Page 32 of Dangerous Secrets

The back entrance is isolated, but I'm grateful for it. I slip inside and make my way through the dark hallways, trying to ignore the sound of the music pounding in my ears. My heart is racing and I can barely hear myself think, but I keep moving forward until I get to my dressing room. I close the door behind me and lean against it, letting out a deep sigh of relief.

For a moment, I just stand there dripping, trying to catch my breath and calm my nerves. My mind is racing, and I can't help but wonder what's going to happen to me now. I'm alone, pregnant, and on the run from my own family. I can't go to the police because they're all in Mickey's pocket. I have nowhere to turn.

As I stand there in the darkness, I feel a sudden surge of anger. How could they do this to me? How could Soren think that I'm a liability to this criminal enterprise just because I'm in love? I grit my teeth and ball up my fists. How could my own blood turn on me like that?

It's cold and I'm soaked. There is nothing for me to wear here except my stage clothes and I can't exactly skip town wearing a ball gown. I start pacing back and forth, trying to come up with a plan, but my thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. Who could it be?

"Hello?" a man's voice calls out. "Is anyone in there?"

I recognize the voice immediately. It's one of the bouncers who attacked Rome the other night, but I can't remember his name. I take a deep breath and try to compose myself before I open the door.

"Hey," I say, trying to sound casual. "What's up?" He towers over me, large broad shoulders squaring as he takes me in. I'm not supposed to be here tonight. It's not my night. He's going to call Ben and they'll question everything.

The bouncer looks at me suspiciously, his eyes lingering on my hooded face and wet clothes. "Are you okay?" he asks. "You look like you've been through hell."

I force a smile. "I'm fine. Just had a bit of a rough night. I need to get dressed for my set." I lie—of course I lie. I have no set tonight at all, but he can't know that.

The bouncer nods, still eyeing me warily. "Alright, well, let me know if you need anything."

I watch him leave, my heart pounding in my chest. If my brothers or Mickey show up here I'm fucked. I just need an hour or so, some time to think and plan, and a way to distract them. I sink into the vanity chair and open my phone to view the security cam footage. Tony sits on the front step waiting for me. The others are gone. I don't know if he is for me or against me, but with his back to the camera I can't tell.

If he leaves I can go home. If not, I'm stuck here, unless I sneak in the back door there too, which isn't likely considering I have neighbors on all sides. It's quite possible I will be forced to leave town without even a bag of clothes. I feel like a vagabond.

I hear a knock on the door again. This time, it's a different voice. "Hey, Bianca," Ben calls out. "Can we talk?"

The bouncer had to have told him I was here. I don't want to fuck with this. "I'm busy right now," I call out, hoping he'll just leave me alone.

"Come on," he says, his voice growing impatient. "Open the door. We both know you don't have a show tonight."

If I push him away, he will tell Soren for sure. That's the last thing I need right now.

I take a deep breath and stand up, trying to steady my shaking legs. I know I have to face him, so I walk over to the door and open it. Ben stands there, his arms crossed over his broad chest, his face set in a scowl. "What's going on, Bianca?" he demands. "Why are you here?"

I try to keep my voice calm. "I just needed some time to think," I say. "I had a rough night, that's all."

He narrows his eyes at me. "You're lying," he says flatly. "I know you, Bianca. You're up to something."

I don't know what to say. I can feel the panic rising in my chest, and I know I have to get out of here before he starts asking more questions. "I have to go," I say, stepping back from the door.

But Ben blocks my way. "Not so fast. You're not going anywhere until you tell me what's really going on." His voice is low, and I can see the anger simmering beneath the surface.

I can't let him see how scared I am. I take a step closer to him, my voice steady. "I'm pregnant... Okay? I just found out. I'm freaking out about it. I need a place to think."

Ben looks at me with surprise written all over his face. "Pregnant?" he repeats. "And you didn't tell me?"

"I just found out," I repeat. "I'm sorry."

He studies me for a moment longer before stepping aside. He shakes his head and glances over his shoulder. He has no clue what my future holds and I hate leaving him in a bad place, but lying is the only way to keep my child safe now. "So, what are you going to do?" he asks me.

"I don't know," I admit. "I'm scared, Ben. You know how my brothers are." He does... He knows exactly how. my brothers are, but just not how I am. That is my secret.

"Alright... Take the time you need."

"Ben... Don't tell anyone I'm here. Especially not Soren or Micah. Okay?" I plead with him to keep my confidence and he scowls at me but agrees.

"Yeah, alright. But don't stick around here. I don't need no scene tonight." As he retreats and shuts the door I breathe out a sigh of relief. At least I have this place that is warm and dry to try to unwind a bit and make a plan.

I peel off my hoodie and jeans, dump them into the hamper, and head for the showers to warm up. If after the shower, Tony is still on my doorstep, I will have to put on one of these damn dresses and leave town anyway. Hopefully, he is gone and I can just sneak home long enough to get some clothes and my stash of cash and fake IDs for the road. I may need them.

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