Page 60 of A Dark Duet

“I want to take you out today.”

I place the plate of food in front of him and he looks at the perfect eggs and fluffy pancakes. I sit next to him on the island.

“Okay. But I’m driving since you’re taking pain meds.”

“Fine. By the way, this is delicious.”

I smile, loving the fact that he likes my cooking. He finishes, leaving nothing on the plate. I wash the dishes, placing everything back in place, ready with keys in hand. He walks behind me, sliding his hand on my ass and pulls me close so I can feel his erection in front of the Bentley.

“Every time I look at this car, it reminds me of taking you in the back seat,” he whispers in my ear.

I close my eyes, remembering how we both came undone on the side of the road. “Now we have to do the same to all your cars. Especially the bike.”

“That can be arranged,” he says, getting into the passenger side of the car.

He inputs an address into the GPS, and I turn the car in the direction it gives me. We arrive at the address of a ballet theater in Vegas.

“Why are we here?”

“I need you to talk to someone who is expecting you.”

He opens the car door after I park, with his hoodie over his head, hiding the stitches on the swollen part of his face.

I follow him to the administration office of the building to a door that reads “Director.” He knocks, placing his hand in mine, lacing our fingers. I look at him curiously as the door swings open and a middle-aged lady stands smiling.

“You must be Giselle. My name is Anna, the director of pre-professional ballet and contemporary dance.”

I stay speechless as she turns to Nate. “Hello, Mr. Phoenix. Welcome, if you can, please have a seat.” She motions to the seats in front of her desk as she steps back inside her office, allowing us to take a seat.

“It is a pleasure to have you come by and bring Giselle. I am excited to discuss the possibility for Giselle to assist us with pre-professional dance instruction.”

She turns to look at me. “Giselle, I have heard about your exceptional talent. I think with your skills, you would be an asset to our program. I would like to offer you the opportunity to be part of our program and the ability to use our theater for events with your students. In addition, an opportunity for you to be part of the performances. You have exceptional skill and talent.”

I am stunned. This is what I have always wanted. I look at Nate and he grins at the look on my face.

“If you need time to think about—”

“I accept,” I say, cutting her off.

She smiles. “Perfect. I’m excited to have you join and be part of our program. You’ll be compensated for your instruction and performances. I will send all the details to your manager, Giselle.”

“I don—”

Nate gets up quickly, cutting me off to shake Anna’s hand. “Yes, send all the details to her manager. Thank you.”

I get up from the chair and shake her hand, not understanding. Who is my manager? I know this is all Nate’s doing. I know he is surprising me and it’s all I’ve ever wanted, but I hate not having any control. We walk, after we say our goodbyes, toward the car.

“What was that all about?”

“The best opportunity, instead of going back to New York.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Since the video and the hype with the fight, you and me together, they have reached out to Jaden about you. They have offered you opportunities to join or work in everything from contemporary dance to ballet. Many production companies, theaters, you name it, even The Porcelain Dollhouse wants you to have a final dance night. Kind of like a send-off, Jaden is getting bombarded. Your manager is Brie and I don’t think you would object. She will handle everything since she is with Jaden all the time. She can help you with the dance studio and promoting it. The manager at The Porcelain Dollhouse offered to promote the dance studio if you agreed to do a last dance.

I look at him, surprised at everything they have planned and done for me. I feel like crying, not because of what is happening inside, but for being lucky to have Nate and Brie in my life, even Jaden. They have been there for me when I have been in my darkest moments.

I place my hand on his. “I can’t believe you’ve gone through so much trouble for me. You don’t have to spend money on me or give me anything.”

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