Page 69 of Master of My Heart

Kathy gave her a warm smile as they shook hands.

Sabrina picked at her nails and looked around, wanting to leave, but afraid to try again.

“Richard, are you frightening the poor girl?” Kathy gave her a gentle smile. “He’s not being mean, is he?”

Sabrina shook her head.

“Because if he is, I’ll take care of him for you.” Her easy laughter relaxed Sabrina. A little.

“No, I’m fine,” she said softly.

“Sabrina is a new member of the ballet company,” Richard explained to his wife.

“Oh, isn’t that wonderful!” Kathy exclaimed. “Are you dancing this season?”

Sabrina nodded. “Yes. I’ve been cast as Clara in The Nutcracker.”

Kathy’s eyebrows raised. “Wow. You must be talented for Martin to put you in that role as a new dancer.”

“Martin is very kind.”

“I look forward to seeing you perform. We’re attending opening night.”

Sabrina nodded, not knowing how else to react.

“Perhaps we’ll have the honor of you being at our table at the gala,” Richard said.

“Table?” Sabrina knew opening night was a big deal, with a party and all, but hadn’t given it much thought. She exhaled and swallowed, dreading another party obligation.

“The dancers are scattered about the room, so each table has at least one.” He smiled at Kathy. “Might have to talk to Martin about that.”

“That would be wonderful,” his wife agreed.

When she saw another woman approaching, Sabrina’s heart dropped into her stomach.

Grace Ralston, Chase’s mother.

She was as beautiful as Sabrina remembered, her dark hair pulled up into an elegant French twist, her blue cocktail dress shimmering in the lights of the room.

“Sabrina,” she said, her gray eyes wide and full of tears as she reached out to her. Sabrina didn’t know what to say as Grace embraced her, hugging her hard and stroking her hair. “Oh, Sabrina. I thought—” She pulled back and looked at her. “Oh honey. I thought you were—” She swallowed. “I thought we’d never see you again. Oh, Chase will be ecstatic!”

Sabrina stepped away, trying to put distance between them. “He’s not here, is he?” She looked around, afraid he was going to appear like his mother did. This house obviously belonged to either Chase or his mother. Maybe both, if what Jayson said about Chase being unmarried was true.

Mrs. Ralston shook her head. “No, he’s been away. He’s due back any day now.” She tilted her head, eyes full of concern. “Are you all right?”

Sabrina gave Richard a desperate look, pleading with him to let her go. He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“I-I need to go.” She looked back at Mrs. Ralston. “Please, don’t tell him I’m here.” She looked at Richard. “Please, may I go?”

He stared at Sabrina for a long moment, then nodded. She felt his release. She turned and walked as quickly as she could out to the entryway... where she ran into a tall, hard body.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Omigosh, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, stepping back quickly.

Sabrina looked up, seeing the man who had been with Aiden up on the roof. No! She’d left Aiden, became entrapped by Richard, only to escape him and be back in Aiden’s clutches. Her shoulders slumped, wondering what else would go wrong tonight.

The man smiled, not unkindly. Up close, he looked to be in his mid-forties, his tall, thin frame encased in a custom black suit. His glacier-blue eyes were warmer than she previously thought.

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