Chapter 4
Chapter Four
LEWIS
A.K.A. “The Arsehole”
I ’ve been out of the country for the better part of a year. It couldn’t be avoided, and I hated every minute that I couldn’t be near my tiny dancer.
My sweet little dancer.
But I’m home now, so I’ll make it up to her. She’ll be so excited to see me. I can picture the way her gorgeous face will light up as she enfolds me into her arms and holds on tight. I can almost feel her delicate fingers in my hair.
I sent flowers this morning to let her know I’m home and will see her soon. Pink roses are her favorite.
I’ll send them to her every day.
Our home will be stuffed with the fragrant, delicate blooms, reminding her how much I adore her.
How perfect she is.
The phone at my elbow vibrates with an incoming call, and I accept.
“Hello, sir, this is Molly at Blooms in Manhattan. I’m sorry to have to tell you that we tried to deliver your order, but we were told that Miss Gallagher is no longer with the New York City Ballet. Would you like us to try to deliver somewhere else?”
I sit back in my desk chair and frown at the windows of my office that look out onto Wall Street. “There must be some mistake.”
“No, sir. I went myself and asked to speak with a manager. I was told the same thing.”
“You keep the flowers for your trouble,” I tell her, then hang up and make a call to the ballet myself.
“New York City Ballet, how can I direct your call?” a woman answers.
“Hello, I was wondering if I could interrupt Skyla Gallagher’s rehearsal for a family emergency?”
“I’m sorry, Skyla hasn’t danced here in quite a while now. God, I hope her family’s okay.”
“Yes, they will be. I just need to reach her. Has she gone to a different dance company in the city?”
She must have switched to a more prominent company. What a brilliant woman my tiny dancer is. I’m so proud of her.
“You know, I’m not sure. I lost touch with her, to be honest. It’s just been really busy around here, you know?”
“I understand completely. Thank you for your help.”
After hanging up, I stand and walk to the windows, shove my hands in my pockets, and frown.
Where is my girl?
She needs me. She couldn’t have coped well without me all this time.
I have to find her.
Immediately.