Chapter 21
Aubrielle:
I went to Eden early today, well before opening time.
I had to do something to keep my mind off the fact that I was supposed to be at my old family home tonight.
After church the other night, Shadow had sat me down and explained what they knew and the plan to ensure I was covered even on campus.
I’d felt guilty for forcing poor Jonas to take a class just to watch over me.
When I approached him yesterday to tell him that, he waved it away.
“Jonas, I’m so sorry that they made you take that class to watch over me.” I cornered him in the common room. It was midday. Most people were at work. I was at home on the compound. I’d gone looking for him. Jonas frowned.
“No one made me do anything. Maniac asked if I’d do it, and I said yes. Taking a computer class won’t hurt me. It’s smart, actually. And if it helps to ensure you’re safe while on campus, then it’s a win-win.”
“I still feel bad. You wouldn’t have taken it if you hadn’t been asked. I wish it were a class I could take online, but it requires hands-on practice.”
“Don’t sweat it, Elle. I mean it. This isn’t even worth a second of worry. Besides, that place is crawling with babes. I get extra time to check them out. Who knows, I might even get a girlfriend out of it,” he grinned.
I laughed at him, and we’d talked a solid twenty minutes about what other classes he had been taking before I let him get back to work.
Forgetting everything but my latest dance routine, I had Dusty start the music.
She and I talked it over last night, and she agreed to come practice at the same time.
We’d give each other feedback on what we thought of each other’s newest dances.
It was something we did often. She told me more than once that, even though she had way more experience than I did, my critiques were spot on and made her dances better, the way I knew hers did mine.
Out where the audience would be, there sat Shadow.
He was chatting with Mayhem, Riot, Sandman, and Ratchet.
I wasn’t sure why all of them were here, though they did come in during daytime hours to do other work they couldn’t get done at night.
And standing next to Dusty was Astrid. She wasn’t flying today.
I’d been surprised to see her. When I asked why she was here, she said she came to hang out with Mayhem and was thrilled to see what I was working on.
I always welcomed her. I enjoyed our friendship time, no matter what we were doing.
The music started slowly and had a haunting quality. It would build, but not have the hard, thumping bass of many songs danced to. I saw the peacock as being more elegant. Of course, I might be wasting my time. I’d wait to hear what Dusty and Astrid had to say when I was finished.
There was a pole that could be erected in the center of the stage if someone’s routine required it, but not everyone did. This one would have it in it for me. Learning to be elegant and controlled on a pole has taken me a lot of practice.
I let the music take over, along with the vision in my head. I let them lead me through my prompts. It was a shock when the music stopped. There was a three-second stretch of silence, then loud applause, and shouts of approval hit me.
Looking out at the audience area, I noticed all five Punishers on their feet, clapping, shouting, and even whistling. The bartender, Calvin, who had been stocking the bar for the night, was next to them. Off to the side were Dusty and Astrid.
I smiled even as I blushed. However, what got my attention was the way Shadow rushed up onto the stage.
He stormed toward me with his gaze on fire.
It wasn’t anger. It was lust. I was engulfed in his muscular arms, and then his mouth landed on mine.
Shadow devoured my lips. That was the only term for it.
I more than eagerly returned the passion he poured into me. My hands clutched the front of his cut.
When he let me come up for air, I was weak and dizzy. The catcalls from his club brothers were loud. I heard Astrid laughing. Then, before he could drag me off to Mayhem’s office or a closet, Dusty joined us.
“Shadow, don’t kill me, but I recognize that twinkle in your eyes. I want to give Elle feedback before you carry her off. Elle, that dance was incredible. It’s so different from anything any of us has ever done,” she gushed.
“Thank you. You don’t think it’s too out there for here?” I asked.
“Not at all. It’s freaking sultry yet elegant and refined. You add your new outfit, and you’ll bring the house down. When do you plan to present it for the first time?” she asked.
“That’s what I want to know. You were amazing, Elle,” Mayhem said, joining us. With him was Astrid, and not far behind were the other Punishers.
“I want to practice it a few more times, but I thought about doing it next Friday unless you want me to do it on a different night.”
“Next Friday is perfect. I’ll make sure to have extra security when you do. I have a feeling it’ll bring down the roof,” Mayhem stated.
There were choruses of the same, which flustered me. Shadow stood there, holding me close, agreeing with everything they said. Their enthusiastic praise made me glow.