“Let me make a few calls. See what we can do to help. I know what a good friend Sasha is to you.” He slides the chair back and towers over me. Kissing me lightly on the top of my head, he turns and makes his way out.
“Thank you,” I shout after him and he looks back, giving me a smile. I love my father but can’t help the overwhelming feeling that something has been missing from my life. Tracing my finger on the table, I work back and forth making a figure eight shape. I think about what life would’ve been like if I’d known my biological mom. Would she have embraced my love for dance and encouraged me where my father has failed? I know how hard he worked to become the respected surgeon that he is and provide this life we have now. But it’s not about the money for me. Yes, I love that we don’t worry about money like Sasha’s family, but what I crave is that closeness I’ve never really had. To feel like someone is on my side and loves all the parts of me, including dance. Shaking my head I try and clear the negative thoughts and give myself a mental slap.
I’m lucky. I really shouldn’t grumble.
With Dad gone and Liza nowhere in sight, I walk over to the corner of the room where the music system is. Dad and Liza like to have classical music playing if they have their snobby friends around. But me, nah.
Connecting my phone to the sound system, I select my song of choice. I can mentally choreograph to any song, with any beat or rhythm. But my love for this particular song is deep. There’s something special about Sia’s song Chandelier. It’s my go-to song.
I press play and listen to the beat play out. Placing my hands above my head I stretch out, allowing myself to drop into a backflip. I turn on my toes to the beat, losing myself to the words and the rhythm. I dance the length of the dining hall only stopping when I meet the counter. With my legs apart, I lift and turn gracefully over the counter and drop into the kitchen. My heart beats a little faster and I feel completely alive. Reaching and bending, I grab hold of the coffee pot, stilling to pour coffee into the cup.
“Wow.” His voice echoes above the sound of the music and it makes me jump. With a shriek, I drop the coffee pot and stumble back.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” he says. Rushing over to me he dips his head, trying to meet my gaze. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, crap,” I say, suddenly realizing the hot coffee has spilled over my clothes. I pull my tank top away from my body, in an attempt to stop the hot liquid burning my skin.
Lifting my head I look at Leo and his perfectly shaggy hair as he attempts to clean up the mess. “I’m starting to think you’re a stalker.”
“You’re just not used to me being around. You’ll get used to it.” He looks at me and I gape as he winks a little. Jesus, the butterflies are back. “Nice moves, by the way. You some kind of acrobat?”
“Dancer,” I correct him.
Nodding, he presses his lips together and gives me a look of admiration. A look that is so alien to me. “Impressive. And flexible.” His eyes drift to my wet top and more obvious aroused nipples.
And here it is.
Again.
The same feeling I felt last night. A buzz between us. Surely he feels it too?
I spin on my heel, turning my back to him. “I should change.” Flicking my leg, I slide my foot against the tiled floor and make my way out. Rushing up the stairs, I race to get changed and back down before Leo disappears. Despite last night’s rejection, I want to see him again. I’m drawn to him like a chocoholic craving sugar. I need a fix and he’s just too sweet to resist.
As I rush down the stairs, I still hear the music playing through the speaker. I slow my speed and try to get my breathing under control as I approach him.
Act cool, Cassie.
He stands behind the counter with a fresh pot of coffee. “Now I’m the one impressed,” I say with a lift of my brows.
“The least I could do after causing you to spill the last pot.”
“I guess so.” I lean over the counter all too aware of my female form. I push my arms under my breasts in a pathetic attempt to make them bigger, more noticeable.
God help me. I’m turning into Liza.
“So, you couldn’t sleep last night either?” he says, breaking the few seconds of silence between us.
“Maybe it was the rejection,” I say playfully, holding my hand to my heart.
“Rejection?”
“Yeah, the whole getting close then blowing me off.”
Narrowing his eyes, he looks confused.
“I mean, I know I’m a little crazy and not at all experienced in the whole art of flirting…but I felt something between us last night.” My voice trails off until it’s barely a whisper.
Exhaling heavily, he leans in closer. “I never meant to give you the wrong impression.” His voice is taut and his face looks pained.
My stomach knots and I can’t believe I’m doing this, that I just blurted that out.
As he pushes the coffee cup toward me, he brushes my hand. A shudder rips through me and my eyes snap to meet his. Our gazes lock and I’m not sure how much more of his intensity I can take.
“I’m, uh, sorry.” He points over to the door. “I should go.”
“Is it because of Liza? Is that why you act all weird around me?”
His head droops forward and he shakes slowly from side to side. I need to know what’s going on here. The not knowing is doing crazy things to my mind.
“You…you’re beautiful. This isn’t about you, or anyone else for that matter. It’s about me.”
A small chuckle escapes me. “Right,” I say dramatically, lifting my brow. “The ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ excuse.”
His hands find the counter and his back arches. “Not an excuse, I swear.”
Taking the cup of coffee, I make my way over to the table, my heart sinking as I glance a look at Leo.
Lifting his head, he follows my lead and pulls out the chair beside me.
