Page 18 of The Ballerina

“Well, I was hoping you’d be interested in seeing the progress on your studio.”

“Are you serious? Of course I would love to!”

I’m giddy at the prospect of getting to see what he has been working on. He’s kept it all a little hush-hush and I didn’t push, but the curiosity has been killing me.

“It’s just inside the western gate post,” he explains while I grab the keys to my car. “Please bring beer.”

I laugh because I already have them in my hand. “See you in a minute.”

I slam the door behind me and hop in my car. I see the building the moment I come around the bend in the road. The dark-stained wood facade stands out between all the houses. My heartbeat accelerates and I get a little teary just staring at what he’s done. He’s even put up a name:Ballerina’s.

My door opens and my mate pulls me out, holding me against his chest.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” he asks, concerned. “Did someone hurt you?”

“No,” I say shaking my head, although I can’t stop the tears. “I’m just overwhelmed. It’s beautiful.”

“Oh.” He looks a little embarrassed. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I love it, Atlas.”

He walks me around the outside, describing what he’s done and what he is still planning to do. There are gaps in the wood where glass panes will be installed once they arrive. The inside is just as stunning. The bare, exposed rafters high overhead make it seem even bigger than it actually is. I spin in a circle, smiling like a damn loon.

“I assume from your reaction that I did good?” Atlas chuckles.

“You did perfect! I couldn’t have asked for more.”

I run at him over the laminated wood floor, jumping into his arms. Atlas catches me with ease, using the momentum to turn us and pin me to the wall. It’s one of his favorite things to do.

His lips descend on mine in light and feathery kisses. He teases me gently, drawing little sighs from deep within me. My eyes fall closed as I breathe in my mate, enjoying the attention in this magnificent structure he has built for me.

A click sounds from the doorway and Atlas draws away from me. The moment I open my eyes, I can see strain lines etched deeply into his forehead.

“Stay behind me,” he whispers as he places me firmly on the ground.

Atlas turns his back on me, shielding me from view.

“What are you doing here?” His voice is devoid of any emotion. I’ve never heard him sound like this before and it sends a frisson of fear running up my spine.

“Atlas,” a husky female voice says.

“No.” He cuts her off firmly. “I already said everything I needed to say. I thought seeing me with my mate would be enough to make you understand.”

“Please,” she begs, and I lean around my mate’s large frame to see what the hell is happening.

The woman stands a few feet from us. Her dark brown hair hangs limply around her gaunt face. Tears streak her cheeks as she stares at the man I have fallen in love with. She holds a gun in her hand and fear freezes me to the spot.

“No, Jana.”

Her gaze collides with mine and she lifts the gun, pointing it at me.

“If I kill her, we can be together again,” she mumbles. “I don’t care that you fucked her or let her mark you.”

Atlas steps into the path the bullet would take and I want to scream at him. What the hell is he thinking? She could kill him.

“Move, Atlas,” she orders but he remains in front of me.

“Jana, you’re acting crazy,” he says angrily. “If you kill my mate I’ll die of a broken heart.”

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