Page 73 of Tension
I forget everything. The pain, the rules, and the distance I’ve tried so hard to keep.
I drop my weight onto my feet, the sharp lance of pain from my ankle ignored. My heart is doing double time as I move without thinking, slipping around the judges’ table, ignoring Grace’s gasp behind me. All I know is I need to reach him.
Mateo turns just as I break through the dancers and coaches gathered at the edge. Our eyes lock as I run the last steps and throw my arms around him. He catches me midair, laughing, arms wrapped tight as he lifts me clean off the ground and spins me once, twice.
“You were unreal,” I whisper, my lips near his ear. “Absolutely, impossibly unreal.”
He doesn’t set me down right away. Instead, he breathes me in and pulls back to look at me. “We did it,” he says, voice rough, eyes glittering. “I danced that for you.”
I bury my face into his neck, the adrenaline, pride, and forbidden joy all crashing at once. People are watching and cameras are everywhere, but none of it matters. For this one moment, there’s only us, and I don’t care who sees.
MATEO
My pulse pounds in my ears, adrenaline and disbelief colliding as Vaeda’s arms remain wrapped around my neck. She came willingly, her laughter ringing in my ears, and the bright sparkle of excitement shining in her eyes. For once, there’s no hesitation between us, no careful restraint or guarded glances. Just Vaeda in my arms, joy illuminating her entire face.
The world around us fades into a blur of color and noise. All that exists is this moment, her heartbeat against my chest, her breath warm against my neck.
“You did it,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion, sending shivers racing down my spine.
“We did it,” I correct her, smiling as I set her down gently, careful to steady her as she winces slightly from the pain in her ankle.
She smiles through it, eyes locking onto mine for a heartbeat longer than necessary. I wish I could capture that look, hold on to it forever.
Yvonne joins us, practically vibrating with excitement. Her eyes are alight with triumph and cheeks flushed from exertion. “That was incredible, Mateo!”
“You both were extraordinary,” Vaeda says genuinely, nodding at Yvonne before her gaze drifts back to mine. Pride shines there, bright and pure. It feels like redemption, not just professionally, but personally.
Greyson approaches with Grace at his side. Both are grinning from ear to ear, and Grace’s proud smile feels like forgiveness after a year of silence and pain. Her eyes are misty when she embraces me, murmuring into my ear, “I knew you’d find your way back.”
The overhead speakers crackle softly, and we instinctively quiet, anticipation gripping us.
“Ladies and gentlemen, dancers, please gather at the edge of the floor. The judges’ final scores and placements for theInternational Ballroom and Latin Championship Adult Division will now be announced.”
The murmur of excitement builds like an electric current throughout the ballroom. My heart speeds up, nerves tangling in my gut. Vaeda reaches out subtly, her fingertips brushing mine. A silent support. A secret strength.
Yvonne’s hand grips mine tightly on the other side, her breath quick and uneven. “Whatever happens, I’m glad you are my partner,” she rasps.
“Me too.” My voice trembles, thick with sincerity.
The announcer begins calling the placements, starting from tenth place, slowly building up tension in the air. Every couple’s name is met with cheers and applause, each step closer making my breath hitch.
“Third place… representing Académie de Pas Dorés from France… Antoine Leclerc and Elise Martin!”
My heart thuds painfully inside my chest as the French couple bows gracefully to thunderous applause.
“Second place… representing Studio Ritmo Ardente from Italy… Lorenzo Ricci and Sofia Conti!”
The roar of the crowd swells, deafening in my ears as the elegant couple steps forward, receiving their medals.
Yvonne squeezes my hand tightly, her knuckles white. Vaeda’s eyes lock with mine again, her breath shallow, her pulse visibly racing in her throat.
“And first place, your champions for this year’s International Ballroom and Latin Championship Adult Division, representing Fusion Core Dance Studio from New York, United States…”
Time seems to stop as blood pounds fiercely in my ears. My entire body is a taut wire, ready to snap.
“Mateo Sanchez and Yvonne Cardenas!”
The words explode through the ballroom, echoing like thunder. A roar erupts around us, the entire audience rising totheir feet as confetti bursts overhead, glittering down around us in shimmering waves of silver and gold.
