Sing For Me

by Ellabee Andrews

She opens her mouth, no doubt to scold me for trying to use my magic on her, but Catrine steps in front of her, blocking off my line of sight and making sure I’m focused solely on her.

  As a descendant of Sirens, I know for a fact that she doesn’t like me. She’d made it clear years ago when she joined our circus family that she thought she deserved my act, so her willingness to help me get ready, fills me with suspicion. I know she has an agenda for being here, but I also know without a doubt that her fear of angering Barney will keep her in check.

  “If you don’t stop talking, you’ll be late, and I’m not going to take the blame when Barnabus comes looking for you,” she says in a snide tone, throwing her green and purple hair over her shoulder and pursing her lips.

  At 5’4”, she’s only an inch or so shorter than me, but you’d never notice it by the way she carries herself. And the ridiculous heels she insists on never leaving her trailer without help hide that too.

  “I’m sure you won’t need to worry, Barney knows that I have to cool down after singing. It gets hot in the spotlight,” I reply, using not only the nickname that only I’m allowed to use for him, but also rubbing her face in the fact that, as of yet, she’s not been successful in taking my act.

  Petty? Yes. But in all fairness, she did try to glue my wings together once, and only Sal’s careful, concentrated control of her flame had been able to melt the glue away without doing the soft feathers any permanent damage.

  “It’s cool, Lori, I need to get going anyway. A couple of the guys think they can take me on in COD, so I need to go change and make them cry for their mommies. Happy birthday, we’ll celebrate when you finish tonight!” Sal says, using her hips to bump Catrine to the side before turning to face her. “Bye, Latrine!” she adds, and as I watch Catrine’s face darken, Sal leaves my trailer, a faint whistle following after her.

  Alone with only a part siren that loathes me, I struggle to find something to say to break the silence. “Thank you for your help, Catrine,” I finally settle on, but when her face tightens in anger, I realize that it wasn’t the right thing to say.

  Forcefully pushing me into the chair I have been lowering myself into, she begins to comb through my curls using bobby pins to artfully arrange them on top of my head.

  “You think you’re so special because you’re on stage every night and Barnabus lets you call him by a nickname, but you’re not. All you are, and will ever be to him, is just another act. And like all acts, yours will eventually end,” she says, moving on to applying makeup to my face.

  Having heard similar taunts from her many times over the years, I don’t react to her words, keeping my face in the bored mask I’d perfected a long time ago. Still, as she tells me to keep my eyes shut for her to line them in kohl, I can’t help but wonder if she’s right. Legally I’m an adult now, so any obligation Barney may have felt before to care for me could soon end.

  Disappointment burns through me when the knock at the door doesn’t reveal Barney on the other side, but his assistant, Shane. At twenty-five, he’s rail thin, and looks unassuming. Looks can be deceiving though, as I have seen his darker side. One that is partially due to his half-demon nature, but mainly because he is just a jerk.

  Seeing my mouth turn down at him being my escort, he smiles, allowing his glamour to fall and the rows of his razor sharp teeth to show through. It always surprised me that Barney, as just a normal mundane, would run a supernatural-populated circus, but he never seemed to notice he was the weakest in the group. Strength is only a physical aspect; Barney’s power is in the way he carries himself, and the words he wields like a knife, or the sweetest nectar. The situation would determine which. Regardless, no one ever dared speak out against him.

  “You going to stand there and stare all night, Birdy? If you want a better look, I’d be more than happy to come inside and give you the whole show. I won’t even charge you for the first round,” he says quietly, knowing I can’t hear him well, but I read lips just fine, and I frown further at the nickname he gave me.

  Not giving him the reaction he wants, his eyes rake up and down my body like he can see to the skin below, a move to unsettle me.

  Giving him my most unimpressed look, I gently shut my door behind me before walking by, not even bothering to look in his direction.

  “When we’re late, I’ll be more than happy to tell Barney it’s because you were more interested in staring at my ass, than doing as he told you to do,” I say over my shoulder, wishing a hole would open up in the ground and swallow him. But no such luck.

