He nudged her shoulder with his. “Come now. I’m not the kind to judge.”
“I was coming up with ideas for the next challenge.”
“Is that so? You are thinking of such things even after what happened to the Sánchezes?”
Her eyes widened. “Is that horrible of me?”
“No. That iscircusof you.” He winked. “Only those with truesparkle in their veins understand that the show must carry on.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. And for the first time she noticed that he’d powdered his face. “You are more like me than I ever realized.”
“Really?” She scooted closer. “How so?”
“You are a performer through and through. You want to feel the spotlight on your skin. To be loved and adored by all. And you have spunk, kid. Did you see how many people held signs up for you when we entered the city? Did you hear them chanting your name?”
A twinge of annoyance spiked through her. “They were also chanting for Ignacio.”
“News travels fast. That’s exactly why you must capitalize on it. If you want to be the main attraction, you gotta do whatever it takes. Use this energy. Use him.”
“Use Ignacio?”
“Sure. Pull him into your act. Tease the audience with a love story, even if it’s a false one.”
“I don’t think he would be okay with that.”
“Make him okay with it. And fast.”
She blinked in confusion.
Ángel grinned brilliantly. The morning sun turned his eyes the same sapphire blue as the siren tank. He twirled his fingers, and a black envelope popped into existence.
He offered her the card. “Get ready, Esmeralda Montero. Challenge number two has just begun.”
She took the card with both hands. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t. Especially if you heed my advice. Use the boy. Give the people what they want.” With a grunt, the ringmaster stood. “See you soon.”
She watched him go, his movements stiff as if he too hadn’t slept well. She sighed and beamed, clutching the envelope. He still believed in her.
Her smile quickly faded when the ringmaster crossed paths with Gabriel, who held Camila up with her arm around his shoulder. Esmeralda tried to hide her excitement and the envelope, but it was too late. They had seen it.
Gabriel shook his head before escorting Camila away.
Away.
That’s where people were always moving when it came to Esmeralda.
Away.
Maybe it was her own fault. She was selfish and greedy. But how else was she supposed to be? No one in this world would ever care for her like she did. People left her when they learned who she truly was anyway.
But the crowd, the audience, the coin they flicked in her direction, that would be there until she decided she’d had her fill. Ángel Veracruz was the only person who understood that fact. And he would be the only one to save her from Comandante Olivera.
She tore the envelope open and read the card.
Welcome. Welcome. To challenge number two!
Show me your vivacity and you will be through.
Do you sparkle? Do you shine?
