Page 73 of InfraRed

Then, just as I predicted, with a disgruntled nod of his head, he surrenders and filming continues.

I stay close. Even if I wanted to leave, I wouldn’t because Casey turned those doe eyes on me and asked me to stay. So I watch with an aching jaw from clenching my teeth and a pounding headache from keeping my temper in check. The shit I’ll do to make sure she is okay is borderline masochistic.

But for her, there’s nothing I won’t do.

Casey

My entire body aches. Despite dancing for years, there are still days when my body begs for rest. But aches like today… They make me smile. It’s been a very long time since a performance made me feel this happy. It may have only been a music video, but it was the most challenging performance I’ve ever had. Despite a few intense moments, I know I nailed it because I put everything into it.

My thumbs press into my arches as I sit on the gold velvet tufted bench at the foot of my bed and groan at how lovely it feels. Filming finished two days ago, and my feet are still sensitive. Imayhave underplayed how badly my old shoes were hurting me. A doctor wasn’t necessary, but I wouldn’t have been able to perform if it had been more than a single performance.

“Keep making those sounds, and I’ll drag that sexy ass back in here,” Graham calls from the shower. The man has super hearing.

“If you do that, who’ll answer the door when the food arrives?” My fingers dig deep into my calf muscle as I rub in moisturizers. Another moan trickles from me, and even though it wasn’t intentional, I know I’m playing with fire.

“They can have it. I’ll buy more.” I bite my lip and glance toward the bathroom. The hot water did feel superb over my aching body and joining him for another orgasm does soundappealing. His deep, throaty laugh floats into the bedroom. “You’re considering it, aren’t you?”

It’s almost terrifying how well he knows me.

Before I can surrender, the door buzzes. “Too late.”

“Get the food and then get that pretty pussy back in here. I’ll start with dessert.” I stand from the bench, racing for the door, ready to do as he said, when he growls, “Put something else on.”

I look at my pink tank top and yellow shorts and roll my eyes. My dance attire covers less than this—or at least as much. Then again, he’s always complaining about that too.

Such a jealous, jealous man and it may be wrong, but I love it. It makes me feel wanted and desired. It makes me feel special because what could possibly make a man like Graham Davis jealous?

I swipe a hoodie from my closet and tug it over my wet head as I head to the front door. The buzzer sounds again before I get there. “I’m coming,” I call out.

My fingers wrap around the cool metal of the handle, and I pull the door open. A choked sound escapes me when I meet Dad’s blue gaze on the other side. He always calls before he comes, and if Graham is here, I make him hide in my room until he leaves. My eyes dart toward my room for a split second as I suppress a shudder.

I planned to tell Dad when he got back from his business trip. If I’d known he returned today, I might be better prepared, but it’s obvious he didn’t want me prepared. Which only means one thing.

This is an ambush.

“Are you going to make me stand outside the door, or are we having a conversation like this?”

I’m tempted to have it like this for no other reason than I know Dad won’t. He doesn’t air his business to the world. Not even to nosy neighbors.

Instead, with a loud gulp, I step aside.

His presence is intimidating. He radiates frustration and anger as he walks past me. When I try to close the door, a hand stops me, pushing it back open. My stomach drops when Uncle Henry appears.

Great. Double teamed.

And if the look on his face means anything, he knows too.

“When did you get back?” I force an innocent smile, praying he doesn’t hear the nerves in my voice or the shaking in my hands. My stomach lurches violently.Don’t throw up, Casey.

“This afternoon. I had to stop by the office for a few minutes before I could go home, and guess what the office gossip was?” I wince and drop my gaze to the floor. “Anything you want to tell me? Am I to believe the rumors? Draw my own conclusions?” I keep silent because I have no freaking idea what to say. Or rather, I do, but I can’t get my mouth to work. “We had a deal, Casey, remember?”

My lashes flutter as I take a deep breath. What I want to say—need to say is on the tip of my tongue, but fear of hurting him is making it hard to spit it out. The idea of disappointing him is almost crippling. “No, Dad,” I lift my eyes to meet his as I know he expects. “Wenever had a deal. You gave an order, and I went along with it long after I had to.”

“Excuse me?” He stands a little taller, his eyes blazing with hurt and anger. “I said that to protect you. That’s my job.”

“I know, Dad, and you did. But like you keep telling me: I’m an adult now. Or at least I’m no longer a child.”

“You’re not a child, but you are my child. And if you’re not a kid, then why did you lie to me?”

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