Page 37 of Doubts & Fears

Gerald entered the kitchen as I was leaving. “Have you seen Kinsley?” I tried to keep my tone steady.I swear, if she took off again…

“She’s in the gym, sir.”

My tense shoulders dropped as a wave of relief washed over me. I let out a long breath and walked the distance to the gym. The anticipation of seeing her again fueled me. Cold metal kissed my hand as I gripped the doorknob and turned it.

All of us were well-versed in dance. Her body was poised in first position, her heels touching and her toes pointing outward. She brought her right leg gracefully to coupe, then, standing on her left foot, she lifted her heel up and down.

The determination on her face was fascinating to watch as she moved into arabesque pulses. But then she must have felt my eyes on her because she met and held my gaze. She continued, her hand braced against the wall. Her leg was at a forty-five-degree angle from the ground, and she pulsed up, activating her glutes. Flinching, she hissed as tears filled her eyes.

“Shit.” I left to retrieve the jar of Arnica from the refrigerator, garnering a look from Mrs. Patterson. She shook her wooden spoon with a small smile.

When I got back to the gym, Kinsley was in plank position. She transferred her weight to her left forearm, placing her right foot on top of her left before lifting her right hand toward the ceiling. Damn, that looked like it hurt.

She did both sides and then stood once more. Moving into second position, Plié extensions, she gracefully moved in a way that was beautifully poised. I couldhave watched her forever, but the cool jar in my hand reminded me of what I needed to do.

“Enough,” I barked, causing her to stumble a little. She flushed and swallowed hard.

“Come here, please,” I called out to her in a gentler voice. She ambled over, her face paling. “You’re not in trouble. Turn around.”

She obediently turned, and I pulled her shorts down.

“Hey, what are you doing?” she squealed, stepping away. Turning, she yanked her shorts up. A scowl darkened her expression.

“Turn back around. Now,” I growled, whipping her around once more, jerking down her pants.

“Please don’t, Ivan,” she whimpered.

“Relax. I’m not going to fuck you from behind right here in the gym, goddamn it.” I held up the jar in my hand. “I want to put some cream on your ass. You’ll let me, or I will take you over my knee once more. Now move your hands.”

She was breathing hard but complied, mumbling, “So fucking embarrassing.”

My chest rumbled with a chuckle. “Better not let Alek hear you say that word.” Bloody hell, she had a few minor bruises on her round bottom. A bigger one stood out below her left butt cheek, and I brushed my fingers over it. “You bruise easily?”

She nodded.

Damn, her skin was so soft. Looking at my hands, I was suddenly aware of how rough they must feel on her smooth skin. A wave of guilt washed over me. “I was told you don’t like ballet?”

She sighed as the cool cream soothed her flesh. “I loathe ballet, but its foundations and discipline make me a better dancer in other areas, so I incorporate it into my workouts.”

“What’s your favorite style of dance?”

After realizing I was taking my time, I pushed myself to hurry. I must have moved too quickly, though, because she flinched.Shit. I pulled her shorts back up, and when she turned around, her face was red.

“I like lyrical and contemporary best, but I can do a mean silk rope act, and give me a hammock and I can make you…you…” She trailed off, as I grinned.

“Ballroom show is also a favorite of mine, but your brother made sure no one will partner with me again. Not that you’ll let me go to dance, anyway.”

Her embarrassment faded, switching to anger as she seethed, “You know dance is my life, right? If I can’t dance or sing, I could die. Like, heart stopbeating, die.”

So dramatic.

“Will you, now? You can dance here all you like and sing as loud as you want. If you’re not that good, I suggest going outside, or you could use…well, maybe not that room. It’s soundproof, but I suppose if you were going to sing in there, it might sound a little different.” I winked.

She put her hands on her hips. “I’ll have you know I’m an excellent singer.”

“Good, then you can sing us something this evening. Now on to why I need to see you. Come with me.” I took her small hand.

“Where? Where…are you taking me?” Her voice held a tiny mix of fear and excitement.

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