Lost Pup: The Fools' Circus, #1

by Dani Rei

  He isn’t sure if Rex pushed Axel to do this, or if Rex thinks Blake intends to pursue Axel now. Neither situation is ideal, but he has to tell Inez what happened before she hears some twisted version of whatever the hell all that was.

  On the second floor, Blake looks down the staircase to find Inez giggling and leading Allistair toward the front door by his arm. His heart twinges in his chest, but if she’s out of the mansion, it’ll give him some time to cool off and let the bulge in his pants die down.

  Traitor.

  He rushes to his room and flops onto his bed. The cold sheets help him cool off, but they don’t stop his mind from racing. Inez won’t listen to him, but he has to try to tell her what happened.

  

  “I KNOW IT’S YOU, PUP. GO AWAY,” Inez calls from the other side of her bedroom door.

  Blake’s lips tighten, but he doesn’t answer, doesn’t move. He keeps his breath low, as if breathing too loudly would wake the whole mansion. His heart surges. She and Allistair got back well before everyone went to bed. Could she have heard some kind of lie already? It’s been hours, but he didn’t notice Rex or Axel downstairs for the rest of the day.

  He quickly scans the dark halls to make sure everyone is still in bed. Seconds tick by before the doorknob makes a slow, cautious turn. The door pulls back far enough for Inez to peek out, gasp, and slam the door onto Blake’s arm. The impact shoots pain through his arm and up to his shoulder, but he won’t let her shut him out this time.

  “Go away before I scream!” Inez whispers with a hiss.

  “Just tell me what’s going on, please.”

  “I told you, I lied!”

  “Look me in the eye and say that. I won’t believe it until you do.”

  Inez gives up her push on the door and glares at him. Blake’s heart stops as Inez opens her mouth, and he prepares himself to hear the words he’s been dreading.

  The sound of a door echoes from down the hall. Blake turns toward the sound, but his arm is yanked forward, and he stumbles into Inez’s room as she carefully closes her door. She leans her ear against it.

  “I’m listening for footsteps,” she whispers. “As soon as the coast is clear, you go back to your room, got it?”

  A smirk creeps onto his face, though Inez has turned away without another word. “I knew it. I knew you didn’t mean it.”

  “Shut up. I meant every word. We’re done, and you’re leaving.”

  “Just tell me what you heard about me and Axel first.”

  Inez tenses. “You and,” she straightens herself and gapes at him. “What do you mean?”

  “Axel pulled me into her room after dinner. She kissed me and...grabbed my dick. She tried to get me to sleep with her, but I couldn’t. I didn’t let it go any further. Actually, I didn’t want any of that to happen. She’s fun to watch, but I’m not so sure I want to see her face again after today.”

  Pink forms on her cheeks as she crosses her arms, turning away. “You can do what you want. It’s none of my business.”

  “I didn’t want to. She wouldn’t listen when I said no. It was pretty gross. I damn near puked when I left her room.”

  A tiny snicker escapes Inez’s nose, and she covers her mouth. A tiny smile grows on his face, but Inez clears her throat and turns her back to him. “None of that matters. You still have to leave. You can fuck whoever you want.”

  He wraps his arms around her. She tenses in his arms, but he keeps his grip light. “I don’t want to. There’s only one woman I care about here. Can you guess who that is?”

  “Blake,” Inez whimpers with the smallest struggle, “let me go.”

  “I can hug you to death, or you can be honest with me. Do you still care or don’t you?”

  Inez drops her gaze to the floor as her body loosens in his clutches. She leans her head against his chest, and Blake lowers his head and presses his lips to hers. He drops down to her neck; The heavy breath that escapes her sends hunger through his veins. He pulls her closer, teasing her skin with light nibbles and tiny tastes. He slides his hands around her back and along her waist as her breathing gets heavier, hungrier. Her hand grabs at his hair, and Blake pulls away to rest his forehead on hers, locking onto her gaze.

  “Inez, I—"

  Her hand covers his mouth. Her eyes seethe into his skin, more terrifying now than when they’d first met.

