Everything had become a big blur. Maybe he was right. “Okay.”
He smiled. “It’s a date.”
CHAPTER 18
BASTIAN
“It’s going to be fine, Tristan.”
The slender man was wringing his hands. “Isis is forgetting her lines. The backstage team is still fiddling with the set. And?—”
I gripped the man’s shoulder. “Take a deep breath. Jennifer is an excellent actress. She’ll nail the lines come opening night. The set looks great. We’ve got this. You’ve got this.”
He blew out a breath, using a finger to push his heavy, black-framed glasses higher up the bridge of his nose.
I kept glancing at the auditorium door, waiting for Lark to appear. The actors were all on stage, in costume. Several showgirls, wearing wispy, white dresses and black wigs, were doing their best sultry Cleopatra looks.
“It’s going to be brilliant.”
Tristan set his shoulders back. “Hell, yes, it is. It’s going to beah-mazing.”
“That’s the spirit.”
I’d seriously prefer to be in my penthouse with a naked Lark under me, than here, dealing with temperamental preshow nerves.
“Thanks, Bastian,” Tristan said.
I nodded.
My director headed off, clapping his hands as he walked back over to Isis and Osiris.
A cloud of perfume engulfed me. I half turned and saw one of the Cleopatra showgirls standing beside me.
“Hi, Bastian,” she said breathlessly.
It took me a second. “Lydia.” I’d fucked her a few months ago. “You look wonderful. Are you looking forward to the show?”
“I can’t wait. It’s going to be spectacular.” She ran a hand down my arm. “I was wondering if you’d like to…hang out. I had such a great time last time.”
And I barely remembered it. “Lydia…”
She waved, and another Cleopatra came over, smiling widely.
“This is my friend, Claire.” Lydia cocked her head. “We could all have a good time. The three of us.”
Of course, Lark showed at exactly that moment, striding into the back of the auditorium. She’d changed into dark jeans that fit her like a glove, and an emerald-green shirt tucked in with a narrow, leather belt defining her small waist. She spotted us, then jerked to a stop. Her gaze narrowed on Lydia and her friend.
“It’s a lovely offer, but not one I’ll take you up on.”
Both women pouted.
I stepped back, but Lydia followed, pressing her hands to my chest. “Are you sure I can’t persuade you?”
Over her shoulder, I saw Lark charging our way down the rows of chairs. I recognized the look in her eye.
She was out for blood.
Shit.
