Aiden grinned. “This is her.”
The man turned and studied her backside, then looked at her face. She was grateful it was dark and he couldn’t see much, but it was clear what she and Aiden had done. She smelled sex in the air.
“Fucking a ballerina at a donor party, Aiden? How . . . crude.”
Aiden laughed softly as the man chuckled. He reached out and caressed Sabrina’s ass. She didn’t dare move, even as the man reached lower and stroked her clit. She jerked with his gentle movements, so close to an orgasm. Her head hung down and she gasped for breath. Every movement made her feel like she was going to explode, but he stopped touching her a moment later. She bit back a moan of disappointment.
“How have things been?” Aiden asked the man.
“Good. Busy and productive.” He laughed. “I can see you’ve been the same. How many in your harem this time?”
“She gave herself to me completely, as long as I promised to keep my hands off the other dancers.”
“Really?” the blond man was silent for a long time. Sabrina looked back to see him studying her. “Interesting.”
“You want a go?” Aiden asked, motioning to Sabrina.
The other man smiled. “No, thank you. Maybe another time.”
Sabrina looked away, confused. A man who didn’t want to have sex with her? That never happened.
Aiden smacked her ass lightly. “Get out of here. We have business to discuss.”
Sabrina straightened quickly and fixed her dress before hurrying away.
She felt dirty and disgusting as she moved to the other side of the roof to calm down before going back downstairs. Tears burned her eyes, and no matter how much she tried to reassure herself that it would be okay, that she could handle this, it didn’t help her feel any better. A few precious weeks of freedom was all she had before losing it all over again.
But Aiden would be gone after the first of the year. Then she could try again.
She wiped the tears away and focused on the future. She could handle a few months of this.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sabrina hurried down the stairs and back to the party. As intimidating as crowds were, she somehow felt safer down here than up on the roof with Aiden and that other man. She realized she left her drink up there and started walking toward the bar to get another one when some pictures on the wall caught her attention.
A portrait of a handsome man in an army uniform hung below a tri-folded American flag in a display case. The man looked somewhat familiar, so she quickly glanced at the other framed photographs around it. It was of a family with four boys. Each photo showed the boys growing older. She walked along the wall, following the progress of the growth.
The oldest boy . . .
When the oldest boy looked to be about thirteen, the father, who had smiled proudly in each picture, was no longer there. The smiles in the rest of the family were bright in the following pictures, but somehow, their eyes showed a keen sense of loss. She glanced back at the single photo of the army man, then looked back at the family pictures.
Her heart dropped when she finally recognized the oldest boy.
Chase.
Why were there photos of Chase on the wall? Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked around the room, expecting him to appear out of nowhere.
“Sabrina, right?”
She jumped and turned to see Richard standing behind her. She swallowed hard and backed into the wall as his intense gaze swept over her.
“Do I make you nervous?” he asked with a smile.
“A little,” she admitted slowly.
“Why?”
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Would he be upset at the truth? “You remind me of someone.”
“Who?”
She hesitated. “Someone who isn’t very nice.”
“Ah,” he said slowly, studying her face. “I’m sorry to hear that. But I promise, I’m a pretty nice guy.”
She nodded, staying silent.
He leaned against the wall. “You said you’re from Arizona?”
“Yes,” she answered, taking a step to the side.
“What made you come out here?”
Sabrina looked around. “My instructor said that the company was holding auditions and I was . . . looking for a change.”
“Ah.”
Sabrina twisted her fingers around each other.
“Do you like it out here?”
She glanced at the stairway that led to the roof. “I’ve met some nice people. I’m glad to be here and not back home.”
“Why?”
She bit her lip, realizing she’d said too much. “Just needed a change.”
“You said that already.” He smiled, but it wasn’t a nasty smile. He actually seemed quite nice.
She shrugged, not knowing what else to say without saying too much.
“How did you and Jayson meet?”
“He and his sister took me in. I . . . I had a rough time getting here.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that.” He looked sincere. “Are things better now?”
She glanced back at the staircase. She saw Aiden and the man walking down and her heartbeat sped up. “Yes. Mostly.”
Richard looked at where she stared, then back at her. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” she whispered, not very convincingly.
He reached out to her, but when she stepped away, he stopped and turned his hands so his palms faced her. “Sabrina, if you need help, with anything, please let me know.”
Sabrina stared at him. Why would a stranger offer another stranger help? And who could help her anyway? “I’m fine.” She forced a smile.
Her attention was drawn to the man walking with Aiden. Now that he was in the light, she could see him more clearly. His blond hair was fashionably tousled, his eyes were the color of a glacier and seemed just as cold. He was tall and thin with pronounced cheekbones and a long face. His gaze met hers. For a split second, she could have sworn she knew him. But he waved his hand in a deliberate motion and the thought instantly vanished from her head.
“Sabrina?”
She blinked, confused for a moment, then struggled to focus on the face of the man in front of her. “Huh?”
He tilted his head. “Are you all right?”
