Rocked (Rock & Romance II.)

Chapter 29. - Birthday Queen

A/N: Ok I lied. THIS is the last birthday chapter. I just had to include this...

It's dedicated to MulleM22 ! Thank you to you (and everyone else) for all the kind words. I really cherish this supportive community and all the love that comes with it!

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*Gia*

If I've had panties on before, the substance has most definitely changed shapes by the time Ash was done with this little song - which was filled with suggestive hip thrusts and heart-stopping grins. There were grown women and men I was introduced to when London and I made our rounds who basically salivated at his feet, yelling scandalous recommendations at him regarding where he could put all that power to good use.

And shamefully, I was almost one of them.

The only thing that kept my mouth shut was my pride. Not in front of his fans, but in front of him.

Because Ash Wolfhart watched me, waiting for my reaction, observing every little breathing change, every flick of my eyes. And I was too proud to grant him the satisfaction of knowing that I was burning for him.

"How did I do, red?" He asked, his chest exposed by the v-neck of his shirt glistening with perspiration.

I shrugged. "It wasn't half bad," I said nonchalantly. "But I've heard better."

A wolfish grin spread across his handsome face. "Well, I sure can't wait to hear you, Gia."

I stood, planting my feet steady to make sure I wouldn't wobble on my heels as I walked toward the stage. After a quick glance through the list of songs they had available, I found the perfect one. That'd show him - I chuckled to myself, hoping to channel my inner P!nk as I started belting out the first couple lines of 'U + Ur Hand' to the crowd.

After the first verse, I dared a glance in his direction, only to find Ash smirking back at me. Who knew he had a sense of humor?!

The people on the dance floor sang along with me, which probably helped the song tremendously. There was a reason I never aspired to be a performer - and it didn't just have to do with my love of science and innovation.

When I was done, the crowd clapped. I suspected it had more to do with the fact that it was my birthday party, rather than my singing talents - but the tequila in me didn't let that bother me.

I strolled confidently back toward our booth, and before I could slip back into my previous seat between Jesse and Albie, a big hand caught my waist, pulling me down on the spot next to him.

"How did I do?" I asked, mirroring Ash's earlier question.

He grinned down at me. "It wasn't half bad." But when I lifted a brow at him in question, he broke down in laughter. "Actually, it was the worst fucking thing I've ever heard. I had no idea anyone could sign that bad!"

I chuckled along with him. "Is that your professional opinion?"

Ash shook his head. "My professional opinion is that you didn't hit a single note in that entire song. My personal opinion is that I still loved it."

"And why is that?" I asked, batting my lashes at him.

He leaned closer, his lips brushing the hair near my ears out of the way as he spoke in that impossibly deep voice of him. "It's hard not to love everything about you, red."

I felt my cheeks heat as a deep blush spread over my entire being. Holy shit, this man!

In my awkward discomfort at the ever-present, but suddenly all dominating tingle between my legs, I glanced away from him-