by Dani Rei
“Why not? Rex is a monster and I’m sick of kissing his ass. Everyone here deserves to know what kind of danger they’re in.”
“Use your brain, Pup. Remember that Rex saved all of these people. And you’re a stranger here. For all they know, you could be calling him evil just because he isn’t promising you a lead role. They have no reason to believe that Rex is hiding anything.”
Blake clenches his jaw and glares at his reflection as Victor moves to the next sleeve.
He bites his lip, resisting the urge to punch the idiot staring back at him. It’s bad enough everyone believes in Rex, but this mess started because of his own mistakes.
I did this to her. It’s my fault.
“All right, you’re all set. What do you think?”
Blake turns to check the back, and his jaw drops. A set of juggling clubs sprawl over his back with swirls twisting and turning around them.
“This is incredible! Thank you!”
“It won’t be cheap,” Victor chuckles. “I do all the embroidery myself.”
“Take my money! I couldn’t ask for anything better!”
“Glad to hear it. It’s yours to keep and wear as you please. Though it will be mandatory for formal events.”
Victor grabs and folds a black handkerchief from his supplies and tucks it into the pocket on Blake’s chest, pressing his hand to it. “Do me a favor. Don’t forget this is here. And don’t touch it unless you need it.”
“Okay. Why? Is it important?”
“Nah, just a little gamble.”
“A gamble?”
Victor takes a few steps away, his back to Blake as he stares into a shelf of black-and-white movies. His hands are behind his back, pushing out his plump stomach.
“You ever seen those old movies where a man lends a woman his handkerchief when she’s crying or caught in the rain? I always thought it was romantic. A tiny sign of trust and caring that usually leads to something much grander.”
Blake’s eyes shift through the movies on his shelf before he shakes his head. “Sorry, Vic, you lost me.”
“You know, sometimes when things seem uncertain, it helps to look for a sign; Some signal to point you in the right direction. I always said that to Inez, too. But she never believed it, of course.”
Blake furrows his brow, trying to put the pieces of this odd riddle together, but they make little sense. Is he trying to tell him that something will happen at the ball? That someone will cry?
“Well, you have your suit. Get out of my room.”
Chapter 29
“Y
OU PROMISED ME HE WOULDN’T let it go on for long!” Blake grumbles as he watches Allistair and Inez from the other end of the table, giggling and fawning over each other. “I thought you said we could trust him. She won’t even sit with us anymore!”
“We can trust him,” says Mishkin. “He’s probably just enjoying her attention while he can before she inevitably rejects him again. I talked to her last night, and nothing dirty has even happened with them. And it’s you, by the way. She won’t sit with you.”
“That helps,” Blake grumbles. “What if they don’t split up before the ball?”
“Don’t worry about it. Vladik and I have a plan B.”
“Great, and what’s plan B?”
“You’ll know it if we need it.”
Blake groans as he takes a bite of his pork roast, trying not to watch Inez anymore. He focuses on the lemon-pepper flavor dancing on his tongue. Before he can realize it, his eyes are back where they shouldn’t be.
Inez’s smile is so fake, he can almost see glue, and that’s a bittersweet comfort. He’s seen the eyes she has when she’s truly enamored, when she’s treated like the royalty she is. She’s so quick to lean on Allistair, put her hand on his, and say some sort of romantic things without even a single blush. That’s not newfound love. At least, that’s not how it is for Inez.
Allistair says something to her, and Inez looks away to answer, much like she’d done to Blake before. She’s hiding something, Allistair. Make her look you in the eye. Wait, don’t do that. Don’t let her think she made the right decision. Please, dear God, just go with it.
To his relief, Allistair seems to accept her answer without a second thought, and Blake scoffs to himself, his pride rebuilding.
I can read Inez better than you can. And I will never let her feel like she has to hide from me.
Inez stands and heads to the beverage table with her empty cup. Blake grabs his half-full cup and follows her. He hears Mishkin protesting but quickly drowns him out, keeping his steps slow and casual, without being slow enough to miss her.
