Page 68 of Sinister Games

Biting my lip, I stared down at my bird pin.

There was no denying Richard would not want me to audition. I knew that without even having to ask, which was probably why I never broached the subject with him. A lie by omission.

He would see this as a betrayal, pure and simple.

Did I dare?

Suddenly wanting to get a little of myself back, I decided I would dare to defy the beast.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded. “Of course I’m coming. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Jane interlaced her fingers with mine and bounced on the sofa as she squealed in delight. “Come on! Let’s go raid your closet for what I’m going to wear!”

I wish I could feel her same enthusiasm. The moment I agreed to defy Richard, a cold sense of dread settled over me.

* * *

The next day,I popped my head out the front door of my flat.

Trying to keep my voice calm and casual, I said, “Hey, John. Just wanted to check if you needed anything. I’m going to take a long bath with the radio on so I didn’t want you to worry.”

“I’m fine, Miss Larkin. Thank you.”

“Are you sure? Because I’m going to have the radio on so I won’t hear it if you knock.”

Stop talking! You’re going to make him suspicious.

He nodded. “Thank you, miss. I’m fine.”

Closing the door, I leaned over and tapped my iPod player. I had queued up Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion album. It was loud and long. Not really bath time music but hopefully John wouldn’t think that.

As “November Rain’” started playing, I crept back to the front door and gingerly picked up the chain. Careful not to make any noise, I slowly slid it in place. If John were to come looking for me, the chain would slow him down at least for an extra couple of seconds.

Well, the lying to Richard’s bodyguard part of the plan was easy enough.

Heading to my bedroom, I picked up my backpack and put it on my shoulders. Going over to the window, I eased the frame open, cringing when it squeaked loudly. Holding my breath, I waited. No questioning knock from John.

Pushing the old wood-framed window up higher, I crept onto the metal fire escape and carefully made my way down the steep stairs till I reached the street. Checking my surroundings, I quickly ran to the Underground station.

Hopefully by the time I reached the theater my heart would stop racing.

Who knew disobeying Richard could be so exciting?

* * *

“You’re late!”complained Jane as she paced in the theater lobby.

Opening the door, she ushered us both into the dark back of the theater.

“Sorry! Tube was running slow,” I whispered as there were two actors auditioning on the stage.

There was no way I was telling her I had to sneak out of my bedroom window because I didn’t want my boyfriend to know I was here. It was awkward enough explaining our new friend and constant companion, John the bodyguard, to her last night.

It felt odd calling Richard my boyfriend. It was too tame and too sweet of a word for him and our relationship. Boyfriends were the guys you dated in high school and college. The guy who bought you slightly wilted supermarket flowers when he screwed up and never remembered your birthday. That was a boyfriend.

Richard was something seriously next level. Protective, possessive, intense, sexy… there should be a word to describe that kind of man in your life, except I was pretty sure there weren’t many men like Richard out there.

Jane handed me a clipboard. “Sign up under the females.”

---