The next two days were hell. My hours were filled with clothing, etiquette and dance lessons. Every meal, I was yelled at and berated by a tutor on how to eat, and it seemed that I'd become a guinea pig mannequin, dressed and stripped frequently.
I didn't see Noah at all during the day, and he retreated to his study the moment he arrived home. It almost seemed like he was avoiding me.
I was made to take another bath, where the little returning stubble was removed from my body. I'd been excited to see it growing back, but now I was stripped smooth again. It was awful.
For the most part, Ari and Pauline stuck with me through the lessons, giving me tips and advice. They took turns as my dance partners, posing as the male partner. Ari was a little clumsy, and we'd frequently gotten in trouble for giggling too much. She made the lessons easier to deal with.
I'd finally been released a few hours ago, and I was busy hiding in my room in case they thought up any last-minute lessons. It was past midnight now, so I was beginning to doubt I'd be disturbed.
Tomorrow evening, I'd be going to a club style party in Cerulean city. I had no idea what kind of clothes I'd be shoved into, and I was definitely not looking forward to it. I blanched as I imagined the various possibilities, and curled up tighter in my blanket.
The sound of beautifully alternating piano notes drifted up the stairs. The melody wove and danced in the quiet, so sad it almost made me want to cry. The song was heartbreaking, and so lovely I craved more.
I slid from my bed and twisted my doorknob, hesitating. I was supposed to be sleeping. I hadn't dared to go down when he was playing yet, so was tonight the night?would I disturb him this time?
I steeled my will, and pulled the door open. My bare feet shuffled along the chilly hallway carpet as the slowed notes began to pick up slightly, lulling me forward. Goose bumps rose on my arms, and I rubbed them for warmth as more notes were added. It was a lullaby of woe.
The music continued as I came to the stairs. I hesitated again, wrapping my arms against my stomach to block the night's chill. The main melody began, reminding me of twinkling stars.
I took the first few steps and hesitated again. Should I go back? I wondered, biting my lip. Will he be mad? Probably. Do I care? I hesitated, taking another step. Not enough. I smiled slightly.
The notes slowed again, light and lovely. My lip trembled as the song flowed through me, bringing tears to my eyes.
I walked down the rest of the way, my hand trailing along the railing. I crossed the second floor hallway and slipped down the second set of stairs into the entryway. The music was louder now, still lovely and heartbreaking. It was even sweeter now that I was so close.
I made my way towards the ballroom, hesitating at its entrance. I could see him sitting at the piano, his fingers working delicately and gracefully along the keys. He wore a grey t-shirt and black sweats.
His golden skin shone in the blue moonlight, soft and smooth. An amber hue clung to his nearly black hair. His face was bent towards the keys, and his eyes were closed.
I walked up behind him quietly, listening as he began the bridge. It now has a desperate and lonely feel to it as it became harder, more powerful. It softened again as his fingers slowed, and he returned to the original melody. I longed to reach out to him and hold him as he played sweet and devastating notes, but I couldn't bring myself to interrupt him.
Again, it lifted once more into the beginning notes, high with a single, low note fading in the background. His fingers continued to slow, light on the ivory keys. He ended with a final, high note that left the silent air cold and desolate. It left a feeling of an unfinished story, sad and lost.
"You play so beautifully," I murmured. He jumped, and swung around to face me, his dark eyes wide.
"Nevaeh," he relaxed a little. "You startled me."
"Play for me?" I asked. He looked at me skeptically before turning back to the keys. I sat beside him as he settled his fingers on the piano.
He began to play again, and the melody was sweeter, softer, and slower. It was elegant and refined, using the central and higher piano keys. Mixed feelings of love, hope, and loss surrounded me as the music flowed through him.
A myriad of intricate notes wove the main melody, more complicated than the beginning. It was beautiful, and I felt tears prick in my eyes again. He was truly amazing and skilled with his hands. No beginner could hope to play this. It was far more than just advanced. It seemed the music came from inside him, bleeding through his fingers onto the keys.
The melodic notes became stronger, and more passionate. His eyes were closed, his fingers moving expertly along the keys. My chest aches from the songs desolate sadness.
