Page 49 of Juliet & Her Romeos

I can’t help the excitement that floods through me, despite the danger.

A young man with black hair is driving a Harley straight toward the open gates of the academy.

He’s almost here.

“For fuck’s sake, get down,” Swan snarls.

I twist around to see Swan dive down the steps toward the statue as well. His coat flies out behind him like wings.

“Climb up with me.” I struggle to the edge to make space. “Technically, we won’t be in the courtyard then.”

It’s a long shot. But I’ve become creative about getting around the rules.

Adrenaline is surging through me. Yet I know that it’s as much from the thrill that I’m about to meet someone from the outside world, as fear.

This biker isn’t a typical member of the ballet circle.

It’s like smashing the mirror and stepping through to the real world on the other side to see him here.

I reach toward Swan, but yell out in shock, as I slip on the icy marble.

“JuJu,” Swan calls.

The air whooshes from me.

My heart stills.

No…

The moment feels like it drags on forever — I’m frozen in the split second that I’m falling from the statue.

And it feels like flying…or dying.

I close my eyes.

Then I hiss in pain as I land in Swan’s outstretched arms.

The impact carries us both backward to the frozen ground. My landing is softened by Swan’s body.

Swan can’t hide his groan.

Shit, have I hurt him?

“I’ll always catch you,” Swan rasps.

He tightens his arms around me.

I stare down into his face that’s tight with pain, rubbing my cheek against his in comfort.

I’m trembling. My breathing is shallow. My heartbeat is rapid and irregular.

Ashen, I cling to Swan tighter.

I’m too dazed to raise my head, as I hear the motorcycle roar into the courtyard.

It’s so fucking loud in the silence.

To my shock, the driver parks the beast of a black-and-red Harley directly beside Swan and me.

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