Chapter 8

The after-party was in a loft high above the city – neon lights spilling out onto a rooftop terrace, bass-heavy music shaking the walls, and enough glittery industry people to make the whole room smell like money, perfume, and ambition.

Katseye had just annihilated their set at Lollapalooza, and this was the unofficial celebration. Managers, producers, festival staff, other artists – everyone was there.

Dani had walked in holding your hand, and you thought maybe, just maybe, you’d get to have her for yourself tonight.

But Dani in post-performance mode?

She was a magnet.

She was in black this time – cropped tank top, loose pants hanging low on her hips, still glistening faintly from the stage, her hair was up, neck exposed. She’d already drawn a small crowd without trying: people congratulating her, wanting photos, leaning a little too close.

You hung back at first, nursing a drink, letting her shine. This was her world. You’d always known that.

And then she appeared.

Tall, blonde, expensive smile – another artist, one you vaguely recognised from some indie-pop hit. She slid up to Dani like they’d known each other for years, a hand on Dani’s arm, leaning in too close to say something over music.

Dani laughed – polite, distracted – but didn’t step back.

You felt it.

That low, sharp flare in your chest.

You took a slow sip of your drink, trying to brush it off. She’s just networking. It’s normal.

Then you saw the girl lean in, her lips brushing Dani’s ear, whispering something. Her hand trailed a little lower, fingers grazing Dani’s bare forearm.

That was it. You set your drink down.

You were across the room in seconds, sliding up to Dani’s side like you were made to be there. Without a word, you slipped your arm around her waist and pressed a kiss to the side of her jaw – slow, deliberate, possessive.

Dani stiffened for a split second, then melted, a grin flickering at the corner of her lips.

“Hey, baby,” she murmured, turning slightly toward you, her hand finding your hip automatically.

The blonde raised a perfectly sculpted brow. “Oh… you’re-?”

“Her girlfriend,” you said smoothly, eyes locking on hers. “You?”

“Just…saying hi,” the girl said, stepping back half a foot, but not quite leaving. “Big fan of your set, Dani.”

“Thanks,” Dani said casually, though her hand tightened on your hip like she could feel the fire coming from you.

You smiled – sharp and sweet at once. “That’s nice. We’ll take it from here.”

The blonde blinked, laughed nervously, and muttered something about grabbing another drink before disappearing into the crowd.

Dani turned to you fully, smirking. “Well… that was hot.”

You crossed your arms. “You were just gonna let her paw at you?”

“She wasn’t pawing,” Dani said, tugging you closer, her voice low. “She was trying. Big difference.”

“Looked like she was trying to mark you.”

“Mm,” she hummed, lips brushing your ear. “I already belong to someone.”

You tilted your head, eyes narrowing. “Do you?”

She grinned, teeth catching her lip. “Yeah. Want me to prove it?”

She didn’t even wait for an answer.

She pulled you off the dance floor, weaving through the crowd to a dim hallway just off the main loft, where the bass dropped to a distant hum.

Then she pushed you against the wall – gently, but with intent – and kissed you. Hard.

Your hands went to her shoulders, pulling her in, the heat between you sharp and electric.

“Baby,” she murmured between kisses, “I love it when you get jealous.”

“Do you?” you whispered back, fingers sliding into her hair.

“Makes me crazy,” she said, trailing her lips down your neck, “You pulling me away like that? Hottest thing you’ve ever done.”

“You’re mine,” you said, surprising even yourself with how rough your voice sounded.

Dani froze for a heartbeat, eyes locked on yours, pupils blown wide. “Say it again.”

“You’re mine,” you repeated, firmer.

She exhaled – a sound that was half laugh, half groan – before kissing you again, slower and deeper, her hands roaming down your sides. “Yeah,” she whispered. “I am.”

*

You didn’t go back to the party right away. You stayed in that hallway, tangled in each other, the festival’s neon glow flickering through the window.

By the time you did return, Dani’s lipstick was smudged, your neck was marked, and the blonde who flirted with her had vanished completely.

Dani walked beside you, her hand firmly at your waist, eyes on no one but you.

And if anyone doubted it, the way she pulled you into her lap when you sat down at the VIP booth said everything. Dani was yours.

And tonight, the whole room knew it.

———-

Well, since the last chapter was about possessive Dani, I couldn’t help but also write one about possessive you 😉