  I’ve had similar thoughts throughout the years, and since he is still walking behind me, his eyes no doubt devouring all the skin this outfit has on display, I know it will take more than wishing to be rid of him.

  I don’t hear him reply, but know that he most undoubtedly does. Shane was never one to let someone else have the last word, and because of my close relationship with Barney, he seems to hate me more than others.

  Those thoughts stick with me until I arrive at the small circus tent, but before I can pull back the flap, Shane juts his arm out, throwing it across the opening, and lightly brushing my breasts with the movement. Lip curling back at his touch, I take a step back, putting a little more space between us.

  Unbothered by my obvious disgust, Shane leans his face in close, his eyes flashing red for a second before he opens his mouth and speaks into my good ear. “When you get in there, Birdy, you do exactly as you are told to do. Barnabus couldn’t get away yet, but he wanted me to make sure you understand. Your only job is to make these investors happy. Regardless of what it takes,” he says, his hot breath making bile rise in my stomach, and my initial nerves start to turn into fear as the implications of what he is asking me, no, what Barney is telling me to do are enough to make a small tremble work its way through my body.

  Satisfied that he’s delivered his message, he gives me one more lecherous wink before grabbing the corner of the white tent, and pulling it aside, allowing me to step past him and into the pale glow of the fairy lights that twinkle overhead.

  With my heart pumping and more fright than I’ve ever felt on a stage, I place a serene smile on my face, hiding my fear, and force my ruffled wings to lay flat. The night has begun.

  The vibrations from too many voices in a small space reach me first, and it’s a physical effort to keep my wings from twitching at the sensation. Though it’s only a dull hum to my ears, I can see the moment that my presence is noticed, as a hush comes over the crowd and they turn to face me.

  It’s like a sea of waistcoats and loafers, with one or two women dispersed throughout, and I have to restrain my fight or flight response, lest I flee from those piercing looks.

  Looking around for somebody, anybody, that I know, I see Shane cutting through the crowds before stopping at a man in a fine-fitting red suit jacket, topping pants that are striped, but are somehow as classy as those plain black ones around him.

  Eyes focused on Barney like a lifeline, I barely make it five steps before a heavy-set gentleman steps into my path, his small, beady eyes raking over my dress, and his chins jiggle as a slow, lascivious smile crosses his face.

  “Well, aren’t you a beauty. The lights on the stage can make even the dullest rocks shine, but you don’t need any help at all,” he says, his lips slurring the words, but I can just make them out.

  Unaware that he is speaking almost too quietly for me to hear, he steps in closer and takes a pale pink curl between his sausage-like fingers, the smell of whiskey heavy on his breath.

  Stunned by his audacity, having never dealt with anyone who dared touch me before for fear of Barney’s wrath, I say, “Excuse me,” and step back from that touch, not understanding his sneer. But the man is not to be deterred, and steals that step back, coming to stand so close that his extended stomach presses up against mine.

  “Don’t you pull away from me girl. I’ll have you bent over and beg—” he starts, but a small touch at my back halts his words, as someone n
ew joins us.

  “Sorry to interrupt, Senator Whitaker, but I do believe Barnabus has requested his Nightingale to join him up front. Of course, I could be wrong, but I’d rather not test that theory. Especially since arrangements and bids have not been accepted yet,” a deep male voice says from over my right shoulder.

  Not understanding what he’s talking about, but unwilling to ask in front of the creep in front of me, I get the small pleasure of watching the senator’s face pale as he quickly moves away, his stomach and chins shaking from the swift motion, and with one last lingering look at my breasts, he grabs another drink from a passing waiter and heads into the crowd.

  “You should try to avoid that one if you can. Temper and entitlement often create a sort not to be tangled with,” my savior says, and I turn to get my first look at him, barely hiding my gasp.

