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“I know,” I said, reaching out to curl my hand in his. The slim, silver ring on my finger rubbed on his knuckle. “Try to think of all the great things instead.”

He laughed huskily, as if his mouth was full of syrup. Scooping me against his hard chest, he kissed me until my ears rang. It took Korine busting in, chiding me for making my fans wait, to end the moment.

“Knock them dead,” Bach said.

Fighting against Korine, I waved at him. My face ached from my huge smile. “You better be cheering as loud as everyone else!”

His green eyes twinkled. “I'll be louder than all of them.”

As Korine pushed me around the corner, she spoke in my ear. “I still can't believe you're marrying the exact person you promisednotto fall for.”

“Is that what I said?” I asked, grinning at her eyeroll.

“You distinctly said no more bad boys. Are you going to tell me he's different?”

“Yes,” I began, hesitating. “And no.”

“You're crazy.”

“Probably.”

Korine turned me around, making sure my ears were straight, and that the tail I'd begrudgingly agreed to finally wear was on securely. “Let me just ask this. You're happy?”

I pointed at the ring on my finger. “More than happy.”

“Then,” she said, backing away with a satisfied smile, “I guess one more bad boy wasn't such a terrible decision.”

Wrapping her in a tight hug, I breathed out through my nose. “I love you, Korine.”

Her embrace was even tighter. “I love you, too. Now get out there. It's time for you to wow your crowd.”

Rushing through the backdoor of Caffeline, I gaped at the sight. This... this was insane. All these people had come to hearme.I'd never become numb to the life of a star.

The telltale floaty sensation of losing myself began. The energy of hundreds of cheering people overwhelmed me. The patio was only a few feet off the ground, I was nearly face to face with an ocean of strangers.

Keep it together. You've got this.

Over all the screams, I was drawn to one in particular. I don't know how he managed to slip out of the café and get this close to the front, but Bach was right there. Louder than anyone else.

Music crackled through the huge speakers on my left and right. My hand gripped the mic, the engagement ring sparkling. It was my first time wearing it at a show. It, too, gave me strength.

I couldn't wait until four months from now, when I'd finally be able to call myself Bach Devine's wife. When he'd stand with me in front of a crowd like this, telling the world we were in love, promising to never be apart.

He stared at me, and I tried to help him read my mind. I'm not sure that he did, but he smiled wider.I love you,I mouthed.

Bach's shouting stopped for a hitch.I love you, too,he replied.

Without looking away from the man who'd changed my life...

I sang my heart out.