Page 42 of A Dark Duet

I don’t care if they stand there, I just can’t right now.

They stay and watch my soul bleed; for me, my friend, and my parents, with every jump and twirl, the loneliness that will soon follow, even after I scrub my skin raw in the shower, trying to remove the filth I still feel crawling on my skin until there is nothing left but pain. It’s a feeling I’m getting used to, one that is part of me, reminding me of what was taken.

They eventually leave when I’m done. Shortly after, the kids walk into the studio. I smile and act like there is nothing wrong. The young girls are excited, and it gets me through the day to see their captivated faces as they learn something new. I give them extra time, as I feel the love for teaching young girls ballet.

I put the hoodie on to see if Nate is finished training, knowing it’s boiling outside, but I can’t risk anyone seeing the bruises until they heal. I walk with the girls to the gym and see Charles seated in the front. He smiles, welcoming me.

“You must be Nate’s girl. Giselle, right?”

“My name is Giselle, but I’m not Nate’s girl. I’m just a friend.”

He snorts. “Deny it all you want. You’re his girl.”

I inwardly sigh. I look over at the cage and see Nate sparring with Nick. Jaden comes out of the office, probably noticing that I am here from the surveillance cameras.

“Ready to take me to the fort?” I ask sarcastically.

“No, I actually think you should stay.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“What happened, Giselle? I called Brie and she won’t pick up my calls or texts.”

“Nothing happened. Can you take me back now, or should I call a cab? Don’t want to distract the champ.”

He sighs. “Fine. Let’s go.” I can hear Nate call Jaden’s name.

“Yo, Jaden!” I see Jaden turn and wave him off ignoring him.

Once we are in Jaden’s Porsche, I stare out the window as he drives me toward Nate’s house.

“Giselle.”

I sigh. “What, Jaden?”

“Back there earlier, you dancing like that. We all saw it.”

“Saw what?” I ask through clenched teeth. He pulls over and looks at me.

“The pain you’re in, the tears streaming down your face. Brie not answering. What the fuck, Giselle? Tell me if you will not tell him. Either way, we will find out.”

“There is nothing to find out, so good luck. I’m from a different world than yours, remember? Brie and I, we don’t know your pain. There is nothing to find out, so do yourself a favor and leave me the fuck alone. Just drop it, please.”

“Whatever it is, you know Nate will do anything for you. You know that, right?”

“There is nothing he can do, Jaden. I have to get back to the club for my shift and meet Brie.”

“Okay, I will take you to the airstrip. You and Brie are taking our plane from now on and will be driven to your place or work until you come back for Thursday’s lessons, with Brie.” I close my eyes not wanting to argue.

“Fine.”

I agree because I know he will go sniffing around to find out what happened, and need him to drop it. I fall asleep and lock the door to the guest bedroom when we arrive at Nate’s house.

Three hours later, I hear Nate when he knocks on the door, but I don’t answer. Giving up, he leaves for his room.

* * *

I arrive the next day in Sioux Falls and, as promised, a driver is waiting in a black Bentley to take me to my apartment. The driver tells me he is going to wait for Brie and me until we are ready to go for our shift.

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