Page 35 of Vicious Impulses (The Capo and Ballerina)
TWELVE
Nevaeh
What happenedbetween Caelian and I leaves me beyond confused. The moment I’m inside my room, I’m slamming the door shut and touching my lips. They tingle as if refusing to let me forget.
I just kissed Caelian.
I don’t know what came over me. One second, I had been prepared to make my escape into the uncharted wilderness surrounding his property, then the next second, I was being led away for a sneak peek of what will soon be my dance studio.
The happiness, the unexpected and thoughtful surprise had me reacting off adrenaline. I threw myself at him, whisked off my feet as he easily caught me, and Ikissedhim. He kissed me—thoroughly and passionately, immediately in return like he’d been waiting for the chance.
A shaky breath leaves me as I back up toward the bed and then plop down.
That kiss was so intense, I’m not sure what to think or how to feel. Living the life I have, trapped in a strict contract and hyper focused on my ballet career, I’ve never had time for interaction with the opposite sex.
Things like first dates and first kisses were never for me. My first time in bed was just the other night with Caelian, and the pain had almost been too much to bear. The mere memory of that pain had me running away from him and his burning kiss.
There’s a soft knock on the door that I already know is Ms. Poitier before she even pokes her head in.
“Figured I’d check on you, honey. See how you’re settling in.”
Unconvinced by her excuse, my brows raise. “Ms. P, you know, don’t you?”
“And what would that be?”
“Just now… with Caelian.”
A slyness develops about her expression. She gently closes the door so we’re alone. “You mean things might be taking an unexpected turn between you and Mr. C?”
“I mean if there’s one thing I’ve learned since I’ve come here, it’s that you know everything that goes on in this house.”
“I might be aware of a few things. You’ve never looked so dazed.”
“Caelian showed me the dance studio he’s renovating for me.”
“How did you thank him?” Ms. Poitier flaunts a knowing smirk as she awaits my answer.
My face warms like it had earlier when Caelian took me to the east wing of the house. I study my hands in my lap, feeling more immature and inexperienced than I’d like. It’s borderline humiliating.
“Ms. P, I’ve never… my contract… my dance career…”
“You didn’t have much time or opportunity for men,” she translates. At my nod, she comes over and slides an arm around my shoulders. “I don’t believe we understood the extent. Many dancers from your companyareexperienced.”
“My contract was different. It was… special,” I explain, choosing my words carefully. “My father—he was once a valued asset to the Vorones. They gave him special privileges even though our family was beholden to them. He was able to guarantee certain things written into my contract.”
“I see. I suspected after that scene on your wedding night. So does that mean you never told Mr. C?”
“I didn’t think it would matter. He said it was happening regardless.”
“That,” she sighs, “would be a true statement. But C probably would’ve liked to know—well,soberC. He was quite out of it that night.”
“I don’t know how to… what I’m supposed to do. What’s expected of me as his…” I pause at the gravity of the word. “His wife?”
A soft laugh trickles out of Ms. Poitier. “Nevaeh honey, I’m about to give it to you straight, with all the things about your situation taken into account. You’ve got his attention. You’ve got himcaptivatedby you. Now, all you’ve got to do is finish the job.”
I frown, puzzled. “Finish the job?”
“A woman can talk a man into fighting a whole army by himself if she really wants to. It’s all in how she does it. The tools in her arsenal that she uses.”