Page 117 of Dance of Deception

“Yeah, who is that?” Naomi whispers.

“Don Marchetti’s other daughter,” Milena says quietly. “But rumor has it, her dad had her sent away for the last few years.”

Naomi blinks. “Sent away where?”

Milena lowers her voice even more. “Depends on which version of the story you believe. The polite one is that she was ‘overseas’,” she air-quotes with her fingers. “But the spicierone?” She pauses, clearing her throat, “A ‘mental wellness’ center.”

I raise a brow. “Why does that sound like code for something?”

Milena’s lips quirk. “Because it is. Word is, she had atonof issues with drugs and mental health. So her dad shipped her off and swept her under the rug while Ciara went and played the doting mafia princess role.”

All of us turn, brows arching as Kuzmina clears her throat sharply, silencing the smatterings of whispers and hushed conversations.

“Dove will be understudying Naomi inSwan Lake.”

Woah.

I turn to see the panicked uncertainty on Naomi’s face. She blinks rapidly, looking like she just got sucker punched. I reach over and take her hand in mine, squeezing it and flashing her a comforting smile.

“Understudy,” I whisper. “Don’t let it throw you.”

Madame doesn’t give anyone time to process the bombshell, just turns sharply and motions for everyone to follow. “Come. We will run the act twopas des deux.”

Naomi and I exchange a look as everyone gets to their feet. Then Kuzmina turns to Naomi. “I’d like Dove to do this run-through, Naomi. Just to see where we are. She’s actually performed the role before. Isn’t that right, my dear?”

She turns to Dove, who subtly nods her head as she pulls her pinkish-silver hair back into a tight bun and rolls her neck.

"Begin,” Kuzmina says, her tone making it clear there will be no further discussion. I watch as she leaves the stage and melts through the darkness of the auditorium to her usual place, four rows back.

Dove simply steps into position with Miguel, one of the company’s male dancers who’ll be playing our Prince Siegfried inSwan Lake, her expression focused.

The music starts.

She starts to move.

Andholy shit.

Her movements areunreal.

Dove’s technique is flawless, graceful in a way that makes your jaw drop. Every movement is elegant and controlled, every expression perfectly matched to the character.

Between Brooklyn and me, Naomi groans. “Fuck,” she whispers. “She’s incredible.”

Brooklyn smiles comfortingly, wrapping an arm around Naomi’s shoulders.

On my other side, Milena leans in close, her voice quiet enough that only I can hear.

“You need to be smart about this.”

I glance at her, frowning. “About what?”

She doesn’t look at me: her gaze is still locked on Dove. “About this marriage. Like, you don't have to be a pawn.”

A cold prickle ripples down my spine. “I’m not a pawn.”

She tilts her head slightly, considering. “Good. Don’t let yourselfbecomeone.”

I press my lips together. “He doesn’t—” I stop myself. Doesn’twhat? See me as a piece to be moved? Expect me to obey? I don’t even know if I believe that myself.

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