Chapter 26
The Show Must Go On
I guess Cruz has more sway with his brother than I realized because it’s opening night of Sloane and Romeo’s club and the four of us are dolled up and hanging out in a glass VIP sky box at the back of the club with champagne flutes in our hands.
I have on a vintage black lace dress with corset-style top that cinches my waist and makes my boobs look massive.
Jagger seemed to disapprove of it as soon as I plucked it out of my closet.
I have been waiting for something worth wearing it to, and tonight seemed like the perfect event.
Piss him off and look sexy as all hell in the process, that’s a small win I will take.
I hate to say it, but all three bothers look undeniably edible.
Shame they’re made of poison and would kill me should I take a bite.
This sky box Sloane organized for us has the perfect bird’s-eye view of the stage and offers the security Jagger required to let me out of the house.
Below, the club is a buzz of excited energy.
When I convinced Cruz we should be here tonight, it was my genius plan to escape them, but unfortunately for me, I’m more trapped than ever.
This room has two security guards on the door and no other way out.
The boys have been attached to me everywhere I go, flanking me at both sides with Jagger following behind.
I can’t move without bumping into one of them and am starting to feel like all the air in the room is thinning.
To top it off, it’s like Sloane is avoiding me.
I mean, I know she’s busy and all organizing with all the last-minute things she needs to do, but every time I tried to grab five seconds with her, she told me “later, sis,” and I know it’s more than her being busy.
Asher takes my hand running his finger over his ring before he tugs me away from the view onto his lap. “Sit down and relax with me, princess. Looks like Sloane has it all under control. You can stop your stressing on her behalf. I know that’s what you’re doing.”
Cruz plonks down into the leather seat beside us, handing me a fresh flute of champagne. I almost cringe as I take it, a flashback of Valentine doing exactly that flashing into my mind. He tilts his glass to meet mine. “Looks like your hard work marketing this event paid off, this place is packed.”
“Romeo is singing your praises, and there’s talk of hiring you permanently to run their marketing,” Asher agrees.
I fake a smile. The idea should excite me, but it doesn’t because I feel like I’m falling further down the rabbit hole with no way out.
I glance at Jagger; he’s on a call, pacing the other end of the rather large booth.
Every so often he runs his fingers through his hair, looking agitated.
The way his eyes flick to me tells me I have something to do with his frustrations or it’s that he’s scared to take his eyes off me for fear that I might escape his clutches.
Fat chance in that happening. He’s probably on the phone to Alex Moretti working out how else he can use me to get what he wants.
Fuck him. Fuck all of them. I’ve had enough of this shit.
“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 it properly,” 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 spoke to 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.
“Maybe you are. 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.
A hand comes to my hip, with a light squeeze. “Good to see you’re eating,” comes Jagger’s voice over my shoulder. “I was about to cut off your champagne since you haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
I glare over my shoulder at him then refill my glass just to be spiteful.
Fuck him. I hate him the most because I know he would have been the boss behind whatever decisions would have been made about me.
Probably stands to get the most out of it as well.
I guess that’s why he was so disappointed it was Asher who gets to marry me.