Page 15 of Poisoned Roses

She cocks her head to one side and waits for my answer, and it impresses me.Sheimpresses me because as decisions go, she has made the perfect one for both of us, so I raise my glass and offer her a rare smile.

“I accept your terms, Clarissa. Friends.”

She sighs. “Tatiana is a lucky girl. Why am I wishing it was friends with benefits right now?”

I laugh, despite my surly mood and as we touch glasses, I’m satisfied that the evening couldn’t have gone better if I had planned it.

CHAPTER 8

TATIANA

It’s already been an emotional day. Once I left Rodion’s office, I had to explain to Nadia what the hell was going on, even though I don’t know myself. If I say the wrong thing, it will be leaked to the press and I wish I had been briefed on what to say.

During rehearsals, the other dancers kept their distance. The distaste on their faces was confusing.

I haven’t a clue what I’ve done.

It’s as if I am no longer welcome here. I sense their animosity. Their hatred even and I’m unsure why.

Leo is particularly angry. He is rough on the holds and clumsy on the lifts. It’s as if I’m the enemy and it hurts.

I have always tried to get along with everyone here, but many consider me the untouchable. I’m not invited out to drinks after work. Parties in their rooms when we’re overseas. I’m not privy to the gossip, possibly because Iamthe gossip and today only highlights that.

They are whispering in corners, throwing furtive glances in my direction, and giggling at my expense. It certainly feels like that and by the time the performance comes around, I’m a nervous wreck.

In his pre-performance speech, Rodion told us there were many more photographers tonight. His accusing glare in my direction was akin to pointing the finger directly at me.

The atmosphere is tense, angry and frosty and my heart sinks when I realize it’s unlikely to get any better.

“Tatiana!” Rodion bellows in my direction and I jump, wondering what his problem is now.

“Take that fucking ring off. Juliet doesn’t wear diamonds that cost more than most people earn in a lifetime.”

I stare at him with a guilty expression and whisper, “Okay.”

He turns away and I detect the sneers on the faces of my fellow dancers, making the ring extremely heavy on my finger. It’s as if they are disgusted with me. As if I have sold myself to the highest bidder because they will be aware that Titus is a stranger to me. That we have never dated, and he has not been present in my life, so they have come to the correct conclusion that this engagement is a complete sham.

I head to my dressing room and wonder where I can hide the ring to keep it safe. It panics me to contemplate losing it and asI push through the door, Nadia is waiting to help me into my costume.

“What’s the matter?” She says anxiously, obviously sensing my mood and I huff, “The ring. I can’t wear it for the performance.”

“I thought that would happen.”

She shrugs. “I’ll wear it. It’s probably the only time I’ll have the chance to admire such a beauty on my finger—ever.”

The sadness in her eyes always haunts me because Nadia has, to my knowledge, never been in love.

“I thought that too, but it changed in twenty-four hours. That could happen to you.”

I aim to give her hope and she smiles. “Thanks, Tia. You’re a good friend.”

I slip the ring from my finger and hand it to her with a grateful smile.

“Where would I be without you?”

The sad expression on her face causes me to ask, “What’s wrong?”

“You don’t know?” She shakes her head and sighs deeply. “Your engagement has ended your career, which means I will no longer have the pleasure of assisting you.”

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