Page 89 of Dance of Thorns

Bane ignites a little spark of memory inside me. Not enough to rediscover things I’ve forgotten, but enough that it brings me back to that time.

And I like that, a lot.

Maybe more than I should.

I think I'm starting to likehimmore than I should.

Even if he still unnerves me at times, and looks at me now and then like he’s so fucking mad at me for taking Lark away from him.

I’ve been tempted to show him the diary, especially the parts about her being a psycho manipulative asshole behind his back, like that might lessen the anger he feels toward me for getting her killed.

But I’d never do that. Even if Iwasn’ton a hundred different psych drugs.

That’s just not me.

Then again,he’sjust not me, either.

So… Who even knows what I’m capable of.

“Here is fine, thanks.”

The guy driving me back from rehearsal in the black Escalade frowns, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

Ivan? I think that’s his name.

“Miss Marchetti,” he growls in his heavy Russian accent. “We are not yet at Mr. Antonov’s building?—”

“I know,” I smile. “I just…” I exhale. “I could use some air, you know?”

“I will roll down windows.”

I laugh. “No, Ivan, I… Can I get out here and walk?”

He frowns again. “Sorry, Miss. Mr. Antonov's orders.”

I pout. “Please, Ivan? I swear I won’t tell. We’re only two blocks from the building.” I roll my eyes, gesturing through the windshield. “Also, it’s the Upper West Side. What could possibly happen?”

I can see the gears turning in his head.

“You know that girl you saw me talking to after rehearsal the other day?”

He blushes.

He knows who I mean. Elodie is in New York from Paris guesting with the Zakharova for the season. She mostly keeps to herself, but we chat now and then.

I’ve caught Ivan staring at her like a lovestruck puppy about dozen times.

“Her name is Elodie,” I say in a sing-song voice. “She’s French.” I grin at him. “Andsingle…”

Ivan swallows, his eyes darting to mine in the rearview mirror.

“Let me out here, I won’t breathea word, and I’ll ask her if I can give you her number. Deal?”

His mouth twists. Then he grins.

“Da, deal.”

He pulls up to the curb and unlocks the door.