Page 191 of Dance of Devils

Once upon a time, theImperiya Koronawas my dream. But I know now that that dream wasn’t so much the company itself, but the promise it whispered of pulling me out the reality I was drowning in.

But then my reality changed.

Because of him.

So when I say I’m happy for Inessa, and glad she’s there, Ireallydo mean it, and not in “smile and pretend” kind of way.Ballet Imperiya Koronais no longer my dream.

I’m living mine already.

And as impressive as that company is, I’m constantly reminded that the Zakharova is just as prestigious. As Maya once quipped, “the tits are always greener on the other side.”

I don’t need to go to Russia to understand how good I have it here. I have the Zakharova. I have my friends, who mean the world to me. I havehim.

The rest is just…noise.

Marcus, the new head of security for The Oasis, grins as we walk up to the front door. “She’s going to be so psyched to see you,” he chuckles. He turns to nod at Kir, whom he apparently knows from doing some other jobs for him. “Mr. Nikolayev,” he says stiffly.

“Oh, it’s just Kir,” Evie blurts.

Inside, my jawdropsas I take in the new space. The outside is relatively the same—though with a bit of a facelift. But the inside?

“Eeee! You’re here!”

I whirl when I hear Maya’s voice as she rushes over and gives me a huge hug.

“Thisspace!” I gasp, looking around in wonder.

The entire interior has been redone to give a sultry, roaring twenties speakeasy vibe, complete with chandeliers dripping with crystals. It's done in deep reds, blacks, and golds, and instead of the creaky old tables sticky with beer, there are brand-new semicircular booths that all face the massive stage.

“Maya, it'sgorgeous.”

She grins before she glances up at Kir and smirks. “Speaking of gorgeous… How we doing, handsome?”

“Still no cousins or brothers that I know of,” he says with a chuckle.

Maya sighs. “Damn. Well, keep me posted.”

“Of course.”

She grins. “And again, even though I’ve said it a million times?—”

“You don’t?—”

“Yes, Ido.” She puts her hand out and shakes his. “Thank you for this. Seriously.” She turns to beam at the rest of us. “Okay! We got someprima ballerinas in the hooouse! C’mon, I’ve got you guys up front in the splash zone.”

Evie looks confused. “Splash zone?”

Val, Dove, and I crack up. Kir makes a face.

“Better get that judgy look off your face,” I grin, elbowing him as we follow Maya to our table. “We’re going to be coming hereallthe time.”

“Is that so?” he says with a smirk, eying me.

“You know it.”

A cocktail waitress in a glittery gold corset and thigh-high boots brings over a tray of champagne flutes for the table. We all cheers just as the house lights dim.

Hoots and whistles and applause fill the club as Maya struts on stage and welcomes everyone to The Oasis before introducing the new lineup of dancers.