Chapter 10
10
Yasmine
Although my duo act with Kaden had been flawless, my solo act was proving less so.
Focus.
Yeah. Because missing an element could result in a catastrophe. I wore a security line for this act—much to my consternation. The director and I fought constantly about this. I didn’t wear one with Kaden. But then we had each other. For my solo act, my moves were more complicated. More dangerous. As if that was possible. Kaden and I were at the top of our games.
I flew off the bar and sailed through the air and caught it after a flawless twirl.
The audience applauded.
I grinned.
Then stepped off the bar and caught it on my way down.
The audience gasped.
I flipped and then twisted into a sitting position.
More applause.
I finished off the routine and held on tight as Nick lowered me.
The acrobats tumbled from offstage as the audience applause carried me out of sight.
Kaden snagged my elbow and pulled me to the side. We had a final routine, but not for almost an hour—with an intermission in between.
“What the fuck, Yaz?”
I blinked. Trying for innocence.
“I don’t know?—”
“The fuck you don’t. You nearly missed that twirl.”
I huffed.
He glared.
“Maybe take this elsewhere?” Our assistant stage manager pointed to the exit. She was a no-nonsense woman who I’d never disobey.
“Of course. Apologies.” This time, I snagged Kaden and dragged him with me. When we were alone, I whirled on him. “What the fuck, Kaden? I nailed each element perfectly.”
“You were distracted.”
“Was not.”
He arched an eyebrow. “I can always tell, Yaz, so don’t try to bullshit me. You’re wasting your time and energy.”
“Clearly.” I headed toward the dressing room.
“We need to talk.” Kaden was hard on my heels.
I whirled. “We’ve talked. You told me what you thought of the show Nick and I gave you. We have since, I might remind you, fucked five times. Talk about peeing on my leg—” Again, I spun and stalked.
“Yaz.”
I ignored him.
Right up until Nick stepped into my path. He wasn’t required for several routines. Of course I’d never noticed what he did when he wasn’t actively involved in the show.
“What do you want?”
Nick delivered an enigmatic smile. “Just checking how you’re doing.” He broke our gaze to look over my shoulder. Presumably at Kaden. Then he looked down at me. “Are you all right?”
“I’m not distracted.” I arched an eyebrow. “Unless you’re willing to distract me again tonight. That might be fun.” I trailed my finger down his sternum.
His eyes widened. Then he caught my wrist just as my hand was headed to his crotch.
“Jesus.” Kaden swore.
Nick cocked his head. “Do you have any commitments?”
He meant between now—Sunday evening—and Tuesday afternoon’s show.
“No.”
“Hey, I might.”
I spun to glare at Kaden. “Who said you’re invited?”
Kaden gestured wildly. “You’re not spending forty-eight hours alone with him.”
My insides clenched at that exact idea. “I can do whatever I want.”
“Why don’t you both come home with me? Unless you have women at the ready…” Nick rolled his hand at Kaden, clearly inviting him to speak.
He pursed his lips. “I do not.”
No. He hadn’t made any plans since the night he’d found me alone with Nick. In actuality, aside from going to the bathroom, he’d been my shadow. I couldn’t decide if I liked the intense level of scrutiny. Regardless, I had his full attention—something I wasn’t ever certain I’d had before. He’d always been solicitous and attentive—but never completely mine.
“We can meet in the parking lot after the show. I’ll drive you to your hotel where you can pack overnight bags, and then you can come home with me.” Nick yanked me close. “And we’ll have fun.” He planted a fierce kiss on my lips and was gone before I was able to catch my breath.
“Fucker.”
I whirled on Kaden. “What the fuck? If I want to go home with him, then I will. It’s not likely that he’s a serial killer?—”
“You don’t?—”
“Fucking hell, Kaden, I do know. Just like I know, no matter how angry you get, you’ll never strike anyone in anger.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
I arched an eyebrow.
“I, uh, meant him…” He gestured to where Nick had last been.
“You wouldn’t.” I poked his chest. “You kissed him.”
He flushed. “I shouldn’t have.”
I cocked my head.
“Consent.”
“Ah.” I snickered. “I think when he got into your personal space like that he was giving up the right to complain.” I considered. “I think he liked it.”
Kaden scratched his cheek. “I’d say so.”
“Maybe you can do it again.” I eyed him. “You are coming…right? Or do you have other companions?”
“No one but you.” He crowded me against a pillar.
I didn’t mind a bit.
“You’re mine, Yaz. I’m sorry you didn’t see that.”
“Oh, I did. But for the next two days, I’m his as well.”
Kaden groaned. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
I grinned. “Yes, but what a way to go…” With that, I headed to the dressing room for my costume change.