Page 153

“Worth the risk,” I assured him and pecked his cheek. “Come on.”
As we moved to the center of the dance floor, Killian pulled me close with his good arm, and our bodies found their rhythm together as naturally as breathing. The music washed over us as Killian spun me carefully, his movements limited but still graceful, contrary to his concern. In that moment, surrounded by the glitter and glamour of the industry, I felt completely at home. Not because of the place or the event, but because I was in Killian’s arms.
“I love you.” He pulled me against his chest.
I laid my head on his shoulder. “I love you more,” I replied, the words not quite encapsulating all that I truly felt.
He kissed the top of my head, and I felt his lips kick up into a smile. “Impossible.”
I kissed the edge of his jaw. “So … I’ve been thinking …”
Killian sighed. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”
I grinned. “I just want you to think about it.”
He laid his forehead against mine and waited for me to continue. This grump of a man was such a sweetheart even if he didn’t believe it.
“Maybe Peter needs a change of scenery? Maybe we can consider signing him with the new label if Peter doesn’t get his shit together by the end of the charity event.”
Killian lifted his head. His expression was so incredulous it was like I’d asked him to adopt a pair of grizzlies. “Tris, that’s not—we’re just getting things off the ground. Taking on Peter right now would be … ”
I held his gaze, saying nothing. A feeling that had grown inside me told me this was the right move. I didn’t know how or why, but something told me if Killian would agree this could be the turning point we all needed. A new beginning.
His groan, an audible concession of his crumbling resolve, spoke volumes. “Ah, fine. I’ll think about it.”
“That’s all I’m asking you to do.” I was smart enough to not speak the last part out loud,for now.
As the song ended, my gaze landed on Isaiah and Dante at the bar, both looking handsome in their suits—a far cry from their usual stage attire of ripped jeans and band t-shirts.
“Let’s go say hi to the guys,” Killian said.
Isaiah called out as we approached, his glass raised in a mock salute. “Well if it isn’t our fearless, if slightly broken leader. And the woman who finally tamed him.”
“Don’t let her fool you,” Killian replied, pulling me into his side. “She’s far more diabolical than I am.”
Dante laughed. “How’s the wrist, man?”
Killian shrugged.
I filled them in. “He’s the worst patient. Won’t follow a single instruction. Good thing I’m back so I can keep an eye on him.”
A concerned expression crossed Dante’s face. “We’ve been talking …”
Killian raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?”
The band was well aware of Killian’s plan to open his own recording label and had committed to keeping the band together and going with him.
“Depends,” Dante leaned in, lowering his voice. “With you being out of commission for a bit, Isaisah and I got to thinking that maybe it’s time to expand the sound and bring in a fourth member. We could get them up to speed and be ready to rock once you’re back full-time.”
“A keyboardist,” Isaiah added. “They could fill out some of those arrangements we’ve been struggling with.”
I watched Killian’s face carefully. He’d always been careful about who had influence over the band, but something in his expression softened. “I’ve been thinking the same thing,” he admitted, surprising me. “Got anyone in mind?”
“Mia Chen,” Dante said without hesitation. “She played with The Sigma Girls before they broke up. Her technical skills are off the charts, and she’s got the right vibe.”
Killlian nodded. “Bring her by the studio next week and we can see what happens.”
The conversation drifted to the album plans and tour possibilities that had been put off due to Killian’s injury. As they chatted, my attention wandered. Through a gap in the crowd, I spied Peter, this time alone in a corner, nursing what was probably his third or fourth drink. Wendy emerged from a side door, likely from the ladies room. Her makeup appeared to be freshly applied, but her eyes were rimmed with a telltale redness. The two of them stood apart, and the space between them appeared charged.