Page 23 of King of Temptation

Roman’s been working with the Dukes. New players who came here from England.

Luke’s been handling the Russian Bratva.

And Jake…he’s been trying to apply the pressure to the Italians. But what he doesn’t know, is I’ve got my own ideas and plans. And they’re going to be the difference.

“What issue?” I ask, snapping the pen in half and getting ink all over my fingers.

“Chill, Leo,” Roman warns.

But I don’t have a chance to answer as Melissa, my dance manager pops her head in. “I’ve got the next one ready.”

“Send her in,” I growl out.

I instantly regret the words because Melissa has chosen Kim for the next audition. She’s in this tiny black leotard, her hair in this high ponytail, not the soft curls she had this morning. It’s straight and very dramatic. Even standing in the room, she’s miles above every woman who has ever auditioned.

By the way the guys next to me still, I know they know it too. Or maybe they just recognize her.

“Fuck me,” Jake mutters. “I forgot how beautiful she is.”

So clearly, it’s both.

“What is she doing here?” Roman asks, but Luke, a true dog, leans over Roman to ask me a question.

“Is Kim the screamer?”

My fists are clenched so tight I could make diamonds, as a small snarl rips from my lips. “Careful.”

But Jake and Roman have caught on and I can feel the disapproval rolling off all of them. They know I hooked up with Charlotte’s best friend.

Kim moves to the center of the room. “Hi,” she gives all of them a little wave.

No one waves back.

“What are you dancing to, Kim?” I ask, just to keep this moving along.

She runs a tongue over her lips. “Um. Dua Lipa. ‘Houdini.’”

I give a curt nod. Why did my family have to show up today? Now? She takes a stance, hands over her head, back arched, ass out, and I hear Jake hiss under his breath.

The music starts up and she slowly lowers her hands and then she does this move where she rolls her head, sending her ponytail in this aggressive arch before the rest of her body follows. It’s sexy and stunning, her skill undeniable.

I’m transfixed. Kim is beautiful just standing. But in motion…I lose every thought as I just watch. I’m not even sure I remember to breathe.

All too soon, the song comes to an end, and she stops, standing before us again.

I think I’m supposed to talk here but words have completely failed me. I know Kim wants to be a ballerina but that was just…

“Well?” she finally asks. “Do you think I’ll pass as a cage dancer?”

Roman nudges me, so that I remember to speak. “Yeah. Yeah. You’ll pass.”

A relieved smile pulls at her lips. “Great. I know I sounded skeptical this morning but…” Her hands twist together. “I really appreciate this, Leo. I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay…” She trails off, her hand fluttering. “Thank you.”

“Welcome,” I answer, clenching and unclenching my ink-stained hand. “You can see Melissa to fill out the forms. Rehearsals start tomorrow at two. There isn’t much to it, you mostly do your own moves.”

She gives another nod. “Thanks again,” then she waves to everyone else, “nice to see all of you.”

Before I know it, she’s gone.

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