Chapter 5 Downtown concert arena

The thumping bass from inside the arena could already be heard from the street, vibrations running up the pavement and into the legs of everyone approaching. Neon signs bathed the sidewalk in pink and electric blue, and the air buzzed with chatter, camera flashes, and the faint scent of perfume and street food.

Mulan and Tessa stepped out of the cab, instantly catching a tew stares.

Mulan had gone full glam-tight black leather mini-skirt, a deep red satin top that shimmered under the streetlights, and matching heels that clicked with confidence. Her wavy hair cascaded down her back, and her bold red lipstick screamed I own the night.

Tessa, though reluctant earlier, looked effortlessly stunning in Mulan's choice for her-a fitted silver sequin top that hugged her figure just enough, paired with high-waisted black pants and ankle boots. Her soft curls framed her face perfectly, and a thin chain necklace glinted under the glow of the arena lights.

"You look like you belong on the stage, not in the crowd," Mulan said with a wink.

Tessa rolled her eyes, but her faint blush gave her away.

Inside, the place was packed. Mostly girls-teenagers, young women, even a few older fans-filling every corner of the stadium. Posters of Crimson Kiss waved above heads, glowing sticks flashed in rhythm with the pounding pre-show playlist, and the air was thick with perfume, sweat, and anticipation.

Cathryn was also here-backstage. Dressed in a glittering gold bodycon dress, hair in perfect waves, she had spent the last hour talking with the band's manager, arranging her "big surprise." When Hardin introduced her mid-show, she planned to walk out and kiss him on stage in front of everyone, claiming him for the world to see.

The lights cut out.

Screams erupted-high-pitched, deafening. A spotlight sliced through the darkness, revealing four silhouettes at the back of the stage.

The music kicked in-heavy guitar riffs and a pulsing beat.

The silhouettes strode forward until the lights exploded into color, revealing them in full.

Hardin _front and center, black ripped jeans, leather jacket hanging loose over a bare chest, hair messy but deliberate.

Jordan-oversized denim jacket with silver studs, mic spinning in his hand.

Capri-sleeveless shirt, tattoos flexing with every chord he strummed.

Anderson-cool and controlled in a dark button-down, bass guitar slung low.

The roar from the crowd doubled.

"They're hotter in person," Mulan shouted over the music.

Tessa didn't answer-her eyes were on Hardin. His voice was deep and rough as he sang, commanding the stage effortlessly.

Halfway through the set, Hardin's gaze swept across the crowd... and stopped. On her.

The corner of his mouth lifted into that same smirk she hated-no, pretended to hate. Without breaking eye contact, he grabbed a water bottle, drank half, then poured the rest over his chest. Girls screamed louder.

Then, he jumped off the stage, moving directly toward Tessa through the security gap. Phones shot up everywhere.

When he reached her, he leaned in close, and tilted the remaining water over her chest. Cold water clung to her silver top, she wasn't wearing a bra as her nipples became visible showcasing themselves to him.

" sexy Nipples you got," he murmured in her ears."

Before she could react, he hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her against him, turning her toward the crowd.

Thousands of eyes were on them, screams and gasps colliding in the air.

Then-he brought his lips closer, brushing so near to hers that the heat from his breath made her shiver. At the very last second, instead of kissing her lips, he lowered his mouth to her neck... and bit-soft but deliberate, leaving a faint red mark against her skin.

The arena erupted-some girls screaming in delight, others in jealous rage, phones flashing everywhere.

From the shadows near the side of the stage, Cathryn's eyes burned. She clenched her fists so tight her nails dug into her palm.

"Get ready for me, you cheap fool," she muttered under her breath.

With one last glare at Tessa, she turned sharply on her heel and stormed out.