Page 105 of Dance of Devils

“So talented that I hear she's trying to get into that fancy ballet company in Moscow, where your friend's the head honcho.”

My eyes narrow. “Where’s the headline here.”

His brows puzzle.

“Thepoint, Isaak.”

He spreads his hands. “I was under the impression that this fancy ballet only hasoneopening. And that the terms of your agreement with Dimitri include?—”

“I’m well aware of what my arrangement with Dimitri entails,” I growl.

Isaak nods and levels a look at me. “I guess I was wondering what happens when the girl you’re bending over backward for asks you about her dream of dancing in Moscow, and your friend who could make that happen, and you have to decide what to do.”

I scowl, my teeth gritting. “The decision's already been made. Inessa goes to Moscow. That's final.”

Isaak nods. “Okay, then.” Then he wisely changes the subject and points to the Honda. “What do you want to do about this? It’s leaking oil all over the gravel.”

“You've gotten extremely bougie, Isaak.”

Part of me wanted to have the car destroyed when Isaak’s people found it. But then I put myself in her shoes and reconsidered.

Shit-box or not, this was herhomefor a year. It was the roof over her head. I’ll let her decide what happens to it, and then I’ll get to work fixing the rest of her.

I moved out of my darkness. She can too.

I’lldragher out of it, if necessary.

24

BROOKLYN

Wakingup the next morning feels like entering a new dimension. Or maybe I haven’t woken up at all, and I’m still dreaming.

Thiscannotbe real.

Soft sunlight filters through the gauzy white curtains. One of the tall windows is slightly open, and the greenery in a vase of white hydrangeas sitting on a gorgeous glass and copper table close by moves softly in the breeze.

The whole room smells floral and soclean.

My eyes drink in the elegant, paneled walls with whimsical framed black and white photos of New York, the gorgeous furniture.

And the bed…

Heaven.

It’s massive, king-sized, with a down mattress, ridiculously soft sheets, and a duvet that I could literally wrap myself in forever.The pillows are firm enough to cradle but soft enough to coax you into relaxation. Translucent white linen drapes down from the top of the four-poster bed, making me feel like a princes waking from her beauty sleep.

I grin to myself.

How is this real?

Just as I’m about to get out of bed, I freeze.

I went to bed naked last night. Which means…

I slip to the edge of the bed and push aside the curtains, and my heart leaps.

Laid out on the couch is agorgeoussummery outfit: a simple but beautiful white knee-length sundress, a lightweight, cropped white cardigan, strappy sandals, and…