He steps up to the table as she pours herself a glass of wine.
“Inez.”
“What now?” She glares at him, and Blake notices that Xavier is raising a brow at him from the table. Not just Xavier, a few others are staring at them too, some whispering among themselves. So much for keeping this whole thing a secret.
“I just wanted to apologize for this morning,” says Blake. “You’re absolutely right. You are a beautiful, magical woman, and you deserve to be with whoever makes you happiest. If you say Allistair is the love of your life, I have no reason to argue. You have my support, and I wish you all the best.”
Inez’s eyes drop to the floor and her head turns away. “Thank you. I’m glad you understand.”
“So, tell me. What did you lie to Allistair about?”
Her glare burns into his skin, and before he can react, Inez’s arm swings across the air, splashing wine across his face and neck, dripping to his chest. She slams her glass down, shattering it against the carpet at his feet before turning away and storming off to sit next to Allistair. He asks if she’s okay, but she quickly changes the subject.
Blake steps back toward the table, eyes down, but Xavier locks their stares together. He points to Blake, then flicks his hand to the side, directing him back to his seat.
With his jaw clenched, and enough of his pride shattered, he follows the silent command. Whispers of “poor guy” and “pretty harsh” and “he’s kind of plain anyway” follow him until he sits back down.
Mishkin sits with his head on one hand, the other tapping his fingers on the table with his eyebrows raised.
“Yeah, I know,” says Blake. “You told me so.”
Chapter 30
A
voiding Inez is harder than he thought. The day creeps by as slowly as it can, taunting him with long hours of whispering and suspecting looks from the others. Not knowing what else to do with himself, he practices his juggling clubs outside until the chilly air numbs his fingers. He skips lunch, figuring he’d only put his foot in his mouth again. Lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling isn’t any better, but it isn’t making things worse.
Why does it even matter? He sighs. He joined the circus to perform with the people he admires. Not to fall in— Wait. No, that can’t be. Can it?
He sits up and rubs his temples, contemplating. I did, didn’t I? I fell in love with her. I love you, Inez. And I can’t even let you know.
At dinner, Inez evades him, pretending he isn’t there. Blake’s heart sinks as she fawns over Allistair, who is returning her affections with smiles and nuzzles to her temple.
Dishes are piled as everyone finishes. Blake gathers his utensils onto his half-empty plate and chugs the rest of his wine as he walks off. He’s been having one glass at dinner since he arrived, but lately it’s been three, and with less food in his stomach, he’s already feeling the effects. A hand lands on his shoulder to stop him before he heads to the kitchen.
“Where are you going, Puppy Dog?” says Axel with a head tilt. Her tone and smile are friendly enough, but Blake’s mind rattles. They haven’t spoken so directly before.
“Um, I’m on cleaning duty.”
“I don’t think so.” Axel grabs his dishes. “Mishkin, be a good kitty and take these to the kitchen for me, please. Pup and I need to have a word.”
�
��Uh...” Mishkin blinks at the new dishes in his arms, then furrows his brow at Blake. “Sure.”
Axel pecks Mishkin’s cheek and wraps her elbow around Blake’s to pull him away. “Thanks, Mishkin. Come on, Pup, let’s walk and talk.”
“Can this wait?” he asks, struggling to keep at her side. “I don’t feel right about skipping cleanup.”
“Everyone does it once in a while; it’s no big deal. Besides, you’re one of the more talented people here. There’s no reason you should stoop to doing petty chores like that.”
“Does that mean you don’t do any chores at all?”
“My responsibility is to myself. I’d rather spend my time doing things that improve my talents, so I can keep earning the lead role.”
Blake isn’t sure what to say as they head upstairs. The other members practice so often, and Axel being the lead every time seems unfair to the others. Then again, he hasn’t seen their rehearsal process yet. He promised Inez he wouldn’t be so quick to jump into judging things he didn’t understand.