Again, the notes became more complicated, winding first down, and then up the piano. They softened again, returning partially to the original melody. This time, it had a darker twist. The song came to an end a few moments later, and he turned to look at me. His eyes were soft, yet guarded. He wiped a tear from my cheek delicately, cupping my cheek before letting his hand fall. He stood slowly.
"That was beautiful," I smiled, standing too. He smiled at me sadly. "When did you learn how to play like that?"
"My mother taught me. It just takes practice," he shrugged, glancing out of the window.
"I've always wanted to learn," I sighed, touching the keys lightly.
"Sit," he said. I did and he took my hands, splaying my fingers across the keys. He pressed them down, guiding me through a nursery rhyme three times. "Now you do it."
I pressed the keys down clumsily, fumbling several times. I turned to him, blushing.
"Well that was," he paused. "Interesting. Try again."
I did, though it was just as horrible as the first. "There's no point," I sighed, frustrated. "By fingers keep fucking up the keys."
"Here," he slid back down on the seat, his legs on either side of me. He placed his hands on the keyboard. "Put your hands on mine. Feel my movements."
I placed my hands on his as his foot pressed into the pedal. "Close your eyes," he murmured in my ear. I did, and he began to play once more.
These notes were soft and light, with a more pleading note to its melody. The music ranged in the higher octaves, net the center. The tune was lovely, and the gentle keys seemed to dance sorrowfully in the air. The music was slow, alternating beautifully.
I could feel his warmth against me as he played, his breath caressing my shoulder. The melody lightened even more, higher and sweeter. It ended with a myriad of pretty high notes, leaving the atmosphere sweet and lonesome.
"Care to join me in the jacuzzi?" he asked as the notes faded slowly.
"I'd like that," I smiled slightly. He lifted his hands from the piano and stood, pulling me with him. He took my hand and led me back to the entrance hall.
"Have you ever played before tonight?" he asked.
"No," I answered, following him up to the second floor. "My dad had this old guitar back home. I used to play, though I wasn't very good at it."
"I think Natalia told me that at one point. She never said your name, but she talked about you a lot," he said, pulling me down the hall.
"Did she?" I asked, looking up at him as he pushed the doors open.
"Yes. She was always worrying about you," he said. "She thought they'd killed you. That's what they told her. But we both doubted," he said. "We were going to find you and run."
"Oh," I said, entering the warm room. He flipped on the lights and the bubbles began to flow in the Jacuzzi. I stripped off my pajama bottoms and turned to face him.
He was already fully undressed, stepping into the water. I wore only a black cotton tank top and silk underwear, but I didn't feel embarrassed. Not with him.
I followed him into the water, sitting across from him. The middle was deep enough that we could easily swim if we wanted.
"Nevaeh," he said. "Why are you so far away?"
He swam over to me and pulled me from the bench. The water just barely reached my collar bones, meaning his full chest was out of the water. It was cozy and warm, and electricity seemed to crackle in the air.
"Mr. Ivanov-"
"Noah," he interrupted me. His onyx eyes were soft, a thousand oceans deep. "When it's just us, call me by name."
"Noah," I smiled at him as he pulled me close. I felt so drawn to him now. My heart was pounding steadily in my chest. "Why did you save me?" It wasn't what I was going to ask, but I wanted to know for certain what was behind his actions.
"Silly, love," he murmured, kissing my cheek. "It's because despite my better judgement, I care about you, Nevaeh. Much, much more than I should," he paused thoughtfully. "And I owe it to Natalia to keep you safe. I made a promise."
"A promise?" I asked.
"When," he hesitated, his eyes sad. "When she died," the world seemed to leave him as sorrow gripped his eyes.
"It's alright," I touched his cheek gently. "You can talk to me."
"Alright," he nodded stiffly, suddenly seeming determined as he met my eyes. "After she was shot, she begged me to find you. To protect you. She was...choking. From the blood, I mean. But she managed to get that out."
"What are you going to do, now that you've found me?" my heart stuttered in my chest.
"I'm going to put you somewhere safe, where no one can hurt you," he pulled me closer, his fingers gripping my waist.
"And if I try to run away again?" I smirked, wrapping my arms around his neck. My heart was racing in my chest, though I couldn't understand why. He smells too damn good.
"I'd follow you anywhere, love," he murmured, tilting his head to the side. His eyes. Butterflies flitted in my stomach. They're so beautiful when he's unguarded.
