Page 86 of A Forbidden Arrangement

Giddiness is taking over, and Xander laughs as I practically push him out of the car. I never even dared to dream about getting to see Winterproof live.

Just as we reach the private entrance, the metal door swings open. My breath catches, mouth parting in shock, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

The lead, Ash, holds his hand out to me, and mine shakes as I take it. His smile is reassuring, probably used to having to calm fans freaking out around him.

I know I must be beaming at him, but I can’t help it.

He assesses me for several moments, and then his body relaxes, a sly, lopsided grin pulling at the corner of his lips.

“Dahlia, right?” His low tone wraps around my name, and his fingers tighten on where he hasn’t let go of my hand. “I was getting worried I wouldn’t get to meet you before the show. Since there isn’t much time, how about you come to the back room after?”

Xander’s arm bends around my waist, and I’m hauled back into his chest. His mouth is level with my ear when he asks, “You can still sing with a broken hand, right?”

The guy’s eyes shoot wide, and his attention falls to Xander’s hand splayed over my waist, claiming me.

“Actually, uh…we’re heading out right after… Can’t be late to our next show. Uh…Theo, our stage guy, will take you to your seat.”

Xander doesn’t let go of me, just places his chin on top of my head. “Smart. Wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

The singer disappears down the hall, and I melt into Xander’s chest, toes curling in my shoes, loving how jealous he is, and look up just in time to see Xander’s primal expression, daring anybody to get close to me. He doesn’t loosen his grip, making it hard for me to twist, but I manage and place a kiss below his chin.

He loosens his grip just enough for me to turn and face him. His eyes search mine, and I let him see that he has my full attention. The tension eases from his body, and his kiss is softer than I expect.

I can’t help but grin when he breaks the kiss. “You’re cute when you’re jealous.”

“Nothing about me is cute,” he says.

Oh, this is dangerously addictive, and I can’t resist the urge to push him just a bit further.

“The singer was kinda cute.”

“Did you want him to die?” he asks flatly.

I laugh, earning a glare.

“Thank you for the surprise,husband.” I rise on my toes and press a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

“My pleasure.” His chest vibrates as he growls, “Wife.”

Chapter 38

Xander

“We’re so close!”Dahlia grips the railing. She’s hopping from foot to foot, practically vibrating. Her giddiness is palpable as she’s singing the song they’ve put on as filler between bands. There’s an ache in my chest at realizing this is the first time I’ve seen her happy. Truly happy.

She looks over her shoulder at me. Her sunshine smile takes over her face. She looks so fucking radiant.

If I didn’t already love her, I would have fallen right then.

“This is amazing.” I can barely make out her words as she shouts over the crowd, then turns back to the stage.

The band starts to set up, and she’s screaming with the rest of the fans. For a fleeting second, I selfishly want to keep all of her attention on me, but then it’s gone. All that matters is the laughter on her lips and the joy that radiates off her.

I’ve been telling Dahlia to take what she wants. She’s just starting to reach for more. It’s easy to see that she worries about asking for something she can’t have. I can almost hear that insecure voice whispering to her that she doesn’t deserve it.

I’ll crush every memory that’s ever made her doubt her worth and replace it with something better. Something that makes herfeel whole. I’ll stay by her side, proving every day that she’s worth it. Worth everything. I won’t stop until she knows it.

Dahlia reaches for me, pulling me closer until my chest is flush against her back. Her heartbeat pounds steadily against me, strong and real. Our fingers lace together where my hand rests at her stomach, and I lower my chin to her hair.