Page 37 of Captivated

Jesus.

The guy couldn’t get any fucking louder.

It took all of thirty seconds for every dancer to get out on the stage, do their final bow, and for the thundering applause to get even louder. A man and woman carrying several bushels of red and white roses passed Joe by without even noticing he was standing right there.

Each dancer was presented with one of each rose—a gift from the company, it seemed, and not from the guests. At least, if the director’s words were to be trusted.

Liliana was one of the very last to leave the stage. This close—although she still couldn’t see Joe or rather, hadn’t noticed him—he was able to admire the way her skin-toned tights all but molded to her legs in the best way, and how her makeup had been overdone just enough to highlight her most beautiful features.

She was quite a sight.

“Liliana, you were wonderful!”

Liliana beamed at the man who had been directing the dancers earlier, and took the hug he offered. “Thank you, Gordo.”

“Oh, they loved you.”

“I hope so.”

She had no idea, Joe thought. Not a single idea about how mesmerizing she was on the stage in her costume, and playing her character. She just wanted to dance, and dance well, but she did far more than just that. And that, he knew, was the reason why the crowd adored her when she was on stage preforming.

“You’re looking well to get that spot in the next show,” Gordo told her.

Liliana’s face brightened all over again. “I look forward to it.”

“Lilibet, look at you.”

Lilibet?

What the fuck kind of name was that?

Liliana stiffened, and turned with the sort of slow grace he thought only a dancer could probably have. The man standing just a few feet to her left was dressed up in a suit that likely cost more than most people’s monthly salaries, and shoes that shined against the hardwood floor. In his hand, he held a bouquet of flowers—blue roses.

How fucking unique.

Who the hell was this guy?

He looked familiar, but Joe didn’t have time to think on it for long. He was a little too focused on the fact the guy had gotten backstage without Joe noticing at all. Likely because Joe had been too distracted watching Liliana to care.

Mistake number one.

He wasn’t about to allow a second mistake to bite him in the ass, too. Once bitten, twice shy and all that good shit.

Joe opted to stay in the shadows and watch the exchange between Liliana, and the man. Only because for the moment, it didn’t exactly look like she needed him to step in, and there were plenty of people around, anyway.

However, there was a lot Joe didn’t miss.

The way her hands clenched.

How her gaze narrowed.

The bobbing of her throat.

Quick breaths.

Fear, Joe knew.

It all screamed fear.