"What does that mean?" I wondered. Without another moments pause, his lips met mine. My body filled with a burning heat, and my heart began to race. I could feel his beating quickly against me, too.
"Nevaeh, you came into my life like a hurricane," he said simply, leaning his forehead against mine. "But the storm that follows you may lead us both to freedom."
"What?" I asked, my eyes catching his.
"You have no idea, do you," he smiled crookedly. He seemed humored.
"Of what?" I scowled defensively.
"I suppose you can't see the storm raging behind your eyes, can you?" He asked.
"You're talking nonsense," I shook my head, feeling confused.
"It's alright if you don't understand yet," he murmured, kissing me again. I wrapped my arms around him, accepting his warmth as it spread through me again. It was hard to breathe as my heart tried to escape.
"I thought you said you didn't kiss," I said breathlessly. "So why do you kiss me?"
"Oh, Nevaeh," he smiled sadly, releasing me. "You really are oblivious."
"Huh?" I asked, gripping his arm so he couldn't just leave again. He gripped my wrist suddenly, pulling me to him.
"Careful, love," he murmured against my ear. "You shouldn't do that."
"Says you," I rolled my eyes.
"Did you just roll your eyes at me?" he chuckled softly.
"I did. And?" I asked, glaring at him.
"You drive me crazy," he smirked cupping my cheek. I leaned into his touch as he pulled us to the bench. He pulled me against him, wrapping his arm around me.
His lips met mine again gently, so sweet it could have triggered my sweet tooth, if I had one. Fire raged through me, strangling my heart as he leaned into me, his fingers lacing through my hair.
He was so gentle with me, his every move delicate as he pulled me into his lap. His lips began to move passionately against mine, intoxicating me to the point of incoherency.
All I was aware of was the feel of his body against me. The brush of his lips, his embrace, his warmth. Truth be told, I'm starting to care too much about you, too.
He pulled away all too soon, and he was guarded again I touched his cheek gently, trying to read him. His fingers wrapped gently around my wrist and pulled my hand away.
"Don't," he murmured, his lips brushing my cheekbone.
"Why won't you let me touch you?" I wondered, catching his dark eyes.
"It's not safe," he said simply. "These stolen moments are as reckless as they are deadly. I think we ought to get some sleep. We've got a long drive to Cerulean in the morning."
"Well that was ominous," I scowled. "Alright, Noah," I sighed, pulling myself out of the jacuzzi. Water streamed down my body to the floor as I watched him stand.
"I'll walk you to your room," he said, tossing me a towel. I dried off and wrapped it around myself before joining him at the door. He wrapped a towel around himself and took my hand. His thumb rubbed against my thumb as he entwined our fingers and led me from the room.
Noah stayed silent as we walked. He looked as though he were deep in thought. He led me to the third floor and down the hall. We came to a stop at my door and I turned to face him.
His expression caught me off guard. His eyes were trained on my face, his brow furrowed in thought. He lifted his hand to cup my cheek and leaned forward, pressing his lips to mine again.
"Goodnight, Nevaeh," he murmured. And then he was gone, disappearing down the hall and up to the fourth floor. I stared after him for a long while before returning to my room and climbing into bed.
___________________________________
"It's time to get you ready," Ari said after shaking me awake. She pulled me from the bed and into the bathroom. "Hurry and shower. I'll be waiting in your room."
"Alright," I said around a yawn, stretching as she closed the door behind her. My clothes were still damp from last night, landing on the marble floor with a wet thud.
I turned the shower dial and stepped in as the water began to flow. I winced as the scalding water flowed over me and adjusted the heat settings, pressing several buttons to balance the temperature.
My head still hurt from where I'd cut it in the water, but thanks to advanced topical medicines, it was mostly healed.
I washed and rinsed my hair and body slowly, letting the water wake me up. The moment I stepped out, Ari was back in the bathroom with a brush.
It took an hour for her to dry and style it, but I was left with a French-braided high ponytail. She dusted my face with bold make up, instructing me to fix it before the party. She gave me a t-shirt and torn jeans with canvas sneakers to wear.
"Is this for the party?" I wondered.
"It's for the drive. Your dress is with your things already. You'll know it when you see it," she shrugged, looping large silver hoops through my ears. "You look hot, babe."
