Page 122 of Phantom Mine

Digging into the communal pile of costumes, I pick one and head for the bathrooms, passing Aurora on the way.

“I saw you run out of the bar. What’s going on?” She follows me in. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Fabulous.” I slam the bathroom door closed behind me. “Couldn’t be better.”

“Oooo-kay, you sound it. What happened?”

“Nothing. I’m going on for the final set tonight.”

I hear Aurora gasp on the other side of the door. “As in, you’re going to dance?”

Matteo said he had eyes on me at all times. Well then I hope those eyes see this.

“Yup.”

“Is that a good idea?Valentina,” she whispers. “Matteo is going to lose his shit when he finds out.”

All I can think about as I pull the outfit on is that he made me talk about Adri, he made me tell him things I haven’t told anyone, he made me relive moments with her I’d long buried, only to push me aside in the same week without even giving me the courtesy of telling me.

So am I being vindictive? Yes. Is this immature? Yes.

But is it going to make me feel better? Also yes.

I slam the door open and walk out. Aurora’s mouth drops when she sees my outfit.

“He won’t care,” I say, heading to the mirror and applying my cherry-flavored lipstick.

That thought leaves a sick and sour taste in my mouth.

“Uh, he absolutely will,especiallyin that outfit. He’s going to set fire to this place with all of us in it if you go out there.”

Does Marina know about his phobia? Will she get rid of all the candles, matches, and lighters in her apartment? Is she going to be careful not to turn the stovetop on when he’s at her place? Or is that just me?

“Good thing he isn’t here to see it then.”

She’s gaping after me as I storm out.

I find Juliana about to go on stage. She was part of Arabella’s crew and I’ve kept my distance from her since.

“I’m taking your place,” I announce.

“What? No, it’s my turn!” She crosses her arms over her chest. “Anyway, I thought you didn’t dance anymore.”

“I’ll give you all the money I make. Just sit down, shut up, and enjoy the paid vacation.”

With that, I walk out on stage.

The initial notes of Juliana’s song come on. It’s not music I would have picked for myself, but I can work with it. Turning my back to the crowd, I start rolling my hips to the rhythm. Immediately, I hear the crowd get louder, appreciative whistles and lewd cheering flying from drunken mouths.

I’m about to drop down to my knees when a large body collides with mine, an annoyed grunt sounds in my ear, and I’m unceremoniously tackled off the stage.

I was up there for less than a minute.

“Juliana,” Enzo hisses at her over his shoulder, pinning me with his forearm against a wall. “Get the fuck onstage.” She blanches and scurries off without a word. “Andyou,” he spits, turning his angry eyes on me. “Do you have a fucking death wish?”

“Maybe,” I snap, my temper frayed.

His eyes flash. “Well, Idon’t. I’m the one the boss is going to skin alive if you shake your ass up on that stage, not you, so do me a favor—put some normal fucking clothes on and go the fuck home.”

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