Page 18 of Sway

Are you kidding me? “Break? I doubt that Dolla is taking break.”

He looks crushed. I guess most people don’t talk that way to an aging rock star. But Vika is not most people.

Still, Tony is new to this, I have to remember that. I change my tune. My baba always says, “you do not need a whip to urge on an obedient horse.” “One more song, Antoshka, and we can take the break. You’re doing better. Good on timing.”

He takes a deep breath and hobbles around the floor one more time. Like my dog, he definitely responds better to positive reinforcement. Thank God we have five weeks until the first show.

When the song ends, Tony’s feet freeze. He’s done. “Thanks, babe. Let’s sit out by my pond for a bit. I like to go out here and meditate.” He grabs my hand and we sneak outside, careful not to wake the snoring cameraman. Tony sits me down outside on a stone bench.

Six koi fish are dancing around the lotus blossoms in the water. The scent of the jasmine plants around the pond tickles my nose. I can’t help but smile. “It’s beautiful out here.”

He takes a deep breath. “Thanks. My life used to be so crazy and all, then I started meeting with a spiritual teacher. He told me to let everything go and just be here now.” He looks into my eyes. “You’ve got such a cute accent.”

I grimace.

“No, I mean your English is really good. When did you come to America?”

Oh hell no. This isn’t a first date. “When I was twelve.”

He tries to make eye contact but I look down. “What made you start dancing?”

I cross my legs and turn away from him. “Everyone does it back in Ukraine. I’ve always danced.”

“Yeah. Me, too. I mean with drumming. But I’ve been trying to find other outlets.” His hand brushes against my thigh. “That’s why I wanted to do this show. Plus it gives me more time to spend with my kids than when I’m out on tour.”

“Where is their mama?”

Tony shrugs his shoulders and stares at the pond. “All she cares about is her career. She gave me full custody.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Now I feel bad for them. I know what it’s like to grow up without a mother. She sent me here with my baba so I could have a better life. All women make their choices, I suppose. Benny creeps into my mind but I push him away. He’s out of place on this patio.

Tony shrugs again, this time more lightheartedly. “It’s all good. There’s nothing I would rather do than be with my boys.” As if on cue, a boy runs outside and leaps into Tony’s arms.

“Draven.” Tony scoops him up in his arms and swings him in the air. “Draven, this is Miss Vika. Miss Vika is teaching daddy how to dance.”

Tony’s mini-me stares up at me, and snot trickles down his nose. “Hi, Miss Vika.” He reaches out his sticky, chocolate-stained palm for me.

Of course, this is the moment the damn cameraman chooses to stumble out here looking for us. But I’m all over it. Never one to miss a photo opportunity, I high five Draven and give him a hug.

Tony raises an eyebrow. “I can tell you really love kids. Do you have any of your own?”

I give a fake smile. “Actually I have two.” Granted they are my stepchildren and both older than me—but he doesn’t need the details. I pat the kid on the head. “Dravyenka, malchik moy, it is great meeting you, but I have to go inside and teach your papa to rumba.”

“Okay, Miss Vika.” Draven gives his daddy a big kiss and runs back inside to his waiting nanny.

I take Tony back into the studio. While he works on the music, I rummage through my Louis Vuitton bag and grab my makeup bag. Ah, there it is, right at the top! Bath & Body Works Tahitian Vanilla-scented anti-bacterial waterless hand foam—the child had snot on that hand, for Christ’s sake. Then I take an extra moment to swipe on a fresh coat of Chanel lip-gloss #116. My compact mirror says it all: lips perfect for kissing. I’d never cheat on Benny, but if I’m going to spend the next thirteen weeks in the arms of my childhood crush, the last thing I’m going to do is go frumpy and lipstickless. A little flirting never hurt anybody. And really, Tony may be childlike, but he’s endearing. This is one little boy Vika doesn’t mind touching. Antoshka, here I come.

* * *

“OKAY, ANTOSHKA. LET’S go through rumba one more time.”

I start the music. Tony stands in the middle of the floor, his legs slightly spread, attempting to move his hips. I seductively walk toward him and clasp his hand, then lead myself into a back break and fan. I double rope spin and circle around Tony, sensually rubbing my hands over his back and shoulders. Tony scrunches his face like he’s thinking too hard.

“Antoshka,” I whisper, “don’t think about steps. Just follow my body.” I place his hands on my waist.

My words do the trick. Tony starts moving his hips in rhythm with mine. His hands drift over my body, exploring every inch of my curves. I get moist. Even though I’ve danced these moves daily with Jared or Stas, with Tony it’s different. I’m drunk on his scent.

“I can almost taste you.” He breathes in my hair, rubbing my hips, grazing my thighs. I turn away from him. He kisses the back of my neck. He leads me into a spiral turn and spreads me—one heel on his shoulder and one between his legs. I drape my leg around him and he presses into every inch of my body.

I detach myself and rise to turn off the music and try to regain my composure.

“Maladeits, Antoshka. That was fabulous for your first time.”

“That was so hot, Vika. I love the rumba. It’s so sexy when you speak Russian.” He straightens out his clothes and waits for, uhm, everything to calm down. “Man, I’m wrecked. You wanna go to this party with me tonight. It is going to be fucking amazing. Some Kabal la la thing where we dress in white like babies.”

I would LOVE to go to the party. But I have to play it cool—this is only day one of a long training period, and I’ve got to stay Alpha Dog to keep him focused and working. The first days are critical. I certainly can’t risk going into his world right now and seeming like another fawning groupie. Plus, I have to walk around the Emerald Ball while Benny judges. Tonight, I must play the perfect loving trophy wife.

“Antoshka, I would love to, but I’m busy tonight. Don’t party all night—we have to work hard if we’re going to beat Dolla. I see you tomorrow, da?”

“You bet, babe.” Tony lifts me up and gives me a huge hug. I can feel all ten inches of him hard against me. My body aches for him, to feel a real man inside me, and I can feel myself hollow out from the fantasy.

And we’re only on the first dance.