Audition (North Security 4)

She grins. “That’s a good thing. It means you’re alive.”

I laugh a little unsteady. “Then count me extra alive. Times a hundred.”

“We’re going to blow their freaking socks off.”

“You are, that’s for sure.” Marlena shines as the figurative crystal ball, the fountain from which our dancer spirits appear. They spill out from her in artistic display, both demons and angels, called forth to the earth through her body.

My own costume has just as many sparkles, maybe more. Except these are midnight blue. Swarovski crystals shaped like stars and crescents cover my torso. A skirt made of patchwork silks in purple, blue, and green rounds out the picture. I’m the quintessential fortune teller, the classic New Orleans psychic. I’m Mamere. In the dance I’ll consult my crystal ball, searching for answers—and I’ll find them in the form of tempestuous spirits. Some of them are moaning, others are mischievous. They pull at my skirt and my sanity until I question what’s real.

It was time to branch out on me own. I realized that after the attack. I suppose I knew that for a while, but as I fought with myself—my pride, my dignity, my struggle to survive—under Connor’s hand, I became sure of it. Marlena came with me, along with a sizable endowment from Scott Castle for us to launch the new dance troupe.

I peek from between the dark curtain.

Green eyes watch me steadily.

Josh knows I’m back here pacing, because I’ve been pacing for days now, weeks even. I’ve been worried, but he hasn’t been. You were made to do this, he says.

Only right now it feels like I was made to throw up.

I give Marlena a kiss on her cheek, partly comfort that I need, partly gratitude for her coming with me. “You’re going to be amazing.”

A playful smile. “I know. Scott’s going to be so hot for it tonight.”

“You two are crazy.”

“As if you aren’t getting plenty of action.”

Action. Yes. Joshua North is a man of action. That’s why he brought me to the warehouse, blindfolded, to show me how he had a platform installed. It was only the beginning of an idea, the barest bones, but it was everything I needed.

We’ve renovated the space, but there’s still an industrial feel. The lack of mercy these four walls have seen. I like a little dark history. It tempers the brightness of the day. “Am I insane for starting my own dance company?”

We’re a little late in the game to have second thoughts. I’ve already formed a company and an advisory board. I already have the goddamn business cards. “Yeah,” she says, looking exhilarated. “I love that about you.”

The truth is I feel exhilarated, too.

Soft notes skate over the air. It’s our cue to get into place.

Marlena steps forward to the center of the stage, curling in on herself. Later she’ll stand and dance. For now she’s an inanimate object. Even the spirits slumber on various parts of the stage. I’m the only one standing as the curtains slide open.

In the front row I see Josh’s brilliant green eyes. In the distance I see his brother Liam and Samantha. I can even see my brother’s figure lounging in the back with his entourage. There’s only one person I’m focused on, one person who understands.

And when I leap into the air, it’s him I’m leaping toward.

* * * * *

Thank you so much for reading Josh and Bethany’s book!

If you haven’t read OVERTURE yet, don’t miss Liam’s story…

Liam North got custody of the violin prodigy six years ago. She’s all grown up now, but he still treats her like a child. No matter how much he wants her.

“Swoon-worthy, forbidden, and sexy, Liam North is my new obsession.”

– New York Times bestselling author Claire Contreras

“Overture is a beautiful composition of forbidden love and undeniable desire. Skye has crafted a gripping, sensual, and intense story that left me breathless”

– USA Today bestselling author Nikki Sloane