Page 65 of Dancing With Delusion

“Are you with Vivian?” I ask.

“Yes. Why?”

“I have some good news. Victoria is home.”

There’s silence on the other end, and I can’t help but smile. “Erm, that’s . . . how? Have the doctors released her?”

“No,” I tell him. “There was a plot twist in the story.”

“Oh?”

“Nik took her.”

I’m met with more silence before he clears his throat and says, “I don’t understand.”

“Well, it’s clear, isn’t it? He wanted her out the way.”

“He did?”

“Maybe he planned to take me down next. Maybe he needed me weak. Either way, he’s dead.”

“What?” he barks.

“Should I have let him live?” I ask. “He almost killed Victoria.”

“And is she . . . how is she?”

“She’s very unwell.”

“Is she able to talk? Has she told you what happened?”

“No, she’s too weak, and the doctors have put her into an induced coma.”

“Will she be alright?”

“They don’t know. I’ll update you when I know more. Are you able to hold the fort with regard to Vivian and the club?”

“Of course. Consider it done.”

I disconnect, and Marshall smiles. “Do you plan to keep Victoria hidden?”

“For now.”

“How do you think she’ll take that?”

I shrug, remembering the way she looked at me with so much distrust and anger. “It’s to keep her safe.”

Marshall turns at the sound of footsteps, and we spot Victoria holding a large bag. He heads out of the office, and I follow. “What’s going on?” he asks her.

She avoids my eyes and my heart sinks. “Can you give us a moment?” she asks Marshall.

He glances at me, and I nod. He heads for the kitchen, leaving us alone.

“You should be resting,” I tell her, reaching for the bag. She takes a step back. “Victoria, what is this?”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think,” she whispers, keeping her eyes to the ground. “I’m tired of this,” she admits. “I can’t keep competing with them.”

“Victoria,” I say, my tone warning. I feel the panic building because I can read her like a damn book. If her eyes were filled with that familiar fire, I could handle this situation, but instead, they’re full of hurt and pain, and I know this is going to end badly.

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