“Nothing.”
She fell in step beside me back to her dressing room, pulling the pins and rubber band out of her hair, shaking the blonde waves free. When we got into her room, the Russian dancer was gone, and I was grateful to have another moment alone with her.
Her vibrant blue eyes were full of questions. “You seemed upset out there.”
“I didn’t care for the way he talked to you.”
Her lips curled up into a faint smile. “That? That’s nothing. When he starts throwing shoes, that’s when I take it personally.”
My jaw tightened once again, but her soft hand was there, turning my head down. Pulling me to her kiss. It was slow and passionate and about the connection strengthening between us. I wanted to enjoy each moment, but we were already on borrowed time.
The kiss ended just seconds before an older woman entered, without knocking, mumbling Polish and carrying a massive, white wreath. Wait. Not a wreath.
Atutu.
The woman passed it, along with a glittering costume on a hanger, to Laurel. She continued mumbling Polish to no one in particular as she went, shutting the door behind her.
“She’s the head of the costuming department. Do you mind turning around again?” Laurel said softly. “There’s nothing less sexy than putting on tights.”
It was unnecessary, but I complied. She hadn’t figured out yet that everything she did was sexy. Even the way she breathed was sexy to me.
I ran a hand through my hair then rested it on my hip, staring at the blank wall before me, listening to her move around.
“I take it there hasn’t been any sign of Frey?”
“No,” I said.
“I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing anymore.”
“You not being in danger is a good thing.”
I knew what she meant, though, that this route would split us up.
Shit, she deserved so much more than this. I would give everything to pretend none of it had happened and neither of us would have to give up our careers. That we’d met in some normal situation, dated, and then fell in love.
To be sure it was her feelings for me that bonded us together and not her fear or trauma.
“If it comes to it, and I can’t stay here, will you do me a favor?” The costume hanger rattled as she dressed. “Will you look for my sister and make sure she’s okay?”
“Of course.” I’d leave absolutely no stone unturned in my hunt for Frey, but even if her sister’s disappearance weren’t related, I’d still follow through.
“Thanks. I’d... like to talk to her again.”
We lapsed into silence.
Beyond the door, other dancers shuffled past, laughing and teasing each other. Over the comm, I heard the announcement that the front doors were opening in five minutes and the security team needed to get into positions.
“Okay, I’m dressed.”
She wore a white costume that plunged deep in the front. Clear gems dotted throughout the fabric and tutu, and when they caught the light, it cast multi-colored reflections around the room.
The words tumbled from me without warning. “God, you’re beautiful.”
My compliment caught her by surprise, and color flashed across her cheeks. “Thank you.”
Her bashfulness didn’t last long because she sensed the clock looming over our heads. She took a seat at the lighted mirror and began to gather her hair up in her hands, but the door abruptly swung open.
Jesus, did no one knock?
