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“That’s good. Let’s get changed and I’ll walk you out.”

“You go ahead. I’ll be right there.”

Jonas followed my line of sight and before I could take a single step, he grabbed my arm. “Don’t do anything stupid, girlfriend. I don’t trust Gregor in the least.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not a stupid girl.”

“Just a prissy one.” He ripped at my hair tie, something he’d done since the first day I met him, the silly action always making me laugh.

“Very funny. Go. I’ll catch up with you.”

He did a twirl and a wink before heading into the changing room. I waited, debating what I was about to do. Complaining for a second time to Marcia wasn’t going to win me any points, especially on a performance day, but I couldn’t allow someone like Grace to be lured to another ballet company because of an asshole like Gregor.

I took long strides, avoiding passing in front of the man as he talked with the two others. He was animated in his actions, obviously angry while the other two were smiling. What in the hell was going on?

I made a turn and headed toward Marcia’s office, taking a deep breath before knocking on the door.

“Come in.” Marcia’s voice seemed edgier than usual. Maybe it was all about the night’s festivities. There was a huge after party planned where the benefactors could meet the dancers. I hated the pomp and circumstance of parties but there was no getting out of going. It had been mandated, thousands of dollars spent on the event.

I closed the door behind me, noticing she was glaring at her computer screen. When she didn’t lift her head right away, I waited for a few seconds before clearing my throat.

She finally looked at me, taking a deep breath as if I was already annoying her. “Yes, Ms. Rothschild. What can I do for you?”

It was apparent I needed to take a different tactic with her. “I just wanted you to know how much I was looking forward to tonight’s performance.”

I was shocked how relieved she seemed, her expression immediately brightening. “I’m glad to hear you say that. May I say that I’ve caught a couple of the practices and you and Jonas are true stars. Don’t forget about the after party. Bring your prettiest dress to change into after the performance.”

“I will, Ms. Casper.” I acted all happy as I headed to the door, stopping just before I opened it. “Ms. Casper. Are you okay lately?”

“I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

I tipped my head, trying to keep a concerned look on my face. “I don’t know. Since I overheard your argument with Mr. Santiago, you’ve been very tense. I just wanted to make certain he didn’t do or say something to you.”

The glimpse of raw terror I noticed was short lived but long enough that I wondered what in the hell the man had said to her.

“Do yourself a favor, Ms. Rothschild. Don’t get in the man’s crosshairs. He’s dangerous.”

I wanted to ask dozens of questions, but her phone rang and she immediately turned away from me right before answering.

Exhaling, I opened the door, realizing I wasn’t likely to get any additional details from her, but I had a sense she was right. I took my time heading down the hallway, trying to figure out if there was anyone else I could complain to who would take up the cause. As soon as I rounded the corner, I almost ran into Gregor.

He lifted his head slowly, the evil glint in his eyes keeping the chill going. It was knowing, as if the bastard had plans for me.

And nothing he would do was something I’d enjoy.

CHAPTER 3

Creed

It took all kinds.

That’s something my dear ole dead father had said far too often. As if the man had any right to be appalled with anyone’s behavior, given he’d been a true savage. However, on this sunny and rather humid late afternoon, the phrase suited the situation perfectly.

I was a sadistic man by anyone’s standards, reveling in causing pain before pleasure while spending time with a member of the opposite sex, but I didn’t enjoy heading into a strip club before dark. Maybe it was a just a Creed Saint rule that I hadn’t realized until now. I stood outside the Dark Room, a catchy title for the private club, sighing.

I’d come alone, which had allowed Kane and Christen, my first and second lieutenants to handle the concrete pour. We’d had the groundbreaking ceremony two weeks before and were right on schedule. The last thing I wanted to do was fuck that up because Carlos Alvarez had insisted we meet on this very day.

Granted, he was the kind of customer most corporate men would cater to, allowing for every whim the man had. I wasn’t typical for anyone. I didn’t give a shit he’d signed a contract worth thirty million dollars. If he was an asshole, then he could forget about working with the Saint brothers. I’d shred the legal papers in seconds. And there was nothing a single lawyer could do about it, nor would Carlos dare talk to anyone. He knew better.