Sabrina rubbed her head. “Yeah. I think so. I’m sorry. Did you ask me a question?”
His forehead creased with worry and he glanced back at the two men still near the staircase, talking, then looked back at Sabrina. “I said that you seemed to be interested in the photos behind you and asked if you knew the people in them.”
How had she missed his question? She glanced back at the pictures hanging on the wall and blinked back tears. “I think I might have. Once.” She looked at the picture of the Chase she remembered and sighed.
“Did you know him?” Richard asked.
Sabrina reached out to touch the picture, then snapped her hand away. “Yes,” she whispered.
“What happened?”
She stared into the handsome face for a long time before shaking her head and turning away. “It’s a long story. I should go.” She started to walk away.
“Stay, Sabrina,” he said in a quiet tone, and she felt compelled to obey him.
She turned back around and trembled. Khyan had spoken to her like that and made her do horrible things. “Are you going to hurt me?”
He frowned. “Why would you think that?”
“Because it usually happens.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed. “You get hurt by men?”
Sabrina looked away and gave a tiny shrug, not wanting to answer.
“Tell me,” he commanded gently.
“I have.” She looked back, expecting to see satisfaction in his eyes, but she saw only sadnes
s.
He studied her closely for a long minute, and Sabrina shifted on her feet. He opened his mouth, as if to speak, but before he could, an elegant woman with a blonde pixie cut and wearing a pink cocktail dress walked up to them and kissed Richard’s cheek.
“Hello, love,” she said with a smile. “Who’s this?”
He slid his arm around the woman’s waist. “This is Sabrina. Sabrina, this is my wife, Kathy. Sabrina is a friend of Jayson.”
Kathy gave her a warm smile as they shook hands.
Sabrina picked at her nails and looked around, wanting to leave, but afraid to try again.
“Richard, are you frightening the poor girl?” Kathy gave her a gentle smile. “He’s not being mean, is he?”
Sabrina shook her head.
“Because if he is, I’ll take care of him for you.” Her easy laughter relaxed Sabrina. A little.
“No, I’m fine,” she said softly.
“Sabrina is a new member of the ballet company,” Richard explained to his wife.
“Oh, isn’t that wonderful!” Kathy exclaimed. “Are you dancing this season?”
Sabrina nodded. “Yes. I’ve been cast as Clara in The Nutcracker.”
Kathy’s eyebrows raised. “Wow. You must be talented for Martin to put you in that role as a new dancer.”
“Martin is very kind.”
“I look forward to seeing you perform. We’re attending opening night.”
Sabrina nodded, not knowing how else to react.
“Perhaps we’ll have the honor of you being at our table at the gala,” Richard said.
“Table?” Sabrina knew opening night was a big deal, with a party and all, but hadn’t given it much thought. She exhaled and swallowed, dreading another party obligation.
“The dancers are scattered about the room, so each table has at least one.” He smiled at Kathy. “Might have to talk to Martin about that.”
“That would be wonderful,” his wife agreed.
When she saw another woman approaching, Sabrina’s heart dropped into her stomach.
Grace Ralston, Chase’s mother.
She was as beautiful as Sabrina remembered, her dark hair pulled up into an elegant French twist, her blue cocktail dress shimmering in the lights of the room.
“Sabrina,” she said, her gray eyes wide and full of tears as she reached out to her. Sabrina didn’t know what to say as Grace embraced her, hugging her hard and stroking her hair. “Oh, Sabrina. I thought—” She pulled back and looked at her. “Oh honey. I thought you were—” She swallowed. “I thought we’d never see you again. Oh, Chase will be ecstatic!”
Sabrina stepped away, trying to put distance between them. “He’s not here, is he?” She looked around, afraid he was going to appear like his mother did. This house obviously belonged to either Chase or his mother. Maybe both, if what Jayson said about Chase being unmarried was true.
Mrs. Ralston shook her head. “No, he’s been away. He’s due back any day now.” She tilted her head, eyes full of concern. “Are you all right?”
Sabrina gave Richard a desperate look, pleading with him to let her go. He frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“I-I need to go.” She looked back at Mrs. Ralston. “Please, don’t tell him I’m here.” She looked at Richard. “Please, may I go?”
He stared at Sabrina for a long moment, then nodded. She felt his release. She turned and walked as quickly as she could out to the entryway . . . where she ran into a tall, hard body.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Omigosh, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, stepping back quickly.
Sabrina looked up, seeing the man who had been with Aiden up on the roof. No! She’d left Aiden, became entrapped by Richard, only to escape him and be back in Aiden’s clutches. Her shoulders slumped, wondering what else would go wrong tonight.
The man smiled, not unkindly. Up close, he looked to be in his mid-forties, his tall, thin frame encased in a custom black suit. His glacier-blue eyes were warmer than she previously thought.
He tilted his head as he looked at her, curiosity evident in his eyes. Electricity shot through her body and she felt a combination of danger and lust run through her veins.
She stared at him, feeling . . . something. I know him. How do I know him?