Putting some space between us, he leans forward on his knees, but looks up at me. “Fuck, I’m sorry. Can we start over? I work here, live here…for now. Can we be friends? Maybe I crossed a line and for that I’m sorry. But you’re an attractive girl, something I can’t deny. And shit, those moves. You’re freaking amazing.”
“You think?”
“Anyone with eyes can see how good you are. You ever thought about joining a dance school? Make a profession out of that talent of yours?”
I almost choke on my coffee. Steam rises from the cup resting against my lip and I blink rapidly to clear it from my vision. “Are you kidding? It’s my absolute dream.”
Leaning back into the chair, I see him physically relax before my eyes. “Don’t tell me you didn’t get in or some shit, because I don’t believe that would ever happen.”
“My father. He forbids it.”
“That’s crazy.”
“He’s overprotective. I had a bad injury. Torn ACL, and ever since then, he won’t allow me to compete or follow this as my dream.”
“How old are you?”
“Eighteen.”
“Old enough to make your own decisions then?”
“Going against my father isn’t an option. I could never afford the tuition fees, the cost of living away from home, not without his support.”
“If you want it enough, you’d make it work.” He’s smiling but his words piss me off. I have nothing without the support from my father. Plus, he’s the only family I have.
“Not everything is so black and white. I want to make this my future more than I want to take my next breath. But what if I fail? Turning my back on my father to pursue something that might never pay off isn’t a realistic option.”
“It’s a dream, Cassie. Don’t ever let go of your dreams.”
Those words. Like a punch to the gut, I know he’s right.
“I’ll never let go of the dream, but making it a reality isn’t in the cards right now.”
“So, when you’re not dancing, what is it you do?”
“College.
I’m doing business management,” I reply before sticking my tongue out in disgust.
“Maybe it will come in handy for when you’re running your own dance school?” He smiles and it’s warm.
“I like that. But for now I just gotta get my degree. Figure out life later. What happened to you, did you skip college?”
“No, back home I was studying biomedical engineering.”
“So you’re real smart, huh?”
Hot and intelligent. He must’ve had all the girls after him.
“So why leave where you were from? You clearly had your whole life ahead of you.”
“Mom died which started a chain of events that led me here.”
“You don’t miss your friends, or any other family?”
I see how uncomfortable he is with my questions, but there is so much I don’t know about Leo, it just seems like a conversation that would’ve happened at some point anyway.
“A few close friends. But I’m sure we’ll keep in touch.”
“I’m sorry about your mom, by the way.” Reaching forward, I squeeze his hand a little.
“Yeah, me too.”
“You can always transfer. Pick up where you left off.”
“I can’t,” he replies bluntly.
“Why? The money?”
“Uh, yeah, I guess. I could never afford the tuition.”
“Like you said, if you want it enough, you’ll make it work.”
“Touché.”
We laugh and talk about anything and everything from Liza to the weather. I could listen to him talk all day. His gravelly voice is almost hypnotizing and I can’t deny how much I’m enjoying his company.
“I should really get ready to leave.” But I don’t want to leave. I want to sit and talk with Leo some more.
“You should.” He steps out of his chair and towers over me. “It was nice talking with you, Cassie.”
“Hey,” I say energetically, practically jumping out of my seat and on to my feet. “Why don’t you come with me. Drop into the office and see if you can get some information or help to transfer.”
His hand reaches to the back of his neck and he rubs back and forth. “I, uh, I don’t know. Liza has plans for me today. You should see the list.” He chuckles and looks at me with sadness in his eyes. “I need to give things some thought. Figure out where I’m going, you know?”
“Gotcha,” I reply. Pressing onto my tiptoes, I place a fleeting kiss on Leo’s cheek. He shudders as my lips meet his skin, and his whole body tenses. I don’t stop to overthink his reaction, I simply make my way out and dash up the stairs.
Leo
Shit! Lying had suddenly become second nature to me. But I can’t lie to myself. Not about Cassie. Fuck, I’m fighting back my need to grab her and kiss the hell out of her.
“Leo.” Liza’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “I have this for you.” Handing me a piece of paper, I glance down at the grids on the sheet.
“It’s a timetable. Scheduled work. Think you’ll find it more than reasonable. Plenty of free time.” Her hand grazes the top of my arm and I can’t help but stare at it as it lingers there.
“Thank you,” I say, folding it up and pushing it in the back pocket of my jeans.
“And this is also for you.” Pushing her hand inside her cleavage she retrieves a small brown envelope. “Call it an advance.”
Looking blank, I take the envelope, unsure how to feel about it. Hell, the money will come in handy since I have nothing, but accepting it feels wrong too.
“I, uh, don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll go shopping. Get yourself some new clothes.” She steps closer, her mouth finding my ear. “I know you don’t have many things.” I shudder as her warm breath tickles my ear. I stiffen, only to be caught by Cassie bursting into the room.
“So I thought you’d like this,” Cassie says excitedly as she enters, her hand holding the charger I’d asked her for the day before. Liza instantly steps back putting some distance between us and my head snaps, my eyes landing on Cassie. Her eyes are narrowed and focused on me, her nostrils flaring a little. It’s obvious she’s pissed. Liza steps back, her finger twirls around the end of her long hair.
