Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91507 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“Well, okay, if you insist.” They shared a laugh that could have been considered flirtatious, if Rafe didn’t know that Mark was one hundred percent straight.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I should introduce you to my assistant, the always fabulous, Gigi McClain.”
Gigi’s nod was full of amusement. “How do you do?”
“Hello,” Mark said, sparing her a fast glance before refocusing on the magnanimous Parker Prince. “Are you finding everything satisfactory?”
“At the moment, I want a cold glass of hard liquor and good conversation, but your boss insists on talking contracts and paperwork.”
A sympathetic look came over Mark’s face. “He’s like that. All business, all the time.”
“I can have fun,” Rafe protested.
“Once in a hundred years,” Mark said, making Prince laugh.
“Why don’t you join us, Mr. James?”
“Oh, I couldn’t. I need to make sure everything runs smoothly. I wanted to say hello and let the boss know all the performers have arrived.”
“You can spare a minute. Here, have a seat.” Rafe slid deeper into the booth to allow Mark a spot next to him. It didn’t take more than that for Mark to give in.
Soon after, the server returned and poured Purity in Rafe’s chilled crystal glasses. They toasted to new ventures and great partnerships and for the first time in months, Rafe relaxed.
They were ready for this. Prince was here and he was happy.
There was nothing else to be done except enjoy the night.
* * *
“You shouldn’t even be standing. I can’t believe you’re going to dance.” Z scowled at Hop in the mirror.
“It’s an important night,” Hop said. “And I’m fine, really. I won’t pass out.”
“What’s so important about it? Why can’t you tell us?” Tam wasn’t usually the pushy one.
“If everything works out, you’ll find out later.”
“Vague bitch,” Z said.
Ansel was being oddly quiet. His gaze kept straying to Hop. It was making him self-conscious.
“Here, take this.” Jae handed him a pill and a bottle of water.
“What is it?”
“Multivitamin mix. I use them often. They will keep your energy high for a few hours and boost your immune system.”
“Thanks.” Hop swallowed the pill, hoping Jae was right. He hadn’t exactly lied to Z, but he still wasn’t feeling in the best shape. But Rafe counted on them tonight and Hop couldn’t let him down. Too much depended on their success, even if he collapsed after the show, he’d slay this routine.
“Hey, share the love.” Z wiggled his fingers at Jae.
“Are you sick?” Jae asked.
“Yep, the sickest.”
Ansel snickered.
They were the opening act. It was a lot of pressure and the gravity of their obligation hung heavy in the room like a thick fog. The Sassy Boyz weren’t a group that worried about what people thought of them. Usually. Maybe it was because they’d all worked so hard creating a masterpiece.
And it truly was a masterpiece. They’d even mixed their own music and would open the show under black light. It was as unique as you could get.
It would take more than a fading flu to keep Hop off the stage tonight. He needed to be part of this work of art. He smacked his lips and batted his lashes in the mirror, admiring the paintjob.
Jae had come up with the idea to use geometric shapes and shading to create a futuristic look. He’d given them all dramatic eyeliner and bright colors. Hop had turquoise triangles near the outer corners of his eyes, yellow dots, and a bright orange shadow. His lips were a pale pink that would seem incandescent under the lights.
For their costumes, they’d gone with neon fishnets and glow-in-the-dark booty shorts, matching platform heels, and high-collar big-shoulder vinyl shrugs with piping that resembled Grecian armor. They’d rubbed glitter and paint on their chests and arms.
They were neon sex warriors ready to turn the world on and start a wild orgy.
The atmosphere was hushed and expectant as they made their way to the stage, the acts that followed theirs waved them on, wishing them luck. Hop found his mark and took a deep breath.
This was it.
Tonight, he’d help Rafe. It felt like a moment years in the making and as he stood there waiting for the music to start, he knew he loved Rafe.
No matter what happened with Roland and the contract and the club, nothing would change that simple fact.
Loving Rafe gave him the security he needed to shine brighter—to sparkle.
The black light flipped on and the crowd stilled, their energy rising up to seep into Hop’s veins. It was way better than cold meds and vitamins combined. It fed his spirit and pumped him up. The Sassy Boyz created a mad picture straight out of an LSD dream.
When the opening siren of “Cookie Thumper” by Die Antwoord came over the speakers, the Boyz swayed and twisted to the odd high-pitched chant and the audience fed off it like lovely little leeches.