Page 36 of Vicious Impulses (The Capo and Ballerina)
“You mean seduce him?”
Ms. Poitier winks at me, then gets up from where she sits beside me. “I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. That’s all I’m saying. I’ll leave you be.”
Ms. Poitier knows what she’s doing as she walks out. The conversation may have ended, but the many thoughts she’s left me with are just beginning…
* * *
In the second surprise of the day, I’m allowed outside. Umberto comes to collect me as I sit staring forlornly out the window at the grounds below.
“Mr. C says you can spend some time in the courtyard if you’d like.”
My first inhale of fresh air awakens my spirit. I tip my face up to the pale afternoon sunlight and enjoy what little warmth I can. November brings more chill than anything, but just feeling the natural light on my skin helps.
Kneeling to touch real grass and hearing it’s crunch as I stroll the courtyard does wonders.
My mental state and my mood improve instantly. I wander over to a thick pear tree and touch its rough fissures.
For a moment, I close my eyes and collect myself, grateful I’ve been allowed this small freedom. Then I scan the open space, the bladed grass, and the cool air. Umberto waits on the other side, serving as my chaperone.
He might as well be invisible as I give in to my heart’s desire. My feet move on their own. My legs stretch and leap as my arms wave with perfected grace. I’ve slipped into one of the routines from Ignazio’s ballet without even thinking.
I spin, twirl, and step like I’m performing on stage. Except there are no rules to my movements like there have been so many other times in the past—I freestyle as my body flows to the imaginary music playing in my head.
Slow applause starts up. At first the clapping only belongs to Umberto, but after a second glance, Caelian’s appeared at his side.
Startled and breathless, I slow my movements ’til I’ve stopped altogether. “Caelian—”
“You dance so elegantly,” he says, pocketing his hands. “Perhaps it’s why I’ve been selfish and kept you from it—I wanted to be the one to watch you.”
“You can anytime. I’d be happy to dance for you.”
An element of mystery swims in Caelian’s dark gray eyes. It’s a look that carries many different meanings. As if so many things are on his mind.
The hot feelings I’d had earlier when we kissed kindle to life. I feel the flames lick at me from the inside, reflecting on the outside by warming my skin.
What is this man doing to me?!
“It’s time for dinner,” he says after our pause. “Go upstairs and get changed. I’ll see you in the dining room.”
For the first time since I’ve come to stay at Caelian’s estate, my heart flutters out of excitement for our meal together. I rush upstairs to shower and change into another outfit Ms. Poitier’s handpicked for me.
An empire waist dress that’s a powdered pink shade. My hair accompanies the gentle look in half up, half down loose waves.
In less than twenty minutes, I’m entering the formal dining room to find Caelian already waiting. He scoots my chair in and bows his head next to mine.
“Hope you’ll eat a bite tonight,bella.”
Force of habit has me vowing to eat as little as possible… until I remember Ms. Poitier’s advice.
I watch Caelian take his seat at the other end of the table and decide I’ll test out her theory. I’ll be pleasant and behave like Caelian would prefer.
Another feast is served to us that caters to any appetite. All kinds of different meats and pastas and soups.
I fill my plate more than I ever have before.
He casts me a curious look. “I’m surprised to see you behaving yourself.”
“I worked up an appetite today.”