Page 57 of Claiming Atlas

Chapter Twenty-Five

Kayla

When the aerial show is over, we slowly make our way down the hammock silks and create a circle facing the guests. We bow and the room breaks out in applause.

I look up at Atlas while I’m bowed over, his gaze is just as heavy as it was last night when he made it a point to get me to go home with him, and I feel it on every inch of my skin.

He gets what he wants. Last night that was me.

I smile and he shakes his head, nostrils flaring.

He wants me tonight too, and I’m prepared to never say no to him again.

At least until I head back to California.

How pissed will Collette be if we don’t stay for the whole event?

“Welcome, welcome,” Collette says. Speak of the devil. She steps out into the center of the spotlight, clapping her hands as she motions toward us, prompting the crowd to continue their applause. “My girls, everyone! Aren’t they spectacular?”

The applause intensifies as she looks around at us. She turns back around to face the guests. “I’m Collette Rhone, and I’m so happy you all could join me tonight.Midnighthas been a dream of mine for a long time now, and I hope you’ll continue to be a part of bringing this dream to fruition. Each pop-up will be a different theme and in a different, surprise location, but I’m hoping what you experience tonight will keep you coming back for more.” She laughs, then lowers her voice into the microphone. “And if it helps you get your checkbooks out for a good cause, all the better.”

I don’t even know what charity we’re supporting tonight. I’m a shitty friend.

Collette steps over to me and takes my hand, then leads me away from the other performers. “The phenomenal Kincaid Summers, ladies and gentlemen.” She holds my arm up high. “And, you’ve been quite lucky tonight, because this talented woman has just hung up her stilettos.”

Fitting, since I’m currently barefoot.

The applause falters, and a few people boo.

I look at Atlas, whose eyebrows are furrowed.

“I know, I know. Trust me, I begged her not to quit, but Kincaid is a woman with a plan, and who am I to stand in the way of determination?” She drops my hand and motions around the room. “Look around you. Had anyone stood in the way ofthiswoman’s determination, I wouldn’t be standing before you now.” Collette bows. “And what a loss that would be.” She looks over at me and winks. “So enjoy this evening with the fabulous Kincaid Summers, ladies and gentlemen, because she’s headed back to her hometown soon, and the city of sin may never recover.”

I shake my head. So dramatic.

She kisses each of my cheeks in turn, then begins to walk around the circle again, engaging the crowd. I may live in the spotlight, but Collette livesforthe spotlight.

When Colette has made her way to the other side of the circle of performers, introducing each girl as she goes, Atlas gets up and walks toward me.

I shake my head and motion for him to sit back down.

He ignores me. Because he’s Atlas. “Why didn’t you tell me you were working here tonight?”

I fight my smile, trying not to look like such a love-struck teenager. “I wanted to surprise you.” I search his gaze for any indication that it was a good surprise, but he gives nothing away. His reaction to me earlier though was enough for me. “Go sit down.”

“You retired?”

“Yes,” I whisper. “Now go sit back down.”

“Where are you moving to?”

“Atlas, please.” I look around, but luckily, most of the people are still focused on Collette. “We can talk tonight.”

His eyes light up and he smirks in that sexy, infuriatingI-get-what-I-wantway of his. “So there’s going to be a tonight?”

I shake my head and roll my eyes, then press my hands against his chest and push him back to his seat. “Daytime always turns into night, Atlas. Where’d you go to school?”

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