Page 3 of Forever Desired
The back hallways were bustling with servers rushing back and forth from the kitchen to the main floor. The kitchen of the Murazzi was world renowned. When people visited or stayed at the Turin casino, the Murazzi was one of the attractions in the casino that drew them.
“There you are,” Nathan’s exasperated voice sounded behind them.
Athena rolled her eyes at her male background singer. Nathan had a pet peeve about tardiness.
“We’re only thirty seconds late.” She sighed.
She and Nathan had met and instantly hit it off creatively. He was an amazing song writer who preferred to stay behind the scenes. His voice was out of this world, and he could easily headline his own show, but he preferred his current position as a background vocal.
He brushed past her and waved them to follow. “You’re still late. I had to wait for you three,” he tossed out over his shoulder.
“Thirty seconds, Nathan.” Olivia laughed.
They made their way behind the stage. Athena was instantly hit with the energy of the Murazzi. Classical music floated through the air as part of the intermission between the previous show and Athena’s.
“Okay, ladies. We are going to have a great show tonight. The band is already out there,” Nathan directed.
“Let’s do this!” Liza pumped her fist in the air.
The three of them disappeared around the curtain, leaving Athena alone.
This was her normal routine. Each night before going out in front of the audience, she needed a few seconds to gather her thoughts and channel her alter ego.
When performing, she became a sensual siren, much different than the shy woman she was.
She sent up a quick prayer that their set would be successful.
The butterflies in her stomach grew, and she wasn’t sure why.
This was weird. She performed three nights a week and was used to being in front of an audience.
Maybe it was the thought that the owner of the freaking hotel may stop in.
Sorin Ludovica.
Saying his name in her head sent a chill down her spine.
“Get a grip girl,”she snapped. For all she knew he was some old, rich, balding man just checking on his property.
She closed her eyes and took some deep breaths, forcing her nerves to calm down.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you are in for a treat tonight,” a smooth voice filtered through the microphone.
The voice belonged to her pianist, Nick, who helped arranged the music with her and Nathan. The classical music could no longer be heard. A slow and tempting beat began. The vocals of her background singers pierced the air. Their perfect harmony would tease the crowd, drawing them into its web. The tempo started a slow rise, building the anticipation of the crowd.
“Tonight you will be amazed by the sensual siren who will be coming to the stage.”
Cheers and claps went around the room. The air in the place was electric and was why Athena loved doing what she did.
Athena Chambers had grown up in the Midwest as a shy, young black girl who loved to sing. She’d sing anywhere she was given the chance and had dreamed of being able to perform in front of a large audience when she grew up.
She would have never imagined she would have packed her bags and landed in Las Vegas, the City of Sin.
But here she was.
Standing behind the dark curtains was a girl who just wanted to use her voice to entertain people.
“Now, without further ado…” Nick gave a dramatic pause.
Her muscles relaxed, and she felt herself transition to Athena the performer. Her heart rate slowed to the normal pace, and her breathing was even.
“Athena.”
Her eyes flew open.
Showtime.