  “Get out.”

  

  THAT WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA. Blake flops onto his bed. I acted just like Ian. She was right to kick me out. But she really looked like she did before that morning. Like she cares.

  Blake rolls onto his back and growls at his ceiling. He can’t keep pushing her like this. Tomorrow is the ball. His eyes land on the fabric bag that holds his suit.

  If he gives Inez some distance, avoids her during the day, she can have some time to cool off and talk to him during the night. That’s all he needs. A chance to talk. No kissing. No pressure.

  On the bright side, he told Inez what happened before anyone else could lie to her. Even better, she seems to believe him. On the downside, he loves her, and he missed his chance to say it. Worse, she didn’t let him say it.

  His brain flashes back to what she almost said before she pulled him into her room. What was she about to say? He shudders at the thought. If she can say that to his face, he’d have no choice but to accept it. He’s pushing his luck as it is.

  If it weren’t for the blood that dripped onto his hands, he’d have no reason to push for an answer. How long can he keep trying before the other members kick him out for being a stalker?

  Axel’s face floods his mind, and memories of her touch are still violating his body. He takes a deep breath and grabs a towel, hoping a hot shower will wash those memories away. He doesn’t care about the reasons behind Axel’s behavior anymore.

  The scorching water relaxes his muscles, but his stomach continues to twist and tumble.

  Tomorrow is the ball. Tomorrow he’ll sort everything out or fail, knowing he did everything he could.

  Chapter 31

  T

  he night of the ball arrives—Halloween night—and Blake puts on his embroidered suit and a pair of dress shoes that Victor dropped off this morning. He turns himself in his vanity mirror a few times and loves what he sees. It’s a perfect fit, and the blue pattern feels like an extension of himself.

  Straightening the black necktie, he takes a deep breath and eyes his determined reflection in the mirror.

  He’s avoided Inez all day, managed not to do or say anything stupid, and even practiced poi in his room for a while. Now he just needs the truth. To find out what happened while she was alone with Rex and get her to admit her feelings for Allistair are fake.

  Even if she never goes back to Blake, he can’t stand to see her lying to herself. Whatever she chooses, it has to make her happy. His phone rings in his pocket again, and Blake is surprised his mom waited so long. Her timing is still the worst. He sends her to voicemail and shoves his phone back in his pocket to recenter himself.

  He nods at his reflection and rushes out the door to Mishkin and Vladik’s room. He looks around the halls to the other members in their gowns and tuxedos. Most are black with brightly colored embroidery and unique symbols for each member.

  Axel’s gown is midnight blue with white patterns and Cinderella’s glass slipper embroidered on the side of her waist. She narrows her eyes at Blake as he walks by, and he returns the gesture.

  Good, at least they’re on the same page. His eyes dart around the halls, searching for the strawberry-red hair. No surprise when he doesn’t see her. She must have gone early with Allistair, since he’s been helping his father with the planning.

  He reaches the door he’s looking for and knocks, opening it at Mishkin’s call. He pokes his head in first. “Oh good, you’re dressed this time.”

  Vladik chuckles as he adjusts his tie. His black suit is adorned with white embroidery and a short-handled sledgehammer with an overs
ized head on the back.

  “Blake is lady killer in his suit, yes, darling?”

  Mishkin looks away from his mirror and grins at Blake. The top of his gown has layers that look like the top of a suit, and white embroidery lines the bottom hems with star patterns, identical to Vladik’s. A cat silhouette rests on the side on the skirt. Black and white eye makeup highlights Mishkin’s eyes, emphasizing his catlike nature, and his lips grin under black lipstick.

  He rushes over to straighten a few bits of Blake’s suit. “He sure is! And it’s a good thing too, because you are having your Midnight Dance with Inez tonight!”

  “You sure about that?” Blake asks.

  Mishkin crosses his arms as if offended. “If I wasn’t sure, would I have slipped that condom into your pocket just now?”

  Blake blinks as his hands pat both pants pockets. There is something in one of them. He yanks it from his pocket and gapes when he sees the small square package. “Mishkin!”