“My performance on stage has to stay PG because of all the kids. But you’ve seen a few of my more passionate pieces now, right?”
“Yeah.” Blake’s cheeks redden, remembering how transparent her underwear always was. And outside, no less.
“What do you think? Do you like what I do offstage?”
“Of course.” Blake smiles. “We never spoke much before, so I hesitated to say anything, but you’re beautiful and a thrill to watch.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Axel smiles as they climb the next staircase.
His heart races as the third floor comes into view. Thick curtains cover the windows, darkening the halls, twisting Blake’s stomach into a knot. “Where are we going?”
“I just want to talk in private for a minute.” Axel leads him to a door and pulls a key from her pocket. Her name is on the plaque, and it occurs to Blake that he’s never seen the other members lock their doors before.
Axel strolls in, pulling him along by his wrist and shutting the door quickly.
“What’s this about?”
“You’re not exactly subtle, Pup.” Axel pulls a bottle of wine from a mini cooler and plucks two glasses from a shelf. “I see the way you look at the Fire Goddess.”
“And you’re going to tell me to give up, right?” He frowns as Axel fills both glasses. “You’re going to say she’s happier now, and I need to let her go.”
“Well, yes, and no. Inez is even more transparent than you are. She’s so fake it makes me sick. We can all tell she doesn’t really like Allistair.”
“Why do I need to let her go, then?” Blake grumbles, ignoring Axel’s remark. Remain neutral.
She hands him a glass with a smirk on her face. “Because Inez doesn’t like anybody.” She clinks her glass against his and takes a sip.
“What do you mean?”
“She’s not called the Fire Goddess just because of her talent. Her sharp tongue will do more damage than any flame I’ve seen her dance with. She messed with Ian’s mind, she’s messing with Allistair’s again, and she’s messing with yours. Play with a fire like hers, and you’ll get burned in ways you can’t even imagine.”
“Maybe you only believe that because no one here understands her or her emotions. Ian took advantage of her as a teen while he was in his twenties, and you blame her, don’t you? She isn’t the one playing mind games around here.”
Axel chuckles. “You’re really sweet to have faith in such a minx.” She puts a hand on his cheek and lifts his chin to look him in the eye. She’s only a few inches shorter than him, but she’s positioning herself to appear smaller. “Come on, you’re smarter than that.”
“I think I should go.”
“No! I mean—” Axel sighs. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to talk trash about my friend. It’s just that you’re so talented, and you seem so intelligent. I can’t see why someone like you would fall for her tricks like that.”
Blake’s lips shut tight; eyes focused on the floor.
“We’ll change the subject, okay? I didn’t bring you here to make you mad. We’re just two friends getting to know each other. Have some wine.”
He takes a small sip. Its sweet flavor begs him to take a second taste, as does the light spinning already in his head from the three glasses before, but he resists. “So how did you end up here?”
“I was Rex’s first adoption. My father was sexually abusive, and my mom was too busy with work to care. I made friends with Allistair, and they took me in; rescued me. After about a year, I learned gymnastics and trapeze. Allistair was obsessed with magic, and he learned quickly. It’s because of us Rex got the idea for a circus. We were struggling at the time, and it was his get-rich-quick scheme. Not that it was quick at all, but it worked out.”
“If that’s the case, it’s kind of weird he doesn’t want Allistair to marry you instead.”
“I’m too much like family. Legally speaking, I am Allistair’s sister. It doesn’t help that I’m blonde like them too. Besides, Inez carries more value.”
“How?”
Axel tightens her lips as if rethinking her words. “Doesn’t matter. Let’s talk about you. What kind of home did you run away from?”
“You never seemed interested before.”
“I’m shier than I seem. It’s easier to show your body instead of your heart. Especially around a handsome devil like you.”
“Do you even know my name?”
“Blake,” she laughs. “Calm down. I’m trying to help you.”
“Why?”
