Page 72 of Mafioso's Muse

‘Jesus,’ he said, taking a step back.

‘He’s not guilty.’ Her words lacked conviction.

‘Of course he is.’

‘You don’t know him like I do.’

‘Youdon’t know him,’ Harrison fired back. ‘Vaughn Gallo is a criminal and a master manipulator.’

She shook her head.

‘He has a long history of using people to get what he wants, including people here at this very dance company.’

That was too far. ‘He has been nothing but supportive of Vic Ballet.’

Harrison raked a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. ‘I understand youthinkyou have feelings for this man, but I’ve seen the way he operates. He can be very charming and persuasive, but it’s all to further his own interests. I say this to protect you.’

God, she was tired of hearing that. ‘Let’s just agree to disagree.’

Harrison hesitated, then said, ‘Look, there’s something you should know. I wasn’t going to tell you, but I think you need to hear it.’

She stared into his blue eyes, waiting. ‘What is it?’

He looked back to ensure Finn wasn’t listening. The driver was busy on the phone.

‘Vaughn bribed Nigel to give you the solo,’ Harrison said.

His words landed like a punch to the stomach. ‘No.’ She shook her head, rejecting the words. ‘No, he didn’t.’ He would never do something like that.

‘I was as shocked as you. There are some lines I can’t fathom people crossing.’ His voice oozed with sympathy. ‘But it’s 100 percent the truth. If you don’t believe me, you can go and ask Nigel.’

Willow reminded herself to breathe.

‘I had planned to give the solo to you anyway,’ Harrison added. ‘His interference was completely unnecessary.’

This was just an attempt to drive a wedge between her and Vaughn—a very clever attempt. Effective. She could already feel her loyalty being pulled in different directions. She had no choice but to call his bluff.

Turning on her heel, she walked off down the hallway towards Nigel’s office, each step feeling heavier than the last when Harrison didn’t follow.

She found his door slightly ajar and him hunched over his desk, on the phone. She waited for him to finish the call, her heart in her throat, then knocked.

Nigel looked up, brow creasing when he saw her there. ‘Willow.’ Then, registering her expression, he said, ‘Come in.’

She took one step inside the office. ‘Is it true?’

‘Is what true?’

‘Did Mr Gallo bribe you to give me the solo?’

Nigel leaned slowly back in his chair with a resigned sigh. ‘It wasn’t a bribe.’ His hands went to the arms of his chair. ‘Mr Gallo made a twenty-thousand-dollar donation to the company.’

‘Twentythousanddollars?’ Her mind raced. ‘And when did he make this… donation?’

Nigel hesitated. ‘The day of the bar opening.’

It was as though someone had thrown cold water over Willow. ‘The day I was given the solo?’

His hand went to his forehead. ‘Mr Gallo has always been a generous supporter of the arts, and he clearly believes in your talent. We all do.’

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