“Hey, thanks,” I say as I walk over, taking the charger from her hand.
“Aren’t you going to be late?” Liza shouts over, her eyes glaring at Cassie. I cringe internally. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife between these two. I wonder what happened between them? Because clearly something isn’t right.
“That’s none of your concern, Liza,” Cassie replies calmly. I offer her a smile and she mouths, see you later. I nod and watch her toned body as she leaves the room. I’ve never seen anyone that carries themselves the way that Cassie does. So strong, yet elegant.
“As I was saying.” Liza’s voice gets louder. I turn to see her walking over to me, hooking her arm through mine.
“I should go put these in the office.” I hold up the charger and the envelope full of money. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be in my husband’s office, ready to show you the plans.”
“Okay.”
Heading to the outdoor office, I dig in my pocket and unlock the door. Rushing to make my way inside, I find the nearest plug socket and push in the charger. Grabbing my backpack, I pull out my cell phone and connect it to the charger. I place it down on the table and stare at it, waiting for the screen to light up. The few seconds’ wait feels like a lifetime. Impatiently, I start pacing back and forth, my hands pressed together and my eyes glued to the phone.
The second I see the screen light up, I freeze, my heart feels like it’s in my mouth. Repeatedly the phone buzzes over and over. Texts and notifications of missed calls all come through at once.
Swallowing the lump of nerves that have formed in my throat, I pick up the phone. My heart pounds so loudly that it’s the only sound I can hear. My eyes work quickly to scan through the messages.
Tristan has called, texted, and left like a hundred voicemail messages.
My shoulders slump as I lean forward, scanning through all the notifications on my phone. His questions sound like he thinks I’m suicidal.
I need to let him know I’m okay.
Me: Hey, I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. I’m okay, but don’t tell anyone you’ve heard from me. I’m in trouble, Tris. Big trouble.
Placing the phone down on the table, I contemplate leaving. Turning it off and returning to Mrs. Conway. But something inside of me won’t allow me to walk away. I wait, needing to hear his response. I wonder if he heard about Jeff?
Within just seconds the phone vibrates and I snatch it up, eager to see his response.
Tris: Jesus, man! I thought you were dead. Where are you? You need to come home.
He must know about Jeff. He hasn’t mentioned it, but I know they’re looking for me. Crazy thoughts run through my mind.
Me: I can’t come home.
Tris: Why? What are you running from? Jesus, we’ve been friends all our lives, why not come to me? I need you, man.
I swallow down hard. He needs me. But I need to be alive more. I can’t tell him why, I can’t tell anyone. I’ll never confess.
My phone buzzes again.
Tris: What happened to Jeff? He’s missing too. Do you know what happened to him?
Panicking, I press the power button and turn off the phone. I can’t answer him. I can’t let him know the person I’ve become. Slowly stepping away, my eyes fixed to the phone, I open the door, making my way outside. And in this moment I decide to never speak to him again. I must destroy that sim card. Get another one that belongs to Leo.
Because Luke no longer exists. That life is behind me now.
Chapter Seven
Cassie
Have you ever met someone that has a crazy effect on you? There is no way to explain it, but the attraction factor is off the charts. You crave the small things. Their scent, the sound of their voice, and the fluttering effect it cause
s inside your stomach. That look in their eyes when they look at you. Crazy, huh? Yeah, I think I’m officially losing my mind.
“Have you heard a single word I’ve said to you?”
I turn to Sasha, bleary-eyed and uninterested. “Not in the slightest.”
“What...wait...bitch, what did you say?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Sasha. I can’t think straight today. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me.”
“Girl, I know exactly what is wrong with you. I can’t deny it’s happened late, but finally.” She presses her palms together and tilts her head back looking up at the sky, like she’s saying a prayer or something. “It’s the Leo effect, isn’t it?”
“Ugh, what’s wrong with me?”
“There isn’t a damn thing wrong with you. You’re infatuated. Your hormones are sending signals to all the right places, aren’t they?” Her eyes flicker downward to between my legs, then her wide eyes meet mine again.
My hand reaches up to my neck and I can’t help but rub and squeeze. “It’s never going to happen. I’m so confused.”
“Why, why would you say that? Look at you, Cassie. You’re stunning.”
“He’s just not into me. I think that makes me want him all the more.”
“You don’t know that.”
I lift my head and narrow my eyes. “I know this. I asked him. We have this crazy connection going on, but every time we get close he pulls away. So I asked him.”
“You didn’t…”
“What, why?”
“Girl, it’s been a few days.”
“Few hours, few days…what does it matter. If you have a connection with someone, does it matter?”
“Look, he needs to know what is on offer. You need to make him jealous.”
Rolling my eyes I let out a little scoff.
“You haven’t heard the best of it.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Liza has been flirting like crazy with him. Little touches here, little touches there.”
Bound to Break: Books one in the Bound to series Page 5