  “What? Safety first!”

  “You could’ve just given it to me!”

  “I was hoping it’d be a convenient surprise,” he says with a shrug. “But you don’t seem to trust me.”

  “I do trust you.” Blake chuckles, dropping the condom back into his pocket. “By the way, you both look great. And thanks for putting up with me lately. I know I haven’t exactly been easy to deal with.”

  “Oh, shut up, mush ball,” Mishkin scoffs. “It’s time to go.”

  Vladik holds out an arm, and Mishkin takes it with grace. Vladik holds the other out for Blake, and he takes it with a smile. If nothing else, it helps to know he isn’t going alone.

  

  THEY ENTER THE BALLROOM, with heads held high, and arms still locked together. The event is in full swing, with lights, music, and a few caterers lining long tables with a colorful array of hors d’oeuvres.

  Dresses and suits flood the ballroom, including designs that don’t fit Victor’s style. In fact, Blake doesn’t recognize many of these faces at all.

  “Hey, is it just me, or are there a lot more than fifty people here?”

  “There’s probably close to two hundred.” Mishkin replies. “Rex invites his investors and business partners, along with the farmers and butchers who provide our food. He also invites his personal friends and other people of status or relevance. He likes to let everyone know how much he appreciates their help and contributions.”

  Blake nods as the three of them unlock arms and settle by the drink table.

  Inez and Allistair are making friendly small talk with a caterer. Blake’s heart almost leaps out of his chest. Inez’s dress is black with red trim, and on the side of her waist is a red rose surrounded by wisps of fire and embroidered patterns that bleed into the bodice. The top of it lines the shape of her bust, thin straps sitting on her porcelain shoulders. On her neck is a thin scarf that hangs over her back.

  Beautiful.

  A smack ripples over Blake’s shoulder, and he whimpers in pain as he turns to glare at the culprit. His jaw drops to see the familiar old face.

  “Blake, my boy! How’s Casa de Fool been treatin’ ya?”

  “Hartman! You’re here too?”

  “Of course! Rex owes me too much to shoo me away!”

  “I have a serious question, sir, if you have a minute.”

  “Sure. Let’s step out.”

  Mishkin and Vladik wave him off, assuring him they have time. Blake takes a quick glance at Inez, who is talking with Celia. His eyes flick to Rex on the other side of the ballroom, his glare piercing through him. Blake gathers himself and follows Hartman out of the ballroom and into the dark mansion hall.

  “What’s on your mind?” Hartman asks, flicking his lighter against a new cigarette.

  “Sir, when you convinced Mishkin to help me get in, you said it would get things moving. Can you tell me what you meant?”

  Hartman’s eyes harden as they stare into Blake’s, chilling his soul with a nice, long drag. The scent of the smoke burns his nose, but he resists the urge to cover it. Hartman turns his gaze up to the ceiling as he lets out the long breath, as if thinking of the right words to say.

  “Tell me, what do you make of the King?”

  Blake opens his mouth but hesitates, glancing over his shoulder at the open ballroom behind him.

  “Be honest,” says Hartman. “He can’t hear you out here.”

  One deep breath, and Blake clenches his fists. “He’s a fucking monster! He let Ian get away with harassment and throwing knives at his teammates! Then Mishkin almost died and he didn’t even care, and now the woman of my dreams won’t talk to me because he was alone with her, and I don’t even know what happened!”

  The corner of Hartman’s mouth lifts into a smirk, and he chuckles. “Good, you aren’t stupid, then. And who, dare I ask, is the woman of your dreams?”

  Another hesitation, another quick glance over his shoulder, and Blake’s heart sinks in his chest. “Inez Marquis. The Fire Goddess.”

  Hartman’s eyes go wide but he keeps calm as he taps the ashes from his cigarette. “She like you back?”

  “She said she did. Things were going well. But then Rex had a meeting alone with her, and now she won’t talk to me.”

  Hartman’s gaze burns into the floor. He takes another long drag.

  “You didn’t answer my question. Why am I here?”

