Page 48 of Allured
Emma’s bright smile turns into a slight frown and her eyes become misty. I don’t think it would be the time or place to pry into her business, but I will make a note of it. Emma is quickly becoming a friend and she is my partner’s best friend. Of course, I want her happiness as well.
“Emma, you don’t know how much it means to hear that from you.”
Taking my hand off the bottle, I lay it over hers, which is resting on the bar. Flipping her hand, she presses her palm to mine and offers me a reassuring squeeze.
“And I am beyond honored to say that I feel the same for your best friend. Alek has been a revelation I didn’t even know I needed and he’s unveiling truths I didn't know were hidden,” I confess.
“Don’t start spouting poetry here, Ez.” Emma rolls her lips inwards, suppressing a smile as she shakes her head at me
“Save it for Alek, and go find yourself a nice seat, honey. I’ve gotta get back to work.” Emma says her goodbyes, but not without giving a knowing look over my shoulder.
“Ezekiel,” a very familiar voice calls out behind me.
Turning with my cider in hand, the smiling mustache of my cousin fills my vision for a moment before I lift my chin to peer up at him.
“Good evening, Knight.” While I haven’t seen my cousin since the gala during Labor Day weekend, I can see he looks a little worse for the wear. I am immediately concerned that he is working himself too hard, just as he always is.
“I’ll walk you to your seat if you don’t mind. There is something I’d like to discuss with you.” With that statement, Knight wraps an arm around my shoulder and leads me to a private booth near the front of the stage.
CHAPTER THIRTY
ALEK
Sinning never looked so good.
We’re not supposed to, but I peek my head past the side curtains on stage to try to catch a glance of Ezekiel. It’s not that I’m nervous about the show. Hell, I haven’t been nervous about performing since my first year here. But I am anxious to get a glimpse of my boyfriend and see where he’s sitting tonight.
“If you can see the audience, the audience can see you, Alek,” Benny chides, using a phrase I ingrained into the newbies a few weeks ago.
“Yeah, yeah.” I wave him back. Benny’s too much of a gossip to resist peering over my shoulder to scan the audience as well. I don’t even have to tell him who I’m looking for. I’m not shy to admit that I’ve been gushing over Ezekiel since we’ve been going steady.
“Hottie Professor at ten o’clock.” The large man smacks me on the back before retreating into the wings where the rest of the dancers are lined up and waiting for the show to start.
I glance over to one of the booths on my left and see Ezekiel sitting comfortably with Knight, though I notice how his hand is gripped a little tightly around his drink.
I can’t hear what they’re talking about but something tells me that the vibes are a little tense between them. My anxiety spikes thinking it might be because of my past with Knight, even though Ezekiel had promised it wasn’t an issue for him.
As I keep watching their conversation, I notice Knight give a sad smile before wrapping his arm around Ezekiel’s shoulder in a quick goodbye. My angel takes a moment to compose himself before directing his eyes back to the nearly pitch—black stage. I made a mental note to ask Ez what that was all about.
He can’t see me, especially with any glare coming off the house lights, but I swear I feel his eyes lock in on mine. Excitement shines in my angel’s eyes and I can’t believe I’ve found someone so supportive and understanding of every facet of me.
It strikes me then that I’m not worried about what exactly was said between Knight and Ezekiel, but I’m concerned about his momentary unmasking in response to the news Knight must have given him. For as stoic as Ezekiel’s learned to be, he still wears his heart on his sleeve for those who know him. I feel like that includes me now.
My admiration of Ezekiel is interrupted by a captivatingly loud voice and I shove my thoughts away to fully focus on the show.
“One and all, welcome to the Garden of Eden, the original sin!”
Hearing Seb begin his welcome speech and layout of the rules, I slide my head back between the curtains with a grin spread across my face.
“You fuckers all ready?” I whisper—yell to the men lined up behind me. I can hardly see their features in the dim light but Iknow the routine of the show like the back of my hand, so I’m aware of where they’re all standing.
“Dude this thong is stuck up my ass,” someone complains.
“That’s what it’s supposed to do, dumbass!” Benny huffs in reply.
A loud shush from Viv shuts us up. She’s probably the only person who can control a room full of rowdy performers with a single command. While she’s there to take care of any costume emergencies, she also acts like a shepherd rounding up some stubborn asses that were let loose.
With a chorus of apologies towards Viv, the guys and I saddle up for a hell of a show. Tonight, the burlesque dancers all have on Rocky Horror Picture Show—inspired outfits. Viv had a blast with these costumes. I’m quoting her when I say ‘nothing like seeing some big—ass dudes in femme clothing’ and honestly? Yeah, I can agree.
