“That’s nice,” I mutter back to the boys when I realize they were talking to me and I didn’t respond. I watch Sloane walk through the crowd, wishing I knew how to get her attention, but without a phone and a second to myself, it’s almost impossible.
Cruz’s hand lands on my bare thigh. His finger traces the line of the delicate lace. “That’s nice? It’s a job, baby, a way of earning your own money and getting that independence you so desperately crave. You should be over the moon.”
I sigh heavily. “But all I want to do is dance.” I glance back at him. “And honestly, whatever you need to tell yourself, Cruz, but we both know no matter whether I earn my own money or not, I don’t have my independence, with you three stuck on me like fucking glue.”
He blinks back at me a couple of times, and I think for the first time in his life Cruz just might be lost for words. His fingers tense ever so slightly on my thigh.
Asher places a kiss to my bare shoulder. “Won’t be forever, princess. Once we’re married and your family backs off, you can do your own thing again.”
Cruz nods agreeing. “And I have already been in talks with Paige about your dance application for next year. You will be dancing, as soon as we can make it happen.”
I can’t help but roll my eyes. They seem to believe the words they’re saying, but after this morning, I don’t. They’re all keeping shit from me. This sweet savior act is all just them playing a part so they can get what they want out of me. My chest aches uncomfortably and way too real, I think from my stupidity over all this. Over them. It’s the only explanation for the devastation I’ve been experiencing since I overheard their conversation with Sloane.
A knock sounds at the door, and Cruz hops up to answer it. Even though I only just watched Sloane waltz through the room below, I pray it’s her here to save me.
“I hear a rumor my girl Princess is in here?” comes Paige’s excited voice from behind us.
I stand in a rush, so damn thrilled to see her. My excitement squishes down when I feel Asher’s arm snaking around my waist and pulling me back to him, even before I make it to the door to hug her.
“Oh, look, there’s the happy couple,” she gushes. “You know you’re the talk of this place after locking Asher down.” She grins, all cheeky. Even she’s dressed up tonight in a stunning cream cocktail dress that shows off her figure. She looks stunning.
I fake a smile and try to laugh, but it comes out flat and tired. “I was surprised myself.”
She takes my hand and inspects the ring. “Nice work, Ash,” she praises him. “Didn’t think you had it in you.”
I stare at her, waiting for her to look back my way and see I’m not okay. See that I need her help.
As if reading my mind, she glances back at me, but from the excitement in her eyes, I can see she has no idea. “So, when do we start training for the next round of auditions?”
“She’s making great progress and dancing a little, but Doc still thinks it’ll be a few months before she can get back into itproperly,” Cruz answers for me in a way that makes my hackles rise. I can talk, asshole.
She looks between him and Asher, a slight furrow in her brow. “I can work with a few months. Don’t you worry, girl, we have enough time that there is no way you’re not going to nail it. I have some new ideas, and as soon as we can, we’ll get you dancing.”
“Thanks, Paige, it’s really great to see you.” I try and smile, but it’s forced.
She takes my hand in hers and holds it tight, then she pulls me toward her and out of Asher’s grip on me so she can hug me. “You gave us all such a scare. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
When she pulls back, I lock eyes with her, hoping to God she sees what I’m trying to tell her telepathically. I’m not okay. I’m fucking trapped here.
She gives me a funny look as she studies my face. “Okay, well, I have to run. I’m needed backstage. Hope you all enjoy the show.” She grins from ear to ear, and I know she didn’t get it. “Actually, we could use your help, girl, one of the backstage crew called in sick and we’re short, if you want to get back to all the action?”
My eyes go wide. Maybe she did. “Yes, I’m dying to work again, take me with you.”
Asher’s arm lands heavily on my shoulder as he pulls me back close to him protectively. “Not tonight, Paige, maybe some other time,” he mutters in a back-the-fuck-off tone.
I mouth, “Sorry,” not sure what else to do. I would love more than anything to leave with her right now. Go and be a normal girl. But even I know it’s not safe with my brother and Leone out there somewhere looking for me. As much as I hate to admit it, I need these guys to keep me safe.
Cruz gives her a salute kind of wave and closes the door while she’s still standing there looking stunned at the way Asher spoketo her. His gaze lands on my face. “You’re acting strange, little darlin’.”
A wave of sickness washes over me, and I raise an eyebrow. “How’s that?” I try to act coy.
His eyes narrow. “You just are.”
What’s wrong, Cruz, worried your in with Moretti Media is about to disappear on you?Words I wish I would say but have to keep locked up tight. “Maybeyouare. You know how weird this must look, right? All of you being so overprotective of me. Asher and me getting married, the girls in this club have known you all a long time, and I come in out of nowhere and you’re all following me around, you talk for me like I don’t have a voice of my own, and then you go and practically kick out Paige mid-conversation. Very strange behavior, if you ask me.”
“It’s not strange to be protective of your soon-to-be wife. That’s all people will see,” Asher snips.
I sigh heavily and try to move out of Asher’s grip on me, my head thumping more than I would like. I need space. I head for the buffet that lines the far wall, everything from gourmet-looking little foods to fresh-sliced meats and fancy-looking vegetables. I top up my champagne and drink it down, then find a mini burger and take a bite. I might as well enjoy the expensive catering if that’s all I’m going to get out of tonight. My escape plans seem to be impossible.
