Page 79 of Mafioso's Muse

‘Okay.’

Turning away, she fled the room.

24

May 2024

Rain drizzled across the dark streets of Melbourne, creating a hazy glow outside the car window. Finn pulled up out front of Star Theatre and glanced in the rear-view mirror. Vaughn adjusted the collar of his suit as he exited the car and headed for the large doors.

It had been two weeks since he’d seen Willow, and while promising himself that he would stay away, he’d felt a consistent pull across the city, drawing him back to her. He needed to see her dance a final time, but he also needed to be discreet.

Last one in and first one out was the plan.

As he entered the foyer, he spotted Nigel speaking with a gentleman over at the bar. Upon seeing him, Nigel excused himself and hurried over. ‘Mr Gallo.’

‘Evening,’ Vaughn replied, maintaining his pace.

Nigel fell into step with him. ‘I didn’t realise you were attending this evening.’

‘It’s my understanding that I’m free to use my box whenever I please.’ He didn’t mean to come across like an entitled arsehole, but he absolutely did.

‘Of course.’ He followed Vaughn up the staircase. ‘It’s more that we would have prepared your box in advance, but I’ll personally take care of it.’

‘I appreciate that.’ He glanced sideways at the director. ‘Do me a favour, would you?’

‘Name it.’

‘Pretend you didn’t see me tonight.’

The initial confusion on Nigel’s face melted into one of understanding. ‘Of course.’

Vaughn took in the new wallpaper. ‘The place is looking good, by the way.’

Nigel looked proudly around. ‘The interior decorator you sent had a strong vision. All the feedback has been positive so far.’ He stopped at the top of the stairs, forcing Vaughn to do the same. ‘We’re slowly working through the long list of jobs as best we can.’ He crossed his arms, his expression turning serious. ‘Antonio tells me the new stage will be completed before closing weekend. That just leaves seating and carpets to be replaced beforeGisellerehearsals start.’

So much for a discreet last-minute entrance, Vaughn thought, glancing around.

‘We’ll unveil the new bar at the beginning of the season,’ Nigel continued, sounding pleased. ‘The pop-up one in the interim has served us very well. Profits from that are keeping the lights on right now.’

‘Glad to hear it.’ Vaughn clapped him on the arm. ‘If you’ll excuse me.’

‘I have your favourite scotch,’ Nigel called after him.

Vaughn continued to his box, unable to shake the feeling that he was trespassing on forbidden ground. The Star was Willow’s kingdom, the audience honoured guests, and he the unwelcome intruder.

He slipped behind the closed curtain and sank into one of the plush seats, Willow pushing her way into his thoughts once more. That happened a lot when he sat still. Memories of her flooded in. Her light-filled eyes. That mouth of hers stretching into a slow smile at the smallest compliment. The exact curve of her neck. The way she tasted. How it felt to sleep with her tucked against him.

But the bad memories plagued him also.

The pain on her face at the smallest rejection. Her broken expression the night he was arrested. The fear in her eyes the first time she witnessed him beat a man.

That was why he sat cloaked in shadows—the light belonged to her.

A theatre attendant appeared, placing a glass of scotch and a packet of nuts on the small table. ‘Enjoy the performance, Mr Gallo,’ she whispered before disappearing.

He picked up the tumbler and took a sip as the curtain rose, revealing the familiar set ofSleeping Beauty. His heart settled into a steady rhythm, knowing Willow would soon appear. Their relationship had barely gotten off the ground, but God, he missed her. There’s a scale that runs from a one-night stand to forever, and somehow they had landed at both ends of it. Every instinct told him there was no going back to the way things were.

When Willow finally stepped onto that stage, Vaughn didn’t move. She was so fluid and graceful. Pure passion and raw joy. Her light shone so brightly that he felt sure if he reached a hand out, he would be able to touch it. But he kept that hand firmly around the glass and the other balled on his thigh.

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