Page 148 of Dance of Devils
“No,” I growl, glaring daggers at Val.
“Not dating. Just fucking,” he shrugs.
“I am not!” I hiss.
“Well, you’retotallysleeping with someone. So which is it? Are you dating BDE or just banging him?”
“Wait. Who’s BDE?” Evelina frowns.
“Brooklyn’s new boyfriend.”
“I donothave a?—”
“Sorry. Rich fuck buddy.”
“Val!” I mutter.
Evelina’s brow furrows. “I'm lost. What does BDE stand for?”
I groan as Val grins, like he’s about to descend from the mountain with man’s first fire.
“The B is for big,” he starts.
“Val,” I sigh. “Spare her? Please?”
“You guys realize I’m notthatsheltered, right?” Evelina pouts.
“Oh, but honey…” I smile, putting an arm around her. “Youare.”
Val cracks up while sheharrumphsdramatically, pouting. “Will you just freaking tell me what it means?”
“Big Dick Energy, baby,” Val crows.
Evie frowns. “Okay, what doesthateven mean?—”
“Kir,” Val sighs. “If you’re trying to figure it out, just think of our boss.”
I groan on the inside. Evie’s brows knit as she valiantly tries to put it together. Suddenly, her face lights up.
“Ohhhh!” she giggles, blushing deeply. “I think I get it!”
“Atta girl,” Val grins, patting her head.
I will the heat from my face. “Well, this has been educational. I’m going to go stretch and then get some lifting in.”
“Say hi toBDEfor us!” Evie blurts, giggling as the two of them amble into the wings toward the dressing rooms.
Madame Kuzmina materializes next to me, eying me curiously, clearly wondering why I’m still here.
“I—I was going to stretch and get some weight training in,” I explain quickly.
“Do you need the lights on?”
I shake my head. She eyes me keenly.
“Good work today,” she says. “You’re becoming a much stronger dancer.”
“Thank you,” I smile at her.
