King of Rock (Lions of Pride Island Book 1) Read Free Page B

lanyard around her neck that told the world she was his special guest.
    Beau’s personal passes , the guy at the front had said.
    She put a hand over her rapidly beating heart as Beau started his next song, a haunting ballad about being in love. His winking eyes turned serious as he sang his heart out, and she let herself sink into the music and try not to think about the person creating it.
    Or the fact that she’d be seeing him in person soon. In just a couple hours. In a room with that face, that body.
    How would she be able to remember what a monster he and his family were with those golden eyes locked on her alone?
    She pulled her sweater around herself and resisted the urge to run. Or faint. She was on a mission here.
    She told herself to stay for the children, for the profit Beau would bring if he agreed to the auction.
    But she had to admit she didn’t think she could run if she wanted to. As much as she hated it, she was locked in his magnetic tractor beam, and she couldn’t escape any easier than he could fly off the stage.

    * * *
    B eau felt sweaty and exhilarated as his manager came in with one of the assistants to congratulate him on the concert. He took a wet cloth from the assistant and thanked her, pressing it over his face to cool off from the bright spotlights that’d been on him for the past two hours.
    But even that heat couldn’t compare to the warmth that had sizzled when he locked eyes with his mate. He was glad he’d sent her those tickets. Being up close like that, he’d recognized her immediately. Felt that spark he’d always hoped he’d feel when he met the woman meant to be his mate.
    He’d seen her reaction to him, though it hadn’t been exactly what he’d expected. Shock. Wariness, somehow. Maybe she didn’t know how she’d gotten so lucky as to be there? Did she remember who he was at all? Maybe she was just shy. She was dressed different than any of the other women, but he liked that, too. Liked that she was keeping it under cover, like she was saving it all for him.
    Perfect. With those gorgeous eyes and that soft, dark hair and those rounded curves, she’d make a perfect mate. Thank heavens he didn’t have to settle just to please the oracle. He didn’t think he could have picked better himself.
    “I heard you have someone coming backstage,” Lou said. “Nice of you to tell me.”
    Beau frowned. Had he forgotten that? Maybe. “I am. I’m going to meet with her in the back tent.”
    “You need to be supervised,” Lou said. “I’m coming.”
    “Suit yourself.” Beau shrugged, pulling off his shirt and pants and changing into a dry tee and soft jeans with sandals. It felt great to cool down in the night air. He could still hear the excitement of the fans as they were leaving the stadium. He’d played all the encores he could. He truly loved seeing their happy faces, though he had to admit it had been extra special tonight, performing in front of his mate.
    He’d known ever since he was little that he would have an arranged mating, and he’d been trying not to worry about it because there wasn’t anything he could do. But now, knowing everything was going to be fine, he was at peace with it.
    It would be nice to have a mate. Someone to hang around who would understand him as a person, not just a celebrity. Someone regular. Down to earth. And curvy and pretty, with fiery eyes.
    Lou picked up his radio and walked away a few steps to talk into it. Then he turned back to Beau. “Your guest is here with her friend. They’re waiting outside the talent tent out back.”
    Beau swallowed. This was it. His first meeting. Well, he’d met her once as a kid, but he knew she wouldn’t remember, if she even knew that was him, since he’d been in lion form.
    But she had to remember his name, as he and his brothers were rulers on the island where she’d lived much of her younger life.
    Was it conceited of him to hope she did know who he was? Maybe.
    He rolled back his