Since I’d stepped foot in the massive room and even before taking my first dance step, I’d gathered a sense of being watched. Not just by the two soldiers protecting me either.
My curiosity as to if I was correct was so strong I dropped to the floor, pretending to fix my toe shoe, and squinted. The level shielded some of the light but couldn’t prevent the ominous shadows blanketing the expansive theater.
Maybe my senses were wacked, incapable of providing me with a sense of warning as I’d been taught. My father had told me to follow my instincts and when the little voice inside my head told me to run or hide, that I shouldn’t hesitate. I could swear I heard his voice inside my head now. He wasn’t sending me well wishes on my performance of the night either.
He was warning me.
My goodness. After everything Jaxon had said to me as well as the tone of his voice, I’d become paranoid. My thoughts were silly. With two big strapping men carrying weapons, I certainly had nothing to fear.
Still, I sensed something was off, Jaxon’s increased tension when we’d parted earlier sticking in the forefront of my mind.
The sound of clapping hands dragged me from the moment of fear.
“Alright, everyone. Time to get dressed,” Irina shouted. “But first, a little pep talk.”
Exhaling, I thought about Jaxon. He’d yet to call and I hadn’t seen him. Not only was I anxious, I missed him.
His touch.
His stern looks.
His whispered dominance.
His lips pressed against mine.
I enjoyed a heated shudder while I rushed toward the circle of dancers,
While the last three days had been a whirlwind, the night and morning spent with him had been grounding.
“This is a very special night,” Irina continued, but the sense of being watched continued. Enough so, I was barely paying any attention to what Irina was saying.
A noise captured my attention and I jumped enough I caught Irina’s scorned look.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Time to prepare. As I just said, tonight is very special. We are sold out. Enjoy and remember the art is the key. Pay attention to the music cues and allow the magic to win the night.”
I started to walk away, but Irina stopped me.
“Irina.”
She glanced over her shoulder, waiting until the others had walked away. “You seem distracted, Anna. Is there something wrong?”
“Nothing really. Just a little nervous.”
Irina Novikov wasn’t known for her kind demeanor, at least to her dancers. She was hard as a rock both in body and soul. That’s why when she eased my braid from my shoulder, I stiffened.
“I was very happy to bring you here, Anna. I want you to know that.”
Everything Jaxon had said tickled the back of my mind.
“Thank you. I’m glad to be here. I believed the New Orleans Ballet wasn’t hiring. That’s why I was so excited when you called.”
“There are always exceptions for important dancers. You are very special. Very special indeed.” The faraway look in her eyes not only surprised me but managed to create another wave of anxiety.
“If only my father could be here to see me.”
Her smile slowly faded. “I’m certain he’s watching over you from heaven above.”
What?
