Page 7 of Phantom

“Do you really think he’ll go backstage?” I ask when the feeling makes it hard to breathe.

“You can’t have her, Sol.”

I flick my eyes in Ben’s direction before dismissing him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Scarlett Day. A woman like Scarlett loves the light. Thespotlightto be exact. You’ll have to stop capitalizing on all the rumors and emerge from those shadows you cling to.”

“Relax, brother. I just don’t want an innocent in the firing line. I’ll stick with the eager-to-please tourists you bring me.” The lie burns on its way up, turning my tongue to ash and forcing me to swallow. “She’s nothing.”

“I’ve never seen you so agitated overnothingbefore,” Ben scoffs. “And I can’t remember the last time you even looked at another woman, let alone spent time with one of the tourists that’s begged for your attention. But the fact of the matter is, if Scarlett Day is affiliated with the Chatelains, she’s off-limits. It’s safer that way.”

In her white-as-snow gown, Scarlett is luminescent as she sings alongside her costar and best friend, Jaime Dominguez. Knowing she has someone I can trust to protect her when I’m not around gives me peace that’s never come easily. But I’ll be there if Chatelain visits her. And if he doesn’t, then I’ll have her all to myself. My cock twitches behind my zipper at the prospect.

“She’s off.Limits,” my twin mutters more insistently.

The left side of my lips lifts up with my arrogance. “We’ll see about that.”

I feel Ben’s eyes on me, studying me, like he doesn’t already know everything I’m thinking. Finally, he answers with a sigh. “I’m sure she’ll be at the after-party at Masque. Chatelain will likely attend just to fuck with you. I guess you’ll have to come out of the shadows, after all.”

A scowl pinches my face, drawing the skin on the right side tight. I fucking hate crowds. Scarlett doesn’t go out like I know she used to, instead staying in to study or practice in her free time. But I’ll be damned if she goes and I’m not there. “I have something urgent that needs my immediate attention once the show ends. Perhaps I’ll meet you down there after.”

I’m not surprised by the knowing, raised eyebrow on what used to be my mirror image.

“Something… or someone?”

I don’t bother with a response. As usual, my brother already knows the answer.

Act 1

Scene 1

AFTER THE SHOW

Scarlett

My heart races as the crowd cheers. It’s a rush that I could never describe, even though I’ve been dying to feel it for years. I should be exhausted after the way I’ve been rushing around, getting ready for the show, but energy vibrates through my veins. My nerves have been working in overdrive ever since Jilliana called out sick at the last minute, leaving the lead role for her understudy.

Me.

I bow again with my fellow castmates, reveling that I’ve finally achieved the dream my father worked so hard to get for me.

“It’s going to be you in the center of that spotlight, Lettie, bowing to your adoring masses.”

And I am.

It’s exciting and thrilling and feels like I’ve accomplished everything he wanted.

But still… it’s everythinghewanted. I thought it would be everything I wanted too, but it’s not enough. I haven’t figured out that missing piece, but when I do, holy shit it’s going to feel like heaven. Which is slightly terrifying considering the way I feel now.

Definitely can’t forget to take my meds tonight.

My best friend squeezes my left hand. Jaime’s gorgeous smile blazes on his bronze face and his dark-brown eyes sparkle in the spotlight.

“Soak it in, Scarlo. You’ve earned it.” His voice carries over the cheers and my smile widens on my already aching cheeks. All at once we bow one final time before rushing backstage.

As soon as we get past the open curtains, Jaime and I wade through the cheering and celebrating cast to sneak to my nearby dorm which doubles as my dressing room. Once I’m inside the door, I immediately look toward my makeup desk, only to find empty space on the corner. I barely have time to hide my frown before Jaime shakes me by the shoulders playfully.

“Scarlo, baby doll, you nailed it tonight. I’ve been listening to you practice for months but where didthatcome from? We have the same vocal coaches, and they never taughtmeto sing like that!”