  Not quick enough to stop the widening of my eyes, an action that doesn’t go unnoticed by the man before me, I open my mouth to apologize. The man, however, halts me with a smile, perhaps his way to show he’s not offended or upset about my reaction. A reaction I’m sure he’s had before.

  At least six feet tall, he towers over me, but his suit fits those long limbs like a glove. Though not the muscles of the strong men in the circus, he’s lean, yet not lanky, and there’s nothing to pull attention away from his eyes, the cause for my reaction. One is the blue of summer skies, and the other a deep brown.

  At the clearing of his throat, I blink away from his gaze, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks at being caught staring, and immediately open my mouth to once again try to apologize.

  He shakes his head, lowers his voice, but makes sure that he looks straight ahead so that I can see his lips perfectly. “You don’t need to apologize, but you do need to get to moving. Barnabus hasn’t actually asked for you yet, but at least by his side, you’ll be somewhat safe. For now,” he says vaguely, and motions for me to walk toward where Barney stands watching, eyes slightly narrowed as Shane whispers something into his ear.

  Doing as the stranger suggests, I pull my eyes away from Barney, so that I can thank him for his help, but he’s no longer there. He’s lost to the crowd of black suits, and I feel a pang of regret for not even asking his name. Feeling dejected, but craving the security that being by Barney’s side provides, I make my way toward him, ensuring I avoid the eyes of every person I pass. After my run in with Senator Whitaker, I feel confident that I don’t want to be alone with anyone else here tonight.

  “Here she is now, the star of the Tri-Star Circus!” Barney proclaims as I join him and the group of men that he stands with.

  “Good evening, Barnabus. Thank you for having me,” I say, greeting him in the professional way he had instilled in me years ago. Approval shines in his eyes at my appropriate response, and some of my tension melts away until he brings his hand up to rest at the small of my back, his nails digging in and warming the bare skin it’s pressed against.

  It’s a struggle not to flinch, to show the pain it causes, but to do so will only upset him further, despite not knowing what I have done to cause it in the first place.

  Smiling hesitantly, I nod my head to greet those he’s with, but don’t say a word. Too unsure of what’s going on to speak up, and not quite sure of my purpose for being here, I just try to take in as much of their conversation as I can.

  Chapter Three

  The increased pressure at my spine tells me it’s time to laugh with the others, but it’s a hollow sound. I’ve been at Barney’s side most of the night, being seen but not heard by the men that come and go around us, and he’s made sure to ‘prompt’ my responses each time they are expected.

  It hurts more than just physically, having him pinch, or dig his nails into my skin, because the worst part is not understanding why. He’s never lifted a hand to me in punishment before, so his rough treatment now has left me feeling emotionally drained, and confused.

  Walking over and ending another story about one of the investors’ in attendance heroics, or conquests, Shane joins the group before leaning in to whisper something into Barney’s ear, causing a grin to spread across his wide mouth. This time when his hand clenches, I get the feeling it’s for an entirely different reason, and after his odd behavior tonight, it makes my chest feel tight with nerves.

  “Tonight, gentlemen, you have all gathered here for a different show. One, that many of you have asked for, for a long time. I want you to know I’ve heard your cries brothers, and tonight is just the start,” Barney yells, his voice carrying so loudly that I don’t need to read his lips to understand. Which is nice, since my vantage point on the small pedestal I’ve been placed doesn’t allow it.

  At his words, a hush falls over the crowd, and I can almost feel their excitement like it’s a palpable thing. But like the seasoned performer that I am, I don’t let any of this show. I just continue to stand with my back straight and a serene smile on my face. The emotion at odds with the inner turmoil that roils within me like the ocean waves in a storm.

  “As you can see, our first night will be hard to top, as the little morsel you’ll be bidding on is a fine specimen indeed, but do not fret. I may be starting this auction off with a bang, but I will strive to make each future event as spectacular as this one,” Barney says, and the audience watches him with rapt attention, practically foaming at the mouth for what my gut warns me is coming. For what Barney is talking about.

