Page 39 of Masked Sins
I don’t know what, but something between us just shifted.
On the one hand, I’m still livid about what he did all those years ago. My future was wide open for me, and some nights, I lie awake and think of what my life would be like had I gone to Paris. I love dancing for the Pacific Ballet Company, and the fact that I’ve managed to snag the lead role after only a few years of dancing professionally is practically unheard of. I enjoy being close to Dad. But a small part of me wonders if I’d be happier in Europe, and blaming Orion for all of it was just easier.
He was my best friend, and it wasn’t the ruined opportunity that hurt the most.
The betrayal—the breach of trust—made it unforgivable in my eyes.
Showing up drunk. Breaking into my audition.Embarrassingme.
On the other hand, it’s been seven years. While I doubt we’ll ever be best friends again, maybe I can work toward forgiving him.
For so long, I begged the universe that he’d get sober. Watching a loved one go down that path was… horrific. But if he’s been sober for over two years—a feat that astounds me—maybe I can try to be cordial with him. Perhaps I don’t always have to decline invitations to events I know he’ll be at or roll my eyes if Zoe brings him up. Maybe next week atPhantom of the Operawouldn’t be so bad, after all. Itwasmy favorite book. The possibility of being cordial—even friendly—is tempting.
He’s trying, so I can make an effort, too.
Maybe it’s time to let go and see where forgiveness can take us.
CHAPTER SIX
THE SELFIE
Orion
I can hardly concentrate for the rest of the afternoon. Every time Layla looks at her phone, I hold my breath and wait for her to cave and watch Starboy’s new video. After all, I posted it on the fly specificallyfor her.And once she sees it, she’ll know it’s for her.
The selfish bastard part of me wants to be sitting right next to her when she watches the video I took this morning—me wearing my mask in a dark room with text straight from her book laid over me.
And music from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake.”
“Don’t you dare touch me. I scratch and bite.”
“You’ll learn to crawl and beg too, darling.”
I know Layla will lose her shit, and I’d sell my soul to watch her eyes take in the words from her filthy book and know Starboy posted for her.
However, she has more self-control than I expect. She’s still at Scott’s when I have to leave to work at Inferno’s bar.
I say a quick goodbye to Layla and Scott—the latter of whom took a solid two-hour nap—and head to downtown Crestwood. The ride is long due to traffic, but it doesn’t matter because I feel on top of the fucking world.
One smile.
She smiles at me for the first time in years, and I feel invincible.
I run home quickly to change and say hello to Earl, ensuring he’s happy and content in his aviary.
“Hello, Master,” he squawks. “Pretty girl?”
I stop walking. “Soon.”
After grabbing a water, I walk to my bedroom, shedding my T-shirt and jeans and swapping them for a black button-up and black slacks. I quickly freshen up while checking my phone—my messages, specifically.
LittleDancer
Don’t mind me. I’m just over here melting over your latest post.
My pulse quickens as I smile, deciding to flirt just a bit.
Prove it.
