Page 4 of Forbidden Desires

“Gisele, can I see you for a moment?” My father’s voice booms from behind us, and I jump. He might be my father, but he runs our house with military precision, and he scares the shit out of me most of the time.

Cassie’s eyes meet mine. She drops her head closer. “Now’s as good a time as any. Be strong and tell him what you want,” she encourages me. I wish I had her courage.

I turn to face my father with a smile. “Of course.”

He links his arm with mine and walks me away from the others into the main bar.

“How did you enjoy the show?” I ask, trying to keep my voice light, even though my stomach is tied up in knots.

Examining me closely, his forehead wrinkles deepen. “Are you ill?”

“No,” I reply, confused.

“What was wrong with you then? That wasn’t the Gigi Kelley I know.” He glares at me, and I feel like I’m five years old again, messing up my dance recital.

I can see the frustration on his face, he's clearly annoyed. This isn’t a friendly chat. A parent encouraging their child. It’s now or never, Gisele. “I… I need a break…”

He cuts me off, “Excuses, Gisele. You have one bad performance, and you want to start with the excuses instead of owning it. I won’t be able to offer you this new role with an attitude like that.”

I look at him, not feeling any disappointment about missing out on the role. “Okay, maybe that’s for the best,” I whisper, wishing I had some of ’s strength right now.

He stares back at me blankly before his face reddens. “It’s not for the best. This role is perfect for you, and you will audition and land the role.” His demand resonates over the music, causing a few onlookers to stop and stare.

“You’re making a scene,” I say quietly.

“You have three months to refocus and get your shit together and be ready for my show. Don’t disappoint me,” he bellows before storming off in a rage.

I watch him leave, shoving his way through the crowded room. He’s furious, probably angrier than I have ever seen him before. Part of me understands he’s put a lot into building my career—dance, acting, and singing lessons—but never once did he ask me what I wanted. For the first time in my life, I see him for who he really is—a bully. And I let him get away with it because I wanted to keep the peace and make him happy. But I’m not living for anyone else anymore. Not when it’s making me ill.

Cassie walks toward me quickly, shoving a champagne flute in my direction. “You look like you need this.”

I take the drink and throw it back, wishing it could solve all my problems.

“Are you okay? That looked rough.”

“What could he do if I just ran away? I’m twenty-three, it’s time to move out of my parents’ place anyway.”

Cassie picks up her flute, taking a sip. “Now you’re talking.” She laughs, mischief in her eyes. “Where are you going to go?”

“I don’t know. Honestly, until I told you all this tonight, I never really let myself think about what else I could do.” I think on it a bit longer as I sip my drink. What do I want? “Somewhere no one knows my name or anything about who my parents are. I want to go in there with a totally clean slate so I can work out who I even am and what I want for my life.”

Cassie nods, agreeing with me. “Okay, maybe the opposite to what you have done your whole life.”

“Now you’re talking,” I say a little more enthusiastically, starting to work out a plan. If I’m halfway across the country, he can hardly demand I return to perform in his show when it’s ready. As I think on it, my attention is captured by a ruggedly handsome man sitting in one of the booths. He tilts his head, his lips turning up at the side as he studies me.

“You should go there,” Cassie says, bringing my attention back to her.

“Where?” I ask, thinking she might have found somewhere for me to disappear to.

“Over to the hot dude checking you out. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice, because I can see the color of your cheeks, and I know you did.” She smirks, a gleam in her eyes.

I can feel the heat coming from my face, so I know she’s right. He’s very nice-looking, a little older than me, with dark hair, a full beard, and a warmth in his eyes that makes my insides dance. His suit is tailored, and his glass looks like it contains something like whiskey or bourbon. Yum, to both the drink and the man.

I glance back at him, but his attention has returned to the man he’s sitting with. “You know I can’t do that,” I squeak. “I think we should dance.” I grab Cassie’s hand and drag her to the dance floor with me. Dancing I can do no problem. Talking to a sexystranger, I can’t. We join some of the other girls from the show who are already dancing to “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. I love this song, and I let my mind go blank as my body moves to the beat.

Chapter 3

Brody

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