"Thank you," I said, adjusting my black t-shirt.
"Time to go. You've got a nine hour drive ahead of you. Master Ivanov is probably waiting for you downstairs," she pursed her lips, applying a glossy coat to my crimson lipstick. She dusted silver glitter around my eyes. She'd given me bold eyeliner, silver eyeshadow, and false eyelashes that almost resembled black feathery wings. I did look hot. She'd contoured my face in a way that made it all look flawlessly natural, aside from the bolder parts.
She handed me the make up bag when she was done. "Damn, I'm good."
"Very good," I smiled as she looped her arm through mine and led me from the room. She also wore a simple t-shirt and jeans. Her hair was pulled into a cute half-ponytail, and her pretty face was dusted in natural looking make up with black and gold eyeliner.
"I know I'm the best," she grinned as she led me down the stairs.
"Oh, I dunno," I grinned, poking her side teasingly.
"Hey!" she laughed. "I'm ticklish. Stop it."
"I noticed," I laughed too. "Ari?"
"Yeah, Veya?" She asked. It was the nickname she'd given me.
"I don't know if I'm ready for this," I admitted.
"What is there to be afraid of? Just drink your ass off and have fun," she smiled comfortingly. "Master Ivanov won't let anything bad happen to you."
I bit my lip as she pulled the front door open. Nathan and Noah were chatting in front of the white car. I turned to Ari just as she embraced me.
"Take care," she smiled. "See you when you get home."
"See you," I said a beat too late. She'd already shut the door. I jogged down the steps towards Noah as he turned to face me. He wore his reading glasses again, and he looked exhausted.
"You look lovely," he smiled, opening the car door for me. He took my hand and helped me inside, sliding in beside me. Nathan climbed up front a moment later, and we pulled out of the drive.
Noah spent most of the time in the car sleeping, leaving me to my anxious thoughts. By the time we reached a hotel in Cerulean, I was on the verge of hyperventilating. Pauline had told me not to piss anyone off-which I was very good at, apparently. My instructors had almost quit because of my incompetence.
"We have one hour to get ready before the party," Noah said, pulling me into the elevator and pressing the button for the top floor. His hand rested on my hip and he pulled me against him, keeping us away from the other elevator passengers.
Our eyes met, and I knew he felt the same sparks I did. He smirked and cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing gently across my cheek.
A bellhop had taken our things up prior, so it was all there when we entered the hotel suite. This one had two floors. On the second was the bedroom, looking out over the rest of the room. The first floor had a living room, king-sized bathroom, a lovely kitchen and dining room, and a small library. Again, the windows looked out on the city.
"I requested this room specifically. It seemed like you enjoyed the view of the city in Central," he said.
"You were right," I approached the window. The large clock tower in the city square below read 6:45.
"Your bags should be upstairs," he said, walking towards the stairs. I followed him up and dug through the clothes, pulling out a black dress, open toe silver heels, and the makeup bag.
I retreated to the bathroom to get ready.
The dress had a sweetheart neckline, with spaghetti straps. It hugged my curves tightly, ending in the center of my thighs. Along it, there were thin see through sections made from a silky mesh fabric, showing off more skin than I was normally comfortable with. Will he like how I look in this? I wondered. Initially I'd been thinking of Finch, but then I wondered why I'd also thought of Noah. It's because he's your master, dummy. Stop reading into shit.
I pulled on the four-inch heels and adjusted my hair and makeup. My fathers necklace still hung around my neck, hanging just above the neckline of my dress. I looked good, though I felt very uncomfortable as I left the bathroom.
Noah was waiting for me in a pair of faded jeans and a white t-shirt. His hair was styled casually in a messy, almost sexy kind of way. He'd taken his glasses off, and he wore a small silver hoop in one ear, and a diamond stud in the other. He was clutching a jacket in his hand.
"Put this on," he said. "I don't want you to be cold."
"Being cold is inevitable in this dress," I rolled my eyes, but accepted the jacket anyway, pulling it on. The sleeves were too long, hanging below my hands. It smelled like him.
"Let's go," he said, turning towards the door.
"Wait," I panicked. "Do I look okay?"
"My love, you look sinfully stunning," he smirked at me over his shoulder as he pulled the door open. This one didn't have a keycard.
