Page 98 of Beautiful Villain

He laughed, the booming sound the one I remembered. “I did not threaten him, little brat. This is your time. You can do this.”

I opened my mouth twice, squeaking like some damn mouse. “I’m terrified. I’m not good enough. I’m going to faint. I’m going to throw up. I’m going to-—”

He pressed two fingers against my lips, shaking his head. “You’re going to be incredible.” As he lowered his head, pressing his lips against mine, I said it just a second before the kiss.

“I love you.”

The feel of his arms was amazing, but I wanted more. So much more.

The sound of the door opening interrupted us.

“Ms. Lancaster? Mr. Chevelle is expecting you. Right this way.”

I smiled at the girl, reaching out and gripping Kirill’s hand. “You are coming with me, aren’t you?”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Over the next several minutes, I was sent to a magical place, Kirill’s gift holding a special place in my heart for all eternity.

Being on the stage had meant everything to me, but seeing his face sitting in the fourth row, listening to me sing and watching me dance gave me the courage I needed. I’d never enjoyed anything so much. While I knew this was for not, it didn’t matter. What Kirill had done was unforgettable.

He had a heart.

And a soul.

And I loved him.

When the song ended, I lowered my head, able to hear the hard beating of my heart.

Time ticked away, anxiety returning.

“Ms. Lancaster. I’d like a word with you,” Mr. Chevelle said seconds later.

“Of course.” As I walked down the stairs, I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off Kirill, his eyes just as piercing even from the distance. As Mr. Chevelle began to talk, I fell into a fog, terror and joy, love and happiness, sorrow and anger rushing into me.

Broadway. It had been my place of dreams, everything I’d ever wanted. Now I was going to be the lead in a play. On Broadway. And I knew it had more to do with Kirill’s relationship with the producer, but I was determined to make them both proud.

“We’ll see you in a few days,” Mr. Chevelle stated as he shook my hand.

As I walked toward Kirill, for the first time I saw tears in his eyes.

This was his special and last gift, one that set me free.

He was saying goodbye.

* * *

Two months later

“Woo hoo! A star is born!” Rian shouted it out to the entire bar. I wanted to kill him. “My cousin, my beautiful cousin has her debut on Broadway tonight!”

There wasn’t a person in the bar who wasn’t clapping. I think they knew Rian would kill them if they didn’t.

Still, a blush crept up my cheeks. I was scared to freaking death to go on stage. I’d been perfectly fine until earlier that morning. Now I wanted to run into the bathroom, shut the door, and never come out.

“Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!” one of the rowdy customers yelled, swinging his fist in the air.

Tanya laughed as she walked toward me. “You have fans already.”

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