  “You’re here because of that fucking King!” Hartman coughs out smoke and growls low in his throat. “I can’t give you the details yet, boy, and I’m sorry. But having you here is going to do a lot of good. In fact, it might be better than I imagined. If you and Inez are really an item.”

  Blake blinks hard at him. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m trying to help her. Not just her—everyone. But right now, your cluelessness is my greatest weapon. Just don’t fall for that King’s tricks.” His eyes harden again as they stare into Blake’s. He holds his fingers out at him with the cigarette still burning. “And you’d better take damn good care of my granddaughter.”

  Blake freezes, almost afraid to breathe. “Wait, she’s your—”

  “Can I trust you?”

  “Of course! I just don’t know what you expect. But I swear, if I can just get her to talk to me again, if I know for sure that her feelings haven’t changed, I will treat Inez like the royalty she is. I’ll help everyone no matter what happens. They can’t keep living with a leader like this.”

  Blake bites his tongue, opting to leave out the fact that he was ready to quit the circus and run away with Inez a while ago.

  Hartman pats Blake’s shoulder, his face still twisted in a frown. “This talk never happened. Now, go back in there and ask her to dance.”

  Blake wants to ask who else knows Inez is his granddaughter, but Hartman stomps away too quickly, grumbling under his breath.

  With no idea how to handle everything, he returns to the ballroom. His feet threaten to wobble from the whirlwind in his mind. His eyes scan the dance floor and tables until he sees Inez at a snack table, alone. Perfect.

  He breathes to recenter himself, then glides her way, doing his best not to rush over like a lovestruck puppy. He smiles when she notices him.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi.” She says flatly, turning her gaze to the dance floor.

  “You look great.”

  “Thanks.”

  “So, uh...would you care to dan—”

  “No.” She turns and walks off.

  Blake scrambles to her side. “Inez, please, talk to me.”

  “Last time you wanted to talk, you held me there, and kissed me without asking; even knowing I have a boyfriend.”

  “I did, and I’m sorry. I know that was wrong and I have no excuse. But I mean it this time. We don’t have to be in private either. Right here, let’s talk.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “There’s a lot to talk about. I remember, Inez, and I know you do too. I remember how you looked at me when
I kissed you, and how soundly you slept in my arms. I remember how you blushed when you told me you never enjoyed being touched before. I remember your smile and laugh when you’re actually enjoying yourself. And that’s not just with me, but when we’re with Mishkin and Vladik too. I see it with Celia, and I even saw it with Allistair before all this started. I don’t see any of that when you look at him now.”

  Inez’s gaze drops to the floor for a moment before she turns her head to the side. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “Blake!” Allistair wraps his arm around his shoulders. His suit is black with gold and lavender embroidery, and he’s wearing purple and black eye makeup to match. “So good to see you, man! We’ve barely talked these past few days!”

  “Yeah.” Blake looks away to roll his eyes. “Real pity.”

  A tiny snicker escapes Inez, and Blake raises a brow at her. She clears her throat and straightens her posture.

  “Actually, Allistair, Pup and I were just wrapping up a brief chat. Now that we’re done, can you and I dance?”

  “Of course,” says Allistair, patting Blake’s shoulder. “Excuse us, will you? We’ll catch up later.”

  Blake’s glare burns through the two, and he takes a few steps back before turning to find Vladik and Mishkin. Wait, where’d they go?

  His eyes scan through the crowd until a force pulls on his arm with a light giggle.

  “Care to dance, sugar?”

  “Celia! Absolutely.” Blake smiles, taking a moment to admire her yellow gown with a black embroidered bird on the lower side. “Wow. You look stunning.”

  “Well, so do you!” Celia rests her hands on his shoulders while Blake rests his on her waist.

  The two swing themselves around the dance floor. He’s surprised that Celia still seems to like him. He imagined Inez trying to sway Celia’s opinion. Either she didn’t try, or it didn’t work. But he’s happy to see Celia so full of life again.

  “Have you been doing okay since Ian left?” he asks.