  Unaware, or uncaring of the terror that now chokes me, Barney goes on like I’m not here. Not a person. And for the first time in my life, I think of him without the rose colored filter I’ve always seen him through. Betrayal burns me as suspicion and deception mix within me, causing acid to rise in my throat. But I remain unmoving and let none of these thoughts show to the others. I have to be sure.

  “Let me start with a little bio about our first item up for bid. A rare treasure indeed, as her kind’s numbers have dwindled throughout the years, hiding away their gifts, and looking down on the rest of us, as if untouchable! Well, not today boys! I have seen the future, and the one I see is one where we men do not grovel or watch from the sidelines. No! We take what we want, when we want, and how we want!” Barney shouts, and at this, shouts and cheers echo throughout the crowd, making their longing for this future clear.

  With no doubt in my mind that he’s referring to me, I go to run, but just as I turn to face the closest exit, I find Shane holding an unconscious Sal, blood seeping from a wound on her forehead that he makes sure to trace with this tongue as I watch.

  Silently laughing at the hate I direct towards him, he shakes his finger, and mouths ‘don’t move.’

  Frozen in place, no longer by indecision or fear, but because of Barney’s duplicity and my loyalty to Sal, I do as he warns and remain still. With Sal, my closest and most cherished friend in danger, I know at this moment that I’ll do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means sacrificing myself to do so.

  “As you can see, my little star shines bright, but is also very tame. I’ve spent years grooming her for this moment, and let me just say brothers, it has been a testament to my strength not to claim her flower for my own. But, I withheld because I wanted her pure for her first night. The night, that one of you fine gentlemen will be bidding for now. So, enough with the chatter. Let the bidding begin!”

  Stepping forward, two large redcaps, Barney’s personal guards, move up on either side of me, and I just barely restrain from lashing out at them for their part in all this. Fighting to remain still as I ignore the stench of the blood that soaks their caps, a face in the crowd catches my eyes and gives a subtle shake of his head. It’s the man from before, except this time instead of his strange eyes meeting mine, dark shades cover them.

  He stands toward the back, and I see two men flanking him on either side. One is around the same height, with brown hair, and even from the distance, I can see that the sides are shaved with the top smoothed back. He, too, is looking back at me, but it’s not with a lecherous grin like the
majority of the crowd, a snarl twists his features, and I turn away from his stare.

  On the other side is the third man, and I notice that I’m not the only one eyeing him. He’s dressed much like the guy with the shaved head, with dark pants and a fitted tee. I assume that they must be the one in the middle’s bodyguard. That’s not what draws and holds my attention though. It’s his skin that keeps me transfixed, as my eyes trace over it.

  He’s so dark, it’s like he’s been carved out of the night, but that’s not the most striking part about of him. It’s where the black ends, and creamy white blends in across his face, like a mask he wears over his eyes, and in places down his arms that make me wonder if the swaths of color continue on down the rest of his body.

  My perusal of the three ends when my wrists are bound, and before I can protest, a gag is placed over my mouth, preventing me from filling the space with my song and forcing these men to my will. It’s a good thing too when I remember that Shane and Barney have most likely already planned for this, and Sal will undoubtedly suffer for my behavior.

  “See? Just like I said, quite tame. Since she is pure, the starting bid will start at one million dollars. What do you say? Can I get a million?” Barney says once I’m secured, and the shouts of numbers start, while these men try and decide my worth.

  I eventually force my mind elsewhere, to better times, but more often than not, my eyes stray to the three in the crowd who never bid, but never turn away either. They become a raft in the stormy sea of my emotions, and despite them doing nothing to speak up, to try and end this, I cling to their presence as if a lifeline. Until finally, Barney calls out the words I’ve dreaded the most since it all began. “Seven million. Going once. Going twice. Sold!”

  With the winning bid accepted, Barney orders that I be escorted out. All the while, he ignores the looks of hatred and anger I shoot in his direction. Not even having the decency to appear ashamed of what he’s done to me, how he’s betrayed my trust.