Page 59 of Midnight Whispers

I know the answer as soon as the question hits my brain—yes.

It wouldn’t be huge, just one studio, but that’s all I would need.

Looking inside, I picture a small desk at the front when you walk in and mirrors on three of the walls, a ballet bar in front of each of them.

My stomach fizzes with excitement. I step back then fish my phone out of my purse to take a picture of the phone number to call. I tell myself not to get too excited as I shove my phone back in my purse and walk back across the street. Who knows what the rent is? Maybe they’re asking for a crazy amount that I won’t be able to afford. I have some money saved now that I no longer have to give Louise or Lisa a portion of what I make, but will it be enough?

And renovations to get the place in shape won’t be cheap.

The buzz of excitement I felt fades as I unlock my car and slide inside. My shoulders sag, but I raise my chin before I pull out of the parking lot.

Whether I can afford this place or not, one good thing has come out of it—at least I now know exactly what I’d love to do with my life.

Chapter

Twenty-Five

NERO

Igo in search of Cinder, knowing where I’ll find her.

When she returned from work last night, she didn’t seek me out and went right to her room. I’ve resisted telling her I want her in my bed every night, not wanting to push her too much. So I forced myself not to look for her until after lunch and I had gotten some work done.

Music floats from behind the closed doors of the ballroom, and I smile, knowing she’s inside. I slip inside quietly and arrange myself behind one of the large columns so I can watch her dance.

She’s dressed in a black one-piece leotard with no sleeves as she bends and stretches to the music. The song she’s dancing to has an upbeat tempo, and I assume she must have been here for a while already because there’s a sheen to her skin and strands of hair have fallen out of her bun.

She is so fucking magnificent to watch. Whether I already had the proclivity or not, I could watch her all day. Her focus, the emotion that pours from her as she somehow interprets the words of the song and turns them into visual artistry.

The song ends, and she holds her pose before walking to her water and towel.

I clap, revealing myself, and walk out from behind the pillar. She whips around, startled, then smiles when she sees it’s me. She bends down for her phone and turns off the music.

“How long were you watching?” Cinder tilts her head playfully before taking a long drink from her water.

God, it feels so good to have her know I like to watch and know she doesn’t care or get weirded out.

“For most of that song, though I wish it were longer.”

She chuckles and sets down the water, picking up her towel. “I like to dance when I have something I’m trying to sort out in my head. It’s always helped me organize my thoughts, if only because I’m not focusing on it for a time. The problem always feels more surmountable after I dance.” She pats the sweat from her face and neck with the towel.

I frown. “What problem are you dealing with?”

“More trying to figure out how to make something happen.”

I study her for a beat, wanting to ask her, but Cinder usually isn’t shy about telling me anything, and I told her the other day I’d give her more time to figure out what she wants. Even if it drives me crazy. “Are you done here for now?”

“Yeah, I’m tired.”

“Why don’t you get changed, then we can go for a walk around the manor grounds? I haven’t even given you the full tour yet.”

Her eyes light up. “That would be wonderful. I just need to have a quick shower first. Can you give me an hour?”

“Of course. I’ll swing by your room to get you in an hour.” I kiss her and wrap my arms around her body, loving the way she’s still slicked with sweat because it reminds me of when we’re having sex.

An hour later, I lead Cinder onto the grounds of the manor.

“I love this time of year,” she says, breathing deeply. “It always feels full of new possibilities. Plants start growing again and animals have their babies.” She shrugs. “It just feels like a renewal of the earth. I like to think we’re the same.”

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