Page 2 of Forever Desired
Lewis and Anita Chambers believed education was the most important thing in a young woman’s life. It was expected for Athena to attend college after high school.
Not that Athena disagreed with them, but singing was her true calling.
She had tried to do as her parents wanted, but her heart just wasn’t in it. After her parents had died, her sister, Santina, didn’t waste any time in making sure Athena knew she was a disappointment to their parents.
It had been a few years since she had last spoken with Santina. It was a shame their relationship was in the shape it was.
“They are in Vegas enjoying the town and what the Turin has to offer. I just happen to sing a few songs people love to sit and listen to.” She shrugged and walked over to the privacy screen so she could change out of her robe.
She tried her best to push the memory of the unanswered call she had placed to her sister before she’d boarded her flight to Vegas.
“Well, whatever,” Alfred snapped.
Behind the safety of the screen, Athena rolled her eyes. He always became frantic at the start of a show.
“Be ready in five minutes,” he said. “I hear the owner is doing a walk through tonight.”
The door clicked shut. Athena slid her robe off and paused.
“Wait,” she breathed. She peeked her head from around the dressing screen and took in the girls putting the finishing touches to their outfits. “Did he say the owner would be doing a walk through?”
“Yup.” Liza’s eyes were wide. She glanced at Olivia, and they both visibly swallowed hard.
“It’s rare that he tours the hotel,” Olivia said.
“Who is he, and why would he be coming to the show?” Athena asked. She usually didn’t get nervous about singing in front of an audience, but knowing someone rich enough to own the luxury Las Vegas hotel she worked in was coming to see her perform, it gave her butterflies.
“His name is Sorin Ludovici, and he’s an enigma. Not many of us have seen him, so I don’t know why he’s walking through. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him. I’d probably stroll past him and not realize who he was.” Olivia shrugged.
“I’ve seen him, and he’s one handsome devil.” Liza sighed.
Athena ducked behind the screen and began putting on her dress. She’d have to remind herself to look up the owner on the internet later. She’d only been working at the Turin for about six months and was still learning about the hotel.
The Turin was located in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. It offered the best money could buy. Everyone knew that people came to Las Vegas for the nightlife, dining, shows, and to gamble. The Turin offered the top-of-the-line for everything and was known for their enhanced amenities.
Athena was quickly growing into one of the more popular performances around. The Murazzi was known for its beauty, dining, and entertainment. Many people flocked to the Turin just to go to the nightclub.
“Three minutes.” Someone pounded on the door.
“Okay,” Athena groaned, sliding her feet in her four-inch heels. She walked from behind the divider and stood in front of the full-length mirror.
A whistle cut through the air.
“Look at you,” Liza gushed. She stood behind Athena with envy plastered on her face. “I wish I had your curves. That dress is beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Athena smoothed her hands along her hips and brushed off an invisible piece of lint. Her form-fitting black dress molded to her body and showed off her narrow waist and wide hips. It had a low-cut neckline that dipped down to her navel.
Body tape was her friend to help hold the material in place.
Her performances were sensual in nature, and she always had fun with them.
When she sang, all eyes were on her. The Las Vegas audience was much different than the ones back home.
“It’s time.” The door rattled from a heavy fist.
Athena turned and smiled at her backup singers. “Showtime.”
They exited the dressing room and headed toward the elevator that would take them up to the club.