“Because I like you, silly. Every time you perform in the yard, you have such an endearing energy about you. You’re so handsome too. Stunning. And the fire suits your personality, so warm and inviting.”
“You should avoid me then. So I don’t burn you.”
Knowing he shouldn’t, Blake gulps down the rest of his wine to avoid saying anything else. His stomach is churning from Axel’s sudden interest. Even with his head spinning, there’s clearly something not right about all this. He pushes his empty glass into her hand and turns away, focusing hard on the floor to make sure he walks straight.
“Thanks for the drink, but I have chores to do.”
“No!” Axel sets the glasses on her vanity and grabs his arm with both hands. “If you leave, I won’t be able to help you!”
“How is any of this about me?”
Axel yanks him back and stands strong between him and the door. “Your feelings for the Fire Goddess did nothing but break your heart and get you on Rex’s bad side. If you and I date, all of that can change. I can be faithful, I’ll never lie, and Rex will favor you. We can be top stars together.” She steps closer. “Owning the stage. Living our dreams.”
“Pretty sure Allistair is the top lead, and if Inez marries him, she’ll rise above you too. I don’t think Rex’s favor will help much.”
“Allistair is training to be the next King. He won’t be able to accept a lead role. He’ll elect Inez as his Keeper, married or not, which means she won’t have time to go on stage. You’ll rise above everyone after next year, shining at my side. On the stage you’ve been watching all your life.”
He drops his gaze to the floor as Axel closes in, placing her hands on his chest and sliding them up to his shoulders.
“I’m pretty adventurous, you know,” Axel coos. “There’s nothing I won’t do for you. Tell me, what are your darkest fantasies?”
Blake’s body threatens to react the way his mind shouldn’t, but he keeps a straight face. She leans in with a tiny grin, and much to his own relief, he turns away.
She huffs and shoves him back. He wobbles backward as she steps closer until his legs stop short and he falls back onto soft fabric and pillows.
“My bed is more comfortable than hers.” Axel crawls on top of him, and Blake scoots back until he’s propped against the wall. “My word is more reliable.” Her hand grips the brim of his pants. “And I can make much better use of my tongue.
”
Blake pulls her hand from his pants, but her lips press against his too quickly to let him react. Her tongue slithers into his mouth as her hands pin his wrists down. She rubs her warm slit against him, her breath getting heavier, and his dick betrays him after all, begging to be let out. He pulls his lips away from hers. “Get off!”
Axel jolts up with a scowl. “Why? You said I’m beautiful! Why would you say that if you don’t want to fuck me?”
“I said I liked your performance. I didn’t say I liked you.”
Axel laughs, pulling his hand to her breast, continuing to rub her crotch against his. “Are you sure? Your cock isn’t complaining. You feel pretty big too. It’d be a shame to hold it back.”
Blake shoves Axel to the side and storms toward the door. Axel wraps her arms around him, her hand scrambling under his pants. “What’s wrong, Pup? Could it be you’re a virgin after all? No need to be shy. That’s even sweeter.”
She’s grabbing his cock now, stroking, making him harder. A surge of desire pulses through his body, begging him to reconsider. With a hungry breath, he pulls her hands off of him, lacing his fingers through hers as he turns around, looking her in the eye and lowering his face. She closes her eyes and leans up.
“I said no,” he says, despite his body’s begging. His voice is low but strong, startling Axel. “You’re pissing me off. In fact, you’re toying with me worse than Inez ever could. Stay the hell away from me.”
Blake drops her hands and storms off, leaving her frozen in shock. He expects more backlash, but he makes it to the hall and closes the door without any more interruptions. His body relaxes, and he takes a deep breath, his mind already flashing through everything.
What the fuck just happened?
As if knowing the answer, Blake’s eyes dart to the end of the hall onto Rex’s face, glaring at him through a crack in his bedroom door, but it closes before he can say anything. He glances at Axel’s door and back at Rex’s, growling as he makes his way back downstairs.