Page 84 of Filthy Elites

“Everyone here is so talented. How have you been?”

“I’m hanging in there. I’ve been working on a few projects that are seriously kicking my ass.”

“What about Eric?”

Her cheeks turn pink. “Are you really going to make me look him up?”

“Yep.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re terrible.”

I try to stay focused on Sage, but the small hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I feel like someone is watching me from afar. Dread takes hold of me. I look over my shoulder, but I don’t see anyone there.

“Jeez, look at me yapping away.” She catches my attention. “You probably need to go in, right?”

“Yeah. I’ll look for you later.”

“Okay, break a leg.”

I hurry to the performers’ door, but as I’m about to enter, I look toward the main entrance again, where Sage and I were standing a few seconds ago. Then I see him.

Juan.

I couldn’t mistake his impeccable blond hair or the arrogant chin anywhere in the world. He glances in my direction just before he enters the auditorium, and then he smiles in a chilling way.

My heart is thumping madly now, and for a moment, I can’t draw air into my lungs. The world begins to spin, forcing me to brace my hand against the wall.

He found me. He found me.

The urge to run away hits me, but then I think about Jason and how happy I am here in Triton Cove. Juan already forced me to give up my whole life once. I won’t let him do it again. This needs to end now.

I take a couple of steadying breaths, and then pull the door open. I find my place near Jason, and immediately, he senses something is up.

“What’s wrong?”

If I tell him Juan is here, he’s going to react, but I don’t know what he’ll do.

I lie, “It’s nothing.” He’s watching me through narrowed eyes, so I add, “You know when you asked me if I wanted to play the solo and I said no?”

“Yes…”

“I changed my mind. I’d like to do it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. If you don’t mind that I steal the spotlight.”

He smiles and then kisses me. “Babe, you can steal the spotlight any time you want.”

Mrs. Simpson gives us the signal that we’re about to start. We all take our places. The murmur of voices fades away as a pregnant silence drops like a blanket over the audience. An unusual calm sets over my shoulders. I take a deep breath before I rest the violin on my shoulder. We all play together at the start, and then I stand up for my solo.

Jason is sitting across from me. I seek out his gaze and smile. His eyes light up as he grins back. His love for me rolls out in waves, and I use that feeling to reinforce my resolve. Juan thinks he has me cornered. He’s going to regret ever coming after me. Our fucked-up story ends tonight.

ChapterThirty-Five

Jason

Isabelle’s solotakes my breath away. I’ve seen her perform before, but tonight her flame burns brighter than the sun. The standing ovation that follows confirms it wasn’t my imagination. I can’t wait to be alone with her tonight to properly congratulate her. For now, I have to stand back and let her bask in her achievement.

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