Breaking Rules (Delta Force Strong #2) - Elle James Page 0,35
shot at me? Aren’t we far enough away from the outer fence that it would be difficult for a sniper to pick me off?”
His chest tightened. “I hope so. Really, I could have someone run back to the motorhome and get the protective gear.”
Sunny shook her head. “I’ll take my chances. These guys don’t want to see me sing and dance in a helmet and bulletproof vest. They want to be reminded of home where they don’t have to worry as much about being shot.”
“I’d feel a lot better if you wore a vest. I don’t suppose you could get one on under that dress…?” He ran his gaze over the length of the short, sequined dress and shook his head. “No. That would not be possible.”
Sunny chuckled. “Yup, not possible. There’s only room for me under this. And it’s itchy. As soon as the concert is over, it’s coming off.”
Dash growled low in his chest. “Mmm. I like the sound of that.”
Her eyes flared, and her lids drooped. “I might need help getting out of it…”
“I’m here for you, sweetheart. All you have to do is ask.”
With a grin, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “The troops are waiting. I’d better get up there and give them what they came for.”
“Music,” Dash clarified. “Just give them music.”
“I’ll save the rest for later.” She winked and turned toward the stairs.
Lloyd stood at the top, a microphone in his hand. He wore a suit and tie, and his hair was slicked back. Not only was he the tour coordinator, he was also the master of ceremonies, there to introduce the acts. “Are you ready?”
Sunny nodded. “Let’s do this.”
Lloyd stepped out on the stage and keyed the microphone.
The audience grew silent as Lloyd made the introductions.
Dash moved around to the corner of the stage to get a better angle to watch Sunny and the audience at the same time.
“And now, please welcome Miss Sunny Daye,” Lloyd said like a ringmaster at a circus.
The crowd of soldiers roared their approval, clapping, whistling and yelling out Sunny’s name.
Sunny stepped out on the stage. The lights trained on her made her dress sparkle, but it was the light in her eyes and her beauty that shined even brighter.
The soldiers roared even louder.
When the band started playing, everyone grew silent, waiting for the magic of Sunny’s voice.
And she didn’t disappoint. From the first note to the last, she left the listeners mesmerized, including Dash.
He struggled to focus on the crowd and everything around the woman singing on the stage, when all he wanted to do was immerse himself in the beauty of her voice.
The bodyguards had positioned themselves on the fringes of the crowd, ready to step in should anyone get too close to Sunny.
Dash would leap across people, stage equipment and anything else in his way should Sunny’s safety become compromised.
Despite the beauty of Sunny’s music, Dash couldn’t relax until the concert was over. The tension increased with each minute, until he was so tightly strung, he was ready for a fight to blow off some steam. Just not any fight that harmed Sunny.
For her encore song, she turned toward where he was standing and whispered into the microphone, “This one’s for you.”
He knew she was speaking to him. But the crowd had to feel like she was singing directly to them. She had that way of including every fan in the enchantment she created.
The lights dimmed as she took one last bow.
Dash climbed the stairs to the stage, hooked an around her waist and led her away. Lloyd met them at the stairs with a broad grin. “Wow, Miss Daye. Every time I hear you I think you’re even better than the last. This time was no different.” He reached for her hands and squeezed them gently. “Some of the men who helped erect the stage would like a chance to meet you in person.”
“Miss Daye must be exhausted after such a stunning performance,” Dash directed his words toward Lloyd then turned to Sunny. “Are you up for it?”
She gave a weak smile. “I am. It’s part of what I do. And I really appreciate my fans. They’re who got me where I am.”
Lloyd clapped his hands. “Good. Then come with me. They’re waiting behind the stage.”
His arm still wrapped around Sunny’s waist, Dash stuck to her like glue. Her three bodyguards flanked them as they stepped down from the stage and rounded it to the back where a dozen people stood ready