Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
“I have never had to say this to you,” Kristoff breaks into my thoughts, “but if we are to win, you must concentrate. You know this, yes? The cha-cha-cha, it is strong and passionate, not lethargic and distracted.”
Damn Kristoff for stepping on my last nerve.
I thrust my hands on my hips. “If I’m distracted, it’s because I’m still trying to figure out how we’re going to keep that porn-worthy footage of yours out of the judges’ hands. And guess what? The fact that’s even a problem is not my fault.”
“I made a mistake. I have apologized. Either forgive me or find a new partner. Or have you already been having auditions behind my back?”
In the past, that comment alone would have pushed me over the edge. I would have told Kristoff to spend his time at Sneak Peek and stop wasting mine. Then I would have begun auditioning partners the very same day.
So why am I not walking away now?
Kristoff is, in a word, amazing. A powerful dancer, determined, dedicated. He brings a glamour to our dancing that was lacking when Jonathan was my partner. The ladies love him. He oozes charm even when making his matador face during the paso doble. He's spirited, and normally, he makes practice fun. And yes, I want a partner with whom I can finish my career.
That isn’t why I don’t want to lose Kristoff, though. During our time together, he’s become…almost a friend. I try very hard not to bring my emotions into my dance partnerships, and I know he didn’t intend to make a mess of things. But I hate the thought of turning my back on him and proving his suspicions about me right.
In the past, my icy reputation in the ballroom never ruffled my feathers. Now, for some reason…it bothers me. A lot.
“Shut up and dance,” I snap.
“We can still win.”
We will, if we don’t have that footage hanging over our heads. But why bring it up again? It won’t change our situation. Still, I usually would add a final dig just to remind him that he screwed up. Today, I don’t have petty in me, not when there’s a bit of kicked puppy in his expression.
Damn it, did the handful of orgasms Alejandro gave me soften me that much? I stiffen my spine. I can’t afford to think with my heart if I want to win. And winning is all I have, even if it suddenly sounds…empty.
No, I’m just tired or something. I’ve worked too hard to lose focus now. If I can’t figure out who’s behind this blackmail before the competition, I’ll likely have to cut Kristoff loose at the end of the season.
“We can win if we keep that video out of circulation. I’m working on that.”
“Is that why you went to Sneak Peek and performed a public scene with Alejandro Diaz?”
I nearly choke. It didn’t occur to me that Kristoff would find out. I should have known since he’s a member. I didn’t see him there, but clearly someone told him.
He laughs. “I heard it was very hot and that you had a rapt audience.”
“I did what needed to be done to lure out our blackmailer.”
Or did I merely do what I had to in order to achieve a stunning pair of orgasms? I barely resisted Alejandro’s offer of a third, which he’d promised to give me in his bed, just the two of us on soft satin sheets.
“And you did it very well, I hear.”
I roll my eyes and turn away so he can't see my cheeks turning pink.
But I’m not fast enough.
“You’re blushing. You?” Astonishment laces Kristoff’s voice. “I have never seen you do such a thing.”
It’s rare, and all because Alejandro blew me away, and I haven’t recovered yet. I’ve never craved sex or ached for any man. Until him. Last night, before I lost myself in self-pleasure while thinking of Alejandro, I wondered exactly what he did to me and why I’m so fascinated by him.
How did he get under my skin so quickly?
Pretending to walk across the studio nonchalantly, I seek my bottle of water and drink deep, then turn back to Kristoff. “Apparently, our plan wasn’t good enough. We didn’t catch anyone in the act of filming us, as we hoped. No one has sent me another blackmail video or threatened me as a result of the whole thing.” I shrug. “I guess it was a waste of time.”
But it doesn’t feel like a waste, given what he did next…
After the scene ended, Alejandro pressed a button to drop a partition between us and the audience. I heard the watchers filing out, which filled me with a sense of both loss and relief. Then he turned me to face him and took me into his arms. For a simple hug. He didn't say a word, asked for nothing else for long moments. He just held me and stroked my hair. I haven't had that in a long time. Years. My father and brothers certainly never gave me much affection; it’s just not who they are. And I needed it more than I realized.