The heavy knock on the dressing room door echoed like a gunshot in the quiet room. Clara froze in Jax's arms, her eyes wide with shock. Her heart beat fast against her ribs. If the manager opened the door and found them hiding in an empty VIP room, their cover would be blown in a single second.

Jax did not panic. His face stayed cool and sharp. He gave Clara a quick, reassuring nod, pressing one last soft kiss to her forehead before slipping silently into the deep shadows behind a row of heavy costume racks near the back corner.

Clara took a deep breath, smoothed down the front of...