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After everything that happened, he didn't change how he sees me at all: as a silly girl.
If it weren't for me being injured by the scorpion, would he even have approached me? Would we even have seen each other at all once we lived in the same city?
I woke up happy, feeling full in my body and mind. What happened yesterday seemed like a dream, but now, I'm starting to think I embarrassed myself last night. The flowers and jewelry are a kind of message: nothing has changed.
I go to the bathroom, forcing myself to take a shower and move on to my only comfort when I feel alone: dancing.
Four hours later, my body is worn out enough that at least for a while, I've forgotten about everything else other than my art.
During one of the breaks I took, one of the bodyguards handed me my phone with a note from Madison, asking me to call her.
There were also messages from Ares, but I ignored them.
I talked to Madison for about ten minutes and was happy that neither she nor Cici had gotten into trouble with their husbands because of my stupid idea of annoying Ares by performing at SIN.
I'm getting ready to go into the changing room because I feel exhausted, but one of the other dancers intercepts me along the way. He's very friendly, but I'm not sure what his name is, and I tell him that, even at the risk of being rude.
"Powers," he says, smiling.
We talk for a while, and he makes me laugh several times. When he invites me for a bite to eat, I decide to accept. Debra is traveling, and the other option would be staying home alone.
Maybe that's what I need: to get away from the Kostanidou for a bit, to make new friends.
Only then do I remember what JeAnne told me: I still need to ask Ares why he didn't tell me about Mr. Van Lith's death.
Not today, however.
I need a break and, above all, to get over my embarrassment. I made the biggest mistake possible: I fell in love with the man who declared, the first time he saw me—and that wasn't even on a real date, but at an obligatory meeting—that he didn't want any commitment.
After yesterday, it's as if a curtain has been pulled aside. I finally understand why I've never been able to be interested in another guy these past two years.
It was lust at first sight with that Greek ogre.
Lucky for me, I don't like him. It's only passion, physical attraction, so I'll never run the risk of loving him.
"So, how are you feeling about your debut as prima ballerina?" Powers asks, bringing me back to reality.
We're at a diner near the New York City Ballet, and from where I'm sitting, I see two of my bodyguards standing in the doorway.
I grimace in disgust, even though I know their presence is necessary. If Powers noticed my escort, he’s too polite to mention it.
"Do you want a sincere answer or a cute one?"
"The truth, always," he says, smiling, before bringing his glass of orange juice to his mouth.
"It hasn't sunk in yet. I can't believe I was chosen. I've dreamed about this my whole life and now that it's happened, I haven't had time to process it. Maybe fear will catch up with me on opening day, but for now I . . .”
I stop talking when I notice Powers looking past me. A second later, when a huge hand lands on my shoulder, I know the reason for his expression.
Ares is here. I don't even need to turn around. My body recognizes him. How is that possible?
I prepare to face him, but then he leans down without any warning and kisses my mouth. It’s not just a brush of lips; it’s a kiss with tongue and teeth, one that brings back inappropriate memories of last night.
When we separate, I don't even know where I am anymore, every single one of my neurons trying to realign itself.
"You've been running away from me all day, baby. So I had to come and hunt for you." He turns to Powers. "My name is Ares Kostanidis, and you are?"
I'm left in disbelief when he stretches his hand towards Powers, such completely different behavior than with Otis, whom he seemed to want to kill.