The man’s eyes narrowed briefly, then he waved his hand through the air. Her fear dissipated like smoke in the wind and she frowned, trying to remember . . . something. But she had no idea what. She shook her head and took a deep breath.
The man studied her face. “Are you okay?”
Sabrina looked over her shoulder and saw Grace watching, a concerned look on her face. But she didn’t approach her. Just looked at her with sadness. Sabrina looked back at the man. “I need to go.”
He tilted his head. “You look quite pale.” He motioned toward the door. “I have a car outside. Can I give you a ride?”
She stepped back, wary of going somewhere with someone who knew Aiden. “No, thank you.” Or maybe she should accept the ride? What would Aiden want her to do? This man had already touched her. He’d probably treat her as Aiden did. Maybe Aiden would like that. He had offered her to him, after all.
The man smiled suddenly and held out his hand. “My name is Damian Sinclair. I’m a new donor to the ballet company. You’re Sabrina, correct?”
She nodded and shook his hand, frowning in confusion. He’d seen her up on the roof. He knew who and what she was. Why was he acting as if he didn’t?
He continued. “I’ve heard a lot about you and am looking forward to seeing you dance.”
Maybe he was playing a game, like Aiden? Pretending he hadn’t seen her up on the roof to . . . protect himself? To protect Aiden? Sabrina glanced around and saw Grace still watching her.
“You have?” she asked, playing along with the man.
Damian nodded, studying her for a moment. “I have. I met with Martin to learn about donating to the company and he gave me a tour of the studios. I couldn’t help but notice you in class while he was showing me around. You’re quite talented.”
She gave him a nervous smile. “Thank you.”
He smiled again. “I must admit, I was hoping to meet you tonight.”
“Really?” she asked. “Why?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I want to meet the prettiest dancer in the company?” His smile was quite entrancing, but she was still confused.
She looked away, feeling her cheeks turn hot. “You certainly have a way with words.”
Damian laughed. “I’ve found being straightforward is always more effective than playing coy games.”
She looked back at him and smiled, enjoying his bluntness. It was rather . . . refreshing.
“You look much better. Are you sure you need to go?” He looked disappointed.
She momentarily hesitated, then remembered Grace was here. Sabrina didn’t want to be anywhere near her. It was too painful. If there’d been a chance Chase would have accepted her past, the relationship between herself and Aiden the last few days would certainly eliminate any chance of a future with him. “Yes. I’m sorry. Perhaps we’ll see each other again soon.”
“Now you’ve gone pale again. Please. Let me give you a ride home.”
“You haven’t been here very long.”
Damian shrugged. “Well, the only reason I came is leaving.”
She stared. “Only reason?” That didn’t make any sense.
He smiled. “All right, maybe not the only reason. I’ve heard the hors-d’oeuvres are quite amazing at these things.”
Sabrina smiled when he waggled his eyebrows up and down.
“Please?” he asked, his voice full of concern. And a hint of lust.
Sabrina looked behind her again and saw Grace was gone, then looked back at Damian. “I don’t know if Aiden would like m
e leaving with you,” she said in a very low voice.
Damian gave her a kind smile. “I think he’ll be fine with it. I’ll ask, if you’d like.”
Sabrina nodded. “I’ll wait outside.”
She got her coat from the attendant by the front door and went out into the cold, quiet night. She sighed as she pulled out her phone. She needed to text Jayson and let him know she was leaving so he didn’t worry. After pressing a few buttons on the complicated device, she finally found the “app” to text him and shot off a quick message that she wasn’t feeling well and going home.
Her phone beeped a few moments later. Sabrina pulled it back out of her pocket, thinking Jayson had replied, but it was Aiden.
Treat him like you’d treat me.
Sabrina closed her eyes and sighed.
People still trickled into the party, stopping at Casey first so he could check off names. He saw her standing by the door and gave her a friendly smile. “You okay?” he asked.
Sabrina nodded. “Not feeling very well.”
“Do you need me to call you a taxi?”
“No, I—” Casey knew Chase. He’d tell Chase that she’d left the party with another man. But she’d made her choice and it couldn’t be undone now. “Someone’s giving me a ride home,” she said in a flat voice, staring at the ground and wishing she were anywhere but here. She’d already fucked one man tonight. Probably would fuck another before she could sleep.
I’m such a whore.
“You sure you don’t need your own ride home?” he asked, walking toward her, a concerned look on his face. “If someone’s bothering you . . .”
She forced a smile. “I’m fine. Really.”
He studied her face. “I’m glad you’re here. In Boston, I mean.”
Sabrina frowned. “You know who I am?”
Casey shrugged. “Well, I know of you. Never met you, of course, but Chase talked about you enough.”
“He did?” Hope and despair fought against each other in her heart. If only things were different . . .
“Yeah.” He grinned. “I can see why. He’s gonna be thrilled to see you again.” His smile reached his eyes.
“Jayson said you were in the army together?”
Master of My Heart Page 17