I followed him down the hall towards the elevator, clutching the back of his shirt nervously. "How many people are going to be there?" I asked as he pressed the button.
"A lot more than I like," he sighed. The doors dinged and slid open, and I followed him inside. As they slid closed, we were left completely isolated and alone again. He crossed his arms over his chest, avoiding my eyes. That was probably for the best. Damn. I sighed. I kinda wanted him to kiss me. I froze. The fuck? What am I thinking?
The elevator stopped on the first floor a moment later, opening up directly into the lobby. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me through the full room, weaving us through groups of people until we were outside.
Nathan was already in the drive, opening the door as we approached. Noah slid in first, gripping my waist to help me in. He pulled me against him, resting his arm over my shoulders.
"You look simply mouthwatering," he murmured in my ear. Goosebumps formed on my skin despite the blasting heaters. I turned to look at him and froze.
His lips were only inches from mine, and I could taste his breath on my tongue. I glanced up at his dark eyes. They were focused on me, filled with a hidden emotion impossible to read.
He smirked and pulled back as Nathan entered the car. He poured himself a brandy. "Try this," he said. I did. It was disgusting. He laughed at my expression and I sunk against him, pouting. This, of course, brought on some teasing, and more chuckling from him.
Thirty minutes later, Nathan finally pulled into a driveway and Noah relented. A glorious mansion stood before us, the inner lights glowing brightly in the dark. Hundreds of people were gathered inside, bodies gyrating.
"Shall we?" he asked.
"I suppose I don't have much of a choice," I sighed as Nathan pulled the door open.
"Neither of us do," Noah laughed humorously, following me out of the car. Snow fluttered to the ground as we approached the open front door.
A couple in their late forties greeted us as we entered, standing arm and arm in casual clothing. Caterers were scurrying around with trays of food and drink.
"Good evening, Noah," the man grinned widely. He was the same man who'd spoken to him at the aquarium. "Glad you could make it."
"Good evening, Daniel," Noah nodded politely. "Mrs. Alecsandri."
"Please, make yourself at home," the woman responded, brushing her dirty blonde hair over her shoulder.
"Thank you for having us," Noah said. His face was emotionless as he led me away into an adjacent room."
"Damn, Tiny. Is that really you?" A husky voice said. I whirled around to face Finch, my lips splitting into a smile.
"Well, what do you know?" I teased, placing my hands on my hips. "You clean up pretty nice yourself, Brains."
Finch was wearing a casual t-shirt and black jeans. His hair was combed and gelled back, and he was clean shaven. "You look," he paused, searching for words. "Hot."
"Thanks," I laughed. "I feel ridiculous."
"What? Provocative dresses aren't your thing?" he teased.
"Not really," I laughed.
"Oh. So you're the modest type, huh? Gotta cover up the goods," he winked.
"Hell yeah," I laughed. "It's never a good day to see me naked."
"It's always a good day to see you naked," Finch teased. I punched his arm lightly, giggling.
"Shut up, Fin," I grinned.
"Who are you talking to, little bird?" Angelina materialized from the crowd wearing a sexy strapless dress. Her Ruby mouth was colored to match it. She pursed her lips when she saw me, then grinned at the sight of Noah. Her presence killed the atmosphere.
She flung herself at him, planting a full kiss on his startled mouth. Her lipstick smeared on his lips as his shock wore off. He gripped her arms and pushed her back, his eyes ice cold.
My heart sunk to my stomach. "Can I go, Mr. Ivanov?" I asked. He glanced over at me. He almost looked...Regretful? I wondered.
"Yes," he said gently, wiping her lipstick off with a handkerchief. "I'll find you later."
"Alright," I turned away, wrapping my arms around myself. My mood had plummeted.
"You go too, birdie," Angelina said to Finch. "Have fun with your girlfriend."
He joined me, following me towards the wall.
"What's wrong," he asked, gripping my arm and pulling me to face him.
"Nothing," I mumbled, refusing to look at him. He tilted my chin up.
"You look like you're about to cry," he said. His hazel eyes showed compassion and concern.
"I don't wanna talk about it," I said.
"Okay," he said simply, releasing me. "Just remember, I'm here either way."
"Thanks, Fin," I squoze his hand with a small smile as he waved someone over. He looked at me, seeming a bit startled as he squoze my hand back.
