Page 104 of Claim Me

What the hell was she getting at? Suddenly, the roses felt even heavier. “I’m not at that point yet.”

“No, of course not, dear. Well, when you return, I’d like to talk about incorporating your song into the portfolio.”

“I’d like that. If you’d excuse me, I need to leave. As the conductor knows, I had a previous engagement that I’m going to be late for.” I suddenly felt claustrophobic. A shadow caught my eye, movement that created a sense of fear. Everything Kazimir had drilled into me suddenly surfaced.

“Wait,” she said as she stepped in front of me. “Would you commit to coming into my office in a few days so we can talk about enhancing the arrangement?”

I’d never had a strange feeling around anyone I’d worked with before, but the fact she was keeping me just behind the stage was unnerving. “I tell you what. I’ll call you after my brother’s funeral.” My mouth was completely dry as the fear filtered into my muscles. The little white lie had come so easily.

“I’m so sorry about your loss. I know how close you were with Charlie.”

Some movement caught my eye as a cold chill drifted down my spine. I took a purposeful step away, still feeling lightheaded.

This time, she didn’t stop me as I headed for the dressing rooms. Just outside, I searched the hallway for Kazimir. Suddenly, I’d never wanted to see anyone so much in my life. The skittering of terror increased and my stomach was in knots.

To calm my nerves, I took another whiff of the roses and opened the door. Doing so was comforting, as if he was standing right beside me.

Vibrations under my feet caught me off guard. I slowly turned toward the open door. The rumbles quickly increased. I placed the roses on one of the tables, moving toward the door.

Boom!

The sound was muffled. Was I hearing things? A sharp cry was followed by a rumble beneath my feet. Then I could swear I heard someone screaming ‘smoke.’ Was that possible? I hugged the wall, trying to figure out what to do. The air was suddenly suffocating.

Don’t panic. Breathe.

That was the first thing.

Kazimir must have heard the sound.

Another boom coming from another direction was followed by loud screams that were impossible to misunderstand. I backed into the dressing room, rushing to where I’d placed my purse. With my hands shaking, I jammed one into the clutch. I should easily be able to grab my phone. I’d call Kazimir. He’d know what to do.

My phone wasn’t inside my purse.

I pulled the leather bag into the light, horrified I was correct just as the electricity went off. Now terror ripped through me. The sound of feet pounding on the floor came from every direction. People were shouting and I smelled smoke.

The moment I rushed to the door, musicians and several members of the backstage crew flew down the hallway. Gasping, I knew I had to get out of the facility. Another rumble turned into a much bigger explosion. Suddenly, the entire building began to shake.

Seconds later, the emergency lights popped on along with strobing red lights. I was even more nauseated than before, stumbling forward as my lightheadedness continued.

It felt like I was suffocating. Panting, I tried to search for Kazimir. He’d be here any minute. He’d fucking… walk through fire to save me.

A half laugh skipped from my mouth. Yes, he would. I was certain.

More screams cut through the melee, the chaos increasing as fear ran rampant.

When I tried to push my way through the crowd just to be able to run down the hallway toward the exit, I was knocked back and almost trampled.

“Marissa!” The loud voice boomed above everything else.

A face appeared, yet my vision was so foggy. What the hell was wrong with me? I hovered against the wall, trying to catch my breath.

“Oh, my God. Are you okay? Let me get you out of here.”

“Joseph?” I had to try to process the sound of his voice. My eyes were so foggy. The smoke was killing them.

He grabbed me around the waist, pulling me against him. “Yes. You’re safe now. You’ll be perfectly fine. I can get you out of here. I know another way out of the building.”

“Hold on. What’s happening?” His grip was firm, his fingers digging into my arm.