Chapter 5 #2
I roll my eyes, unable to help it. I might love my parents and especially my brother, but for the last five years, I have been locked in a gilded cage because of them, and when he, the man I was forced to marry, disappeared all of a sudden, I saw my way out.
“Plane then a bus — it was simple really, but that was the last of my cash. You know I have no experience in anything but dancing. Also, I don’t have a visa to work in the States, and we both know that means it’s going to be difficult to earn money anywhere else.
I’m too old to even bother applying to any American dance school. Sloane, I need a fresh start.”
“And you think I will just give you a job?” She runs a hand along the length of her ponytail, considering me in the way my mother used to. Like I’m a petulant child she doesn’t know what to do with. “The men here will eat you alive.”
Defiantly, I fold my arms over my chest and tilt my head up. “I’m tougher than you think.”
I hear Asher snicker, but that just earns him another harsh look from his sister. “I’m sure you think you’re tough. But when you get out there on the stage, it’s a whole other thing.”
“I know what it is. Don’t forget, I sat in The Voliera night after night watching the dancers in the birdcages.”
She massages her temples like I’m giving her a headache. “You know the cops are looking for you. I have a good mind to call your brother and have him come and collect you.”
Oh, shit, that’s the last thing I need. I shake my head.
“I thought you, of all people, would get it. You made me question everything. And you know if I go back home, they will just marry me off again. I have no skills, no money, no friends to help me.” I lock my eyes with hers. “You owe me this much.”
Her lips form a thin line. “I don’t owe you anything after the way you treated me,” she snaps back quickly, like it’s me who did a number on her, when we both know she and her husband are the reason my piece-of-shit husband is missing.
“You owe me a chance to get my life back on track.” I lock my eyes with hers, silently praying to anyone who will listen that she can see how desperate I am. That she gets it.
“You can’t turn her out on the streets, Sloane. She might not have any experience, but the girl can move, and you and I both know the men here will like her,” her brother interrupts, offering me a half-smile filled with sympathy.
I smile back, not sure why he wants to help me but grateful someone is on my side.
She looks between Asher and me, her lips forming a thin line. “You can stay on one condition. You call your brother and tell him where you are. I’m not having the cops beating down my door searching for some missing girl again.”
A small smile works its way onto my face, and I nod.
Okay, that’s good and bad. My brother is better than my parents.
He’s more understanding and cares about my wellbeing a hell of a lot more than they seem to.
It’s just I know he’s going to be pissed, and the last thing I want is to do anything to upset him or have him show up here to drag me back to Italy.
“Thank you,” I whisper, not sure what else to say.
She moves around behind her desk and sits in the office chair, typing something into her computer. “Where are you staying?” she asks, a little more warmth in her tone.
“Still waiting over here… for one of you to enlighten me as to how you know each other?” Asher says.
She looks over at him again, her eyes narrowing, her lips pursed, and I get the impression she’s giving him the silent treatment.
I shrug my shoulders. “I haven’t worked that part out yet.”
She closes her eyes, breathing deeply, and I sense the weight of the tension I’ve created. “I’ll sort out some accommodations for you.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I reply quickly, not wanting to be a burden.
Her eyes lock with mine again, a seriousness to her pretty features.
She looks tired, and I feel bad to be adding to her stress.
“Yes, I do. Meet me in the main bar when you finish your dance lessons. I have a place you can stay. And if you need anything while working here, come to me and not Asher.”
I place a hand on the doorknob, eager to escape her office and get back to my classes with Paige. “Thanks.” I smile softly, kind of surprised she’s being so accommodating, then I close the door behind me with a click.
When I get out into the hall, I stop and wait to hear what she says to Asher. That felt too easy. All too convenient. Is guilt eating her because she’s thrown my life into chaos?
“Keep an eye on her. Like, don’t take your fucking eyes off of her,” she says to him, her tone darker.
“What am I missing? Who is she?” he asks back, sounding completely lost.
“She’s married to Valentine Moretti, or she was.” She sighs heavily as if the weight of the world rests on her shoulders, and I wonder what she knows that I don’t?
The way she says was implies she knows something as to his whereabouts. Was she the one to rid the world of my evil, motherfucker of a husband, and why do I hope she was?
“You don’t trust her?” he asks.
“I don’t know her well enough to make assumptions, but we all know what he was capable of. Honestly, I don’t think she’s dangerous. I think she’s a girl out of luck who needs a hand to get back on track, but the people looking for her, Ash, they really could be all sorts of trouble.”
“Shit, I knew she was on the run. Fuck. She might bring more attention from the local cops. That’s the last thing we need.”
“Exactly. Good work not getting the background check done before hiring her. You hired two other girls today, did you check them?”
“Yes, both.”
“What happened with her then?” she snips back, sounding super mad about it.
“I… I’m not sure,” he stutters out, sounding distracted. “But I promise you I won’t let anything happen to her. And I will make sure we don’t have any trouble.”
The way he says it makes my heart skip a beat. He wants to protect me?
“Asher Stryker! She’s off limits! If you fucking screw her, you no longer have a job here with me. Do you understand?” she barks back at him, and I hear the seriousness in her voice.
I hear him laugh, but it doesn’t sound as carefree as he was with me earlier. “Lighten up, Sis, I don’t fuck every girl who works for us.”
“I’m serious, Ash, she’s not like the other girls here. She’s been through a lot married to Valentine. More than any girl should have to. I won’t have her hurt again, not here on my turf.”
I huff out a breath. She thinks I’m a damaged damsel in distress.
That’s why she made it so easy for me. Right now, I guess she’s not wrong.
I’m alone in the world for the first time, but that’s the last thing I want her brother to know.
Especially after that interview. I’m still all tingly when I think about the way he looked at me.
And the truth is, I got him to give me a chance on my own.
One step at a time, I can do this by myself.
I will reclaim my life. I don’t want her pity or his.