huge fan of you guys. I tried in the past, but it was always sold out.”

“Of course. Just let Sierra know which concert you want to go to, and I’ll arrange everything for you.”

He nodded, gratefully.

“Okay, guys.” Sierra clapped her hands. “That’s enough fan moment for the day. I know how hard it is. Trust me, I’m his biggest fan, and I have resisted the urge to even ask for his signature. I know he is irresistible…” Her sparkling eyes dashed to me for a second before they returned to her group. “But remember, we have a game to play, and that’s top priority today.”

She wanted my autograph? If she asked, I would happily sign her entire body.