Nora and Lizzy joined us, giggling and gossiping. Their faces were flushed, and they were clearly tipsy.
The room was filled with upbeat dance music and people. Some were dancing, others were drunkenly partying, and the rest were scattered throughout the floor, observing the room, or chattering with friends. Neon and white lights flashed and rotated around the dark room, making my head hurt.
Chills ran down my spine and my hair stood on end as I caught Mr. Wickenburgh's eyes across the room. He was watching me. No. I shook my head. He's probably just looking in this general direction.
"Guys, you have to try these," Lizzy said excitedly, startling me back to our group. She was waving over a caterer.
We all took the stemmed glass drinks from her tray and she moved on. The liquid was a pretty pink with a strawberry and a lemon slice. I sniffed it.
"What is it?" Finch asked, taking a small sip. I followed suit. It was delicious.
"Strawberry lemonade margarita," Nora answered, chugging hers.
"Wow," I said, taking another drink.
"I know," Lizzy said. She was already eating her strawberry.
"Damn," Finch sighed. "I'm gonna need another."
"This way," Nora said. She led us to a back table that was laden in beautifully arrayed and delectable looking drinks. I picked up one that was chocolate brown with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It was just as delicious as the last.
"Try this," I said to Finch, handing him one.
"They're super sweet, so they must not have much alcohol," he said, accepting the drink. "Here's to you, beautiful."
He winked and chugged the drink. I grinned and picked up a golden-looking one with a lemon slice. It tasted exactly like honey lemon tea. I handed Finch one, and he tried it. Nora and Lizzy passed us both orange ones next. A thick layer of whipped cream was swirled on top.
"Orange cream," Lizzy said. Just then, someone bumped into me. I turned to glare at them.
"Pardon me, mi'lady," the man said politely. "Forgive my manners. What is your name?" he was around Noah's age, with olive skin and inky black hair that hung elegantly to the middle of his neck. His bangs were swept over his left brow, nearly concealing one of his lovely ocean blue eyes. A sunburst surrounded his pupils, and it looked like the sun was in his eyes.
"Uh," I said, taken off guard. "Nevaeh."
"Lovely to meet you," he lifted my hand and kissed the back of it. "Nevaeh. Perhaps we'll meet again."
And with that, he released me and disappeared into the crowd. I stared after him, shocked. How on earth can there be someone so beautiful on the planet. It was like he was sparkling with charm.
"The hell?" Nora said, throwing her and Lizzy into a fit of giggles.
"What was with that guy?" Finch laughed, chugging another drink. I turned to him and cracked a smile.
"Weird," I agreed, drinking my own. I picked up another green one. Key lime, I decided when I drank it. I was starting to feel a little giggly.
"Oh," Lizzy fell to her knees, grasping Nora's hand and giving it a huge, wet smooch. "Pardon my bad manners. Wonderful to meet you. Perhaps we'll meet again, my long lost love," she said dramatically, bursting into a silly fit of giggles during the last sentence.
"Man, you guys are wasted," Finch looked at them, bewildered.
"They're totally not even listening to us," I said seriously, folding my arms. I cracked into a grin as our eyes met.
"Dance with me?" Finch asked.
"Love to," I grinned.
"Have fun, love birds," Lizzy teased. I rolled my eyes and waved to her and Nora in parting as I followed Finch into the crowd. We stopped in a small clearing and faced each other.
"Dance off? I learned some new moves," I challenged.
"You still can't beat me," he raised an eyebrow.
"If I win, you have to do whatever I say for the whole night," I grinned.
"And if I win," he grinned back. "You owe me a kiss," he winked and made smooching noises at me. I giggled.
"Whatever you say, Brains," I said, getting into position as the next song began. He did the same.
I began to dance, swaying my body back and forth with the music. I threw my movement into my hips, and he looked impressed as he watched me.
"You gonna dance, or what?" I grinned at him, moving my arms with the beat.
"You're actually good at this now," he grinned back, joining me. Our bodies moved differently yet in sync as we faced each other. I couldn't help but grin as I moved. It felt so refreshing to just let go.
I felt elated, though I was sweating and breathless. My body bounced and swayed with the music as I threw myself into the beat. I could feel my muscles warming with my excited movements.
