Several people whispered and stepped back.
It probably wasn’t the best time for him to appear. Tattoos covered the huge man’s neck. He definitely looked like he might’ve killed someone.
He raised his busy brows. “Ms. Jones?”
“I’m fine.” I calmed myself. “She’s no problem at all.”
He remained next to me.
Eisenia edged back. “I am not scared of your boyfriend or you.”
“Then, you know you’re lying.” I pointed out.
She widened her eyes. “What?”
“If you think that I had something to do with Olesya’s murder, surely you would’ve shut your mouth today.”
“And why is that. . .blackie?”
I formed my fingers into a fist but kept it my side.
Don’t do it. Calm down. Don’t you dare do it.
I swallowed and forced myself to smile. “Because. . .if I would kill my best friend over a role, what would I do to my enemies?”
She backed up and pointed. “Did you see that? She’s threatening me? Did you all hear that?”
A loud clap came from the audience.
We all turned our attention that way.
The artistic director sat in the front row. I had no idea how long he’d been there. No humor covered Akiva’s face. While many called him the King, he looked like his other nickname—the Bull.
Akiva clapped again. “Get in position! We have no time for drama. You’re ballerinas, not actresses.”
Many hurried to rush away.
My chest rose and fell as I tried to get my focus back.
“And Eisenia,” Akiva said. “Please get your items off of the stage. We don’t have room for that type of behavior in our company.”
Her voice softened. “Excuse me?”
“You are excused. Go home and think about your actions today. We won’t need you for tonight’s performance. Perhaps, these hours away will give you time to think about how better you can respect our new prima ballerina.”
I almost screeched in excitement. One, Eisenia was getting her ass handed to her. Two, Akiva had declared that I would be the prima ballerina for the company.
Eisenia’s bottom lip quivered. “But—”
“Goodbye, before your time with our company ends completely.” Akiva rose, walked over to the steps by the stage, and then climbed them.
Eisenia hurried over to her bag, grabbed it, and rushed away. Too bad she didn’t glance my way. She might’ve seen the smile creeping on my face.
Like I said. Not today, Satan.
Everyone rushed into position.
I picked up my bag.
My guard took it from me and left the stage.
“Thank you,” I said, but doubted he heard me.
Akiva headed over to me. When he came close, he stopped a foot in front of me. “Will your bodyguard be with you all the time now?”
I swallowed. “No. This is due to O’s, I mean Olesya’s murder. My. . .friend wants to make sure I’m safe.”
Akiva tilted his head. “Does Mikhail think that there is a threat to you?”
Does everyone know I’m fucking Misha? Jesus!
I cleared my throat. “Well. . .he said no, but—”
“Misha has still provided guards?”
“Yes.”
“Alright.” Akiva nodded. “No one wants anything to happen to you. Besides the fact that you are a lovely woman, your performance last night doubled ticket sales today. In fact, the rest of the season is sold out. Many investors have become intrigued with you. The company is considering adding more performances to deal with all the letters of complaints coming from disappointed people who could not buy a ticket.”
I widened my eyes.
Akiva smiled. “Are you ready to be our prima ballerina, Ava?”
“Y-yes.” I made myself stand up straight. “Yes. I am.”
“Good.” He inched in closer and lowered his voice. “Ignore Eisenia. She’ll never have your talent or beauty.”
I blinked in surprise.
“We should have lunch tomorrow,” he said. “Although your talent has shown that you are ready to be the star of this theater, I should prepare you for all of the other things that come with this great and momentous position.”
“Thank you. I would like that.”
“Alright, everyone!” Akiva turned around and clapped twice. “Let’s begin. We have wasted enough time.”
I’m having lunch with Akiva! Wait! I’m the fucking prima ballerina, bitches! Me. The black girl you all ignored.
I let out a long breath and got into position. Movement came from the side of the stage. I turned that way and spotted my guard with a big smile on his face. It was odd to see his delight, and even stranger that it appeared he cared.
I should ask him his name. He’ll be with me for a while. Wait. How long will he be with me?
I would need to ask Misha, when I finally saw him. My heart ached for him as if I hadn’t been in his strong arms this morning. As if he hadn’t been moving inside of me all night and this morning. As if I wouldn’t be riding that beautiful cock this evening.
“They’ll arrest you soon.” Eisenia had come closer. “I know you had something to do with it. You had your Bratva boyfriend kill her. That’s how jealous you were of your own best friend.”