I need more.
“I’ll tell you what’s in it, but you have to promise me something.”
“Anything, Tempest.”If those two words don’t stir my libido to life even more than it’s already kindled… No ice bath can sate this fire within me. Only him.“What do you want?”
“I want to feel like you’re here even if you’re not… Tell me what to do.”I’m trying to sound smooth, but I can’t deny the plea in my tone. Having him in my heart, in my head, this last month has been incredible, the bond giving me constant reassurance, but soon he’ll have to hibernate, and with each conversation we’ve had, I can sense his weariness. Until now.
I want to tip over the edge with him, despite the distance.“Let’s do solstice together.”
Jax’s low growl rumbles through me.“Oh, Tempest, I hope you know what you just unleashed.”
“What should I do?”
“We’ll get to that.But first, tell me what’s in this kit?”
I imagine Jax’s lazy smile, eyes sparkling with mischief, wrapping a hand around himself and stroking so deliciously slow. The vision floods my veins, pooling between my legs. Every part of me tingles with desire.
It’s all the courage I need as I go through my basket with him and begin to undress.
OCTOBER
42
JOLIE
It’s opening night and my first performance as a soloist with Ballet Potomac.
I loop the last section of my chiffon drapes around my pointer finger, then sweep through a few port de bras, admiring how the fabric follows the circular curves of my arms. The other two soloists are doing the same, each of us taking turns pinning our hair pieces in place, securing them to our buns. The three of us are the only ones dancing in both acts tonight, first with the corps inKingdom of the Shades, then afterward in the second act withPetite Mort.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Ten minutes,” comes the muffled voice of our stage manager.
We move in a flurry around the room, setting out our corseted costumes for Act II, tying up our pointe shoes, and painting our lips a rich mauve. Then we’re off, floating toward the wings. Resin crunches beneath my toes.
“Break a leg, Tempest.”
I nearly topple over. After solstice, Jax joined his other Frosts in deep sleep, resting and replenishing their energy. I wasn’texpecting to hear from him until closer to winter. Not that I’m complaining. Jax’s pride flares to life in my chest, and I slip my hand to my mate mark that’s hidden beneath my leotard.“You have impeccable timing. Aren’t you supposed to still be in hibernation?”
Bouncing in place, I shake out my arms, as if that would somehow release the nerves ping-ponging around my body. I can’t predict when he’ll be in my head, but I start most of our conversations since my schedule’s been hectic. Besides, Jax doesn’t want to distract me when I’m dancing, which I appreciate.
“Well, I set my alarm a little early.”I savor the low rumble of his chuckle as I move upstage, tucking into the wings behind Veronique. Evelyn and Sara line up behind me.“Besides, the nervous flutter of your heartbeat mixed with your anticipation was a pretty big giveaway. Don’t think I could have slept through that. How much longer?”
“The curtain’s about to go up.”
The lights are low, which they’ll remain for the entirety of tonight’s performance, only the pale sheen of blue lights casting an eerie glow over our white costumes.
“I know you’ll do incredible.”It’s a beautiful reassurance. One that I need right now. At least until I see Lark and Delilah in the front row, cheering me on.“I sent you a little gift since I can’t be there. Wish I could see you tonight.”
“Same.”
“Looking forward to hearing all about it later tonight. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
“Merde,” Veronique calls back to us.
“Merde,” we all say in unison, shooting each other excited smiles when the orchestra begins to play.