The music flowed through me, energizing and fulfilling as I bounced up and down on my feet. Finch and I were laughing, and I was even giggling. His body flowed so naturally it was like he was a part of the music.
A new song began, and we continued, our bodies popping and locking with the new beat. He threw in some more complicated moves, his feet alternating as he moved. He was light on his feet, and he was jumping up and down with the beat. He began raising the roof with the beat as he put more energy into his moves.
I spun on my heel, my hand in the air as I ran the other over my body, swaying my hips back and forth with the music. His hands gripped my waist and I could feel him moving with me.
A new song began, and I spun around to face him, placing my hands on his shoulders. We continued to dance, and he synced our moves.
I became more confident as the music continued, and I began to use my legs more and more. I was a quick study, and I was learning from the people around me. As I became bolder, so did he.
Soon enough, a few people were turning to watch us as our final song began.
We faced off, and then began. Our bodies moved together, in sync and in matched all at once. He gripped my hand and spun me out. I used this chance to let go, and threw my body into a double twirl, landing fs ring the crowd. I stepped back rhythmically, feeling his back against mine.
I grinned and let go of everything holding me back. I felt so free as we moved together, and I couldn't stop smiling.
"Damn," I giggled breathlessly as the song came to an end. "You definitely win."
"Let me get that kiss," he tapped his cheek. I grinned and leaned up on my toes, planting my lips exactly where he'd touched.
"I could use another drink," he grinned suddenly, pulling me back to the table. I selected the chocolate one again and drank it quickly before taking a strawberry lemonade.
"Nevaeh Jay Williams," a voice said behind me. I turned around. Mr. Wickenburgh stood in front of me, unsmiling as he leaned on his cane.
"G-good evening, Mr. Wickenburgh," I responded politely.
"I'm looking for your master. Do you know where I might find him?" He asked nonchalantly, watching me calculatively.
"Last I saw him, he was with An-Ms. Gray," I answered, feeling uncomfortable.
"Ah, my niece," he shook his head. "She's pushing her luck with him."
"Oh," I said lamely, at a loss for words.
"You look very much like your sister. Natalie, wasn't it?" he asked, seeming mildly curious.
"Natalia," I answered. I was playing a dangerous game with fire here.
"Shame she had to be put down," he said.
"The law is the law," I answered indifferently, unmoving. Inside I was burning with rage.
"That fire in your eyes," he smiled, his deadly expression unsettling. "Your sister had it too. Be careful, Nevaeh Jay Williams. That fire is what got her killed. Contain it."
"Excuse us," Finch cut in, touching my shoulder protectively. "My master said she wanted to speak alone with Mr. Ivanov in the library. Maybe you can check there."
"Of course," Mr. Wickenburgh responded tiredly. "You are excused."
Finch led me to the other side of the room, his hand hovering over my lower back. He didn't actually touch me, and I was oddly grateful.
"What was that?" he asked, half heartedly dancing at the edge of the crowd. I joined in. My head felt a bit fuzzy.
"I don't know," I said under my breath. "I know this much, though. Whatever happened that led to my sisters death was bad. Noah and I are being watched."
"Do you know anything about what happened?" He breathed.
"Noah said it all happened because the two of them fell in love and planned to escape the New Society. There has to be more to it, though," I said slowly.
"I overheard Ms. Gray and Mr. Wickenburgh talking last night," he said. "There's a rebellion. Somewhere outside of the society," he said.
"I wonder if Natalia and Noah knew that," I bit my lip. "My dad knew."
"You keep calling Mr. Ivanov by his first name," he said. "What's up with that?"
"He told me to," I shrugged. Finch's eyes widened.
"Wow. He's nice then?" he wondered.
"Sometimes," I answered as he pulled me towards the wall. Another table with drinks was there and I lifted one, sipping it slowly. He got hotter the more I drank.
My vision was getting hazy. The music was starting to get too loud. "Hey, you okay, Tiny?" he asked.
"I'm fine," I said, chugging two more drinks and grabbing his hand. As I pulled him into the crowd, I saw Noah and Angelina. She was dancing, moving her body seductively against his.
I suddenly felt angry, and I wanted to confront him. What the hell. I thought, moving towards them. Finch followed behind me.
"What are you doing?" he sounded nervous.
