Page 90 of Dance of Thorns

“You're the best, Ivan. Okay if I leave my dance bag in the car?”

“Of course, Miss.”

I pat him on the shoulder. “You’re awesome.”

I watch the Escalade pull away, wincing a little bit. I totally just bullshitted that. Elodie keeps to herself, but I’m pretty sure it’s because she’s chatting with herboyfriendback in Paris.

There’s zero percent chance she'll want me to give her number to Ivan.

I’m an asshole.

I could stay on this street and be at Bane’s place in two minutes. But it’s busy, and noisy, and I really do need to clear my head.

I head down a side street to the next block over, a little removed from the flow of traffic. It’s quieter here, and there’s a back door to Bane’s building on this street, so it'll work.

I find myself wondering if he’ll be home when I get there. Not because I’m hoping to play one of our games—okay, I’m notopposedto the idea…

It’s more that… I don’t know…

My face heats.

Because you just want him to be there.

I’ve realized in the last week that I don’t mind living with him.

I like it. A lot.

It’s not like we have tons of long, philosophical discussions about the universe. But it’s nice to have someone there when you get home who asks how dance was today. Who grins and inquires if you’re still sore after the brutal fucking-to-within-an-inch-of-your-life they gave you barely twenty-four hourspreviously. Who asks if you’re hungry, because they’re about to cook or order delivery.

It’s just…nice.

I grin, my steps quickening. Suddenly, I sense someone behind me.

Eyes watching me.

I whip my head around, glancing into the darkness behind me. There’s nothing there, but I still put my hand into the pocket of my jacket and lace my fingers through the keys to the carriage house that I still carry around.

I start walking a little faster.

The footsteps behind me do the same.

I whirl fully, brandishing the keys in my fingers, my face stony.

“Hey!” I bark, the hair on the back of my neck bristling.

No reply. No sound. No movement.

I swallow nervously. “Bane?” I murmur. “I… This isn’t fun, if that’s you.”

The seconds tick by. Another shiver ripples up my spine.

I turn back and start to power walk toward the back door to Bane’s building. It’s only a block away. And thisisthe Upper West Side. What could possibly?—

The footsteps get louder, closer behind me. This time, I don’t turn around.

…I just fuckingrun.

I pelt down the block, my legs pumping, my breath ragged and my nerves jangling. The rough thud of heavy boots on the pavement grows louder and closer. I swear I can hear the grunting, snarled rasp of a man’s heavy breathing.