"The question is," I said as we came to a stop beside Noah and the seductress. I felt a bit dizzy, and the lights made it seem like the room was swirling. "What are you doing?" My words were slurred.
Noah detached from Angelina and stepped towards me. "Are you drunk, little dove?" he smirked.
"No!" I said. "I've never got drunk in my whole life."
"You're acting drunk," he laughed as Angelina gripped his arm. I wanted to shove her. Maybe wipe the makeup from her face. That's probably 90% of her beauty. Maybe she'd be pretty on the inside if she ate the makeup instead. I thought dizzily.
"And what if I am?" I asked. My voice squeaked. I put my hands on my hips and glared up at him. "It's none of your business."
Suddenly, I felt my head whip to the side, and my cheek stung badly. "Ow," I said, rubbing it as I turned back, glaring at Angelina. She'd hit me.
"Nevaeh," Noah said, pushing Angelina off of him and cupping my chin. He examined my cheek. "Finch, get her some ice before it bruises, please."
"Yes, sir," Finch answered, taking my hand as Noah turned to face Angelina, his eyes full of anger.
"Do not," he said in a low, deadly voice that made her smirk falter. "Abuse my property."
Property. The word stung. Finch pulled me towards a caterer and I lost sight of Noah. The room was spinning badly, and I had to lean against him for support.
"Can we get some ice, please?" He asked. The caterer nodded and gestured for us to follow. She led us to a kitchen and poured ice into a bag for me before leaving us alone. "You okay, Tiny?"
"I'm fine," I grumbled as he pressed the ice gently to my face.
"She hit you pretty hard," he murmured, stepping closer and moving my hair away from my injured cheek. "It's swelling a little."
"Damn," I sighed, watching him. "Hey. You're kind of cute, you know."
"What?" his eyes widened as his eyes met mine.
"It's true," I said, pushing the ice pack away. "That's cold."
"No more ice," he said, setting the bag on the counter.
"Let's go dance again," I grabbed his hand, pulling him with me.
"Are you sure you're up for that?" He laughed, following behind me.
"I'm down for anything if it's with you," I giggled, stumbling.
Suddenly he turned to me and pressed me gently against the wall.
"Nevaeh," he said. "Can I kiss you?"
"I guess," I grinned, thinking he was joking. But he pressed his lips to mine for real, and I stiffened in shock. Eventually my eyes slipped closed and I accepted the kiss.
This wasn't necessarily illegal. There were no rules about kissing, or even sleeping with, other entertainers. But we could never have a real relationship. Not that I really wanted one. His kiss just felt nice. Noah's kisses make me burn, but Finch's are warm and nice.
"Nevaeh?" A voice said as footsteps rounded the corner. Finch drew back reluctantly and I turned to see who had called my name.
Noah stood frozen in place, clearly shocked. And then his dark eyes hardened. I couldn't really focus on him. The room was spinning badly.
"It's time to leave," he said, stepping towards me. Finch released me and stepped back. The moment his support left me, I began to stumble again. Finch caught and steadied me with a small smile.
"Careful, Tiny. Don't hurt yourself," he said, kissing my forehead. "I'll see you later."
"Bye," I murmured, leaning against the wall. Noah approached me slowly as Finch retreated. "Noah."
"Can you walk?" he asked.
"I think so," I swayed, trying to take a step forward. My knees buckled and I fell forward, catching myself on the ground. It was like I'd lost all control of my muscles. "Fuck."
"Dummy," he said, scooping me into his arms. "Looks like I'll have to carry you."
I leaned into him, resting my head on his shoulder as he cradled me. Everything was a blur until we made it to the car and he set me on the seat. He had to crawl over me to get in.
I was in and out of awareness as we drove. Noah coaxed water into me until I passed out on his shoulder.
I woke again as he sat me on the bed. He pulled my dress from my body and made me lay down. I gripped his shirt as he pulled the blankets around me and refused to let go when he turned to leave.
With a soft sigh, he pulled my fingers free and removed his shirt. "Don't go," I murmured incoherently. "Stay with me."
He slid in next to me and pulled me against him, stroking my hair. It was a long time before he spoke, and I was too far gone to register his words. I thought for certain that he'd said, "I will always stay with you," as I fell into a deep and endless darkness.