Nobody's

by Rhea Wilde

  “I wouldn't call it love..."

  Marcus ignored the fact that I was beginning to blush from the brashness of his question and continued to try and explain his point to me.

  “You move your body in rhythm with them but you don’t think about it. Your body just does what it does because it comes naturally. Dancing is no different. The steps are there only to provide structure but they’re a result of the natural tendencies your body will automatically have. So it’s not about knowing the steps. It’s about being able to let your body know how to react so it knows where to step.”

  He looked at me and slowly I started to nod my head in a vague understanding of what he just said.

  “Okay,” I said. “I guess that makes sense.”

  “Don’t get frustrated, Angel. We won’t have very many sessions together but you have all of today to work with me.”

  “Don’t remind me.”

  I rolled my eyes and Marcus laughed at me.

  “Come on,” he said. “You can take a break if you can get through one song without missing a step.”

  With a little more enthusiasm, I closed my eyes and once again tried to follow Marcus’s lead. I continued to make a fool of myself even if there was nobody else to see it. I messed up over and over but we didn’t stop. I started to sweat but found myself eager to continue. I was making slow but steady progress and finally, I managed to make it through a few minutes by letting Marcus push and pull me around the dance floor.

  “Very good, Angel,” he said to me. “Take a break.”

  My arms dropped down to my sides and I took a seat at the side of the dance studio. I suddenly realized how tired I was as I sank down into the chair. Marcus lowered the volume of the music as he took a seat next to me.

  I looked out through the tinted windows of the studio and it was still bright and early. People were already busy about their day, however. I never got the opportunity to see what it was like for normal people to go about a normal day. It all looked so peaceful, even if a little boring. The idea of a routine around an ordinary job was foreign to me.

  “How long have you been dancing?” I asked him.

  “Decades, Angel. Longer than you’ve been alive.”

  “I’m not as young as you think I am.”

  “I know you’re not. That’s how long I've been dancing.”

  He smiled at me and I barely had enough energy to return it to him.

  “Does Thomas normally bring in people for lessons?” I asked, curious to see if I could get any information about him from Marcus.

  “Yes,” he said. “He brings in special young ladies that need to learn how to dance properly.”

  “What can you tell me about the last one?”

  “Before you?” Marcus raised an eyebrow. “You mean Miss Gabrielle?”

  “Yes… Gabrielle.”

  “She wasn’t much for dancing, to be honest with you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I taught her, she learned. I spent a lot of time with her but I don’t think I got through to her.”

  “But you said she learned. How did you not get through to her?”

  “She knew how to dance. But I don’t think she ever really understood what she was doing. She didn’t understand… She didn’t have the enthusiasm that others have. Some people just aren’t interested in dancing.”

  I didn’t know much about her. I still didn’t. But learning just a tiny little piece about the last woman Thomas spent his time with offered me at least some insight into the man he was.

  “Marcus, why is Thomas doing this? Why is he having you teach me?”

  “Because I’m a dance instructor and you don’t know how to dance.”

  “That’s not what I meant,” I said as I chuckled just a bit. “I mean, why does he want me to learn how to dance? What did he tell you?”

  “From what I understand, Mr. Livingston attends many social functions where people are expected to dance. It’s almost a requirement. I can only assume that he’s asking this of you because you’re spending a significant amount of time with him. It seems appropriate that someone in his company would also know how to dance.”

  “Yeah… That makes sense…”

  I didn’t get the answer that I wanted. There was something more to this and I couldn’t shake the feeling. Even though I was going along with this because it’s what Thomas requested, it almost seemed like he had some ulterior motive.

  “But…” Marcus continued. “I can sense that you think that Mr. Livingston has other intentions. I don’t say anything because I can only speculate. Just know that Mr. Livingston has high standards. I pride myself on being the best instructor in the city. When I’m done with you, I expect that you’ll both find whatever it is that you’ve been looking for.”

  “...I suppose you’re right.”

  “Come on, you’ve had enough time to rest. You’re making me babble. Let’s go.”

  Marcus made his way back to the floor after turning the music back up. I sat there for a few moments, trying to decide if I was reading too much into this.

  Regardless, I had a job to do. And not only that, there was still the offer on the table from Anthony that was waiting as soon as Thomas was finished with me. I was going to be expected to dance tonight. I pushed myself back up onto my feet and headed back out onto the dance floor. Answers for everybody would come soon enough.

  Chapter 18

  I felt like I got so much accomplished with Marcus that morning. Which is why it was so surprising that it was barely noon when he finally released me from his clutches. I think he only did so because he himself was beginning to feel the fatigue.

  When William escorted me back into the limo, I noticed a sly smile on his face as he sensed my exhaustion. Despite my current state, my feet were better off than they had been previously. I wouldn’t need to indulge myself in a masseuse after such a hard day on the dance floor.

  When I got back into the suite, I collapsed onto the couch. I was tired. I was sweating. My stomach was growling after having burned off all of the calories from my breakfast that morning. As I took a moment to myself, I took a deep breath and sighed. Finally, I could relax.

  I closed my eyes and enjoyed the peaceful serenity of the comforts around me. Once again I had the entire penthouse suite to myself and I could spend my time leisurely until I would have to go back to work tonight at an hour I was more accustomed to. As I laid there, seconds away from drifting off at any moment, I thought about everything I had learned.

  Marcus did more of what he had promised me. It wasn’t just about the steps. It was about creating some type of connection with the person you’re dancing with and reading their bodies. It would allow me to follow them around even better. But there was more to it than that. I felt like I had accomplished something. Just as I was beginning to drift away, I heard the door open and I jerked my head up.

  Thomas stepped into the room dressed in a gray business suit that was no different from how I usually saw him. He walked forward to me with a smile on his face, unsure if it was intended for me or because he had another successful business transaction.

  “Marcus said we were done for the day,” I said to him, trying to sit up and let him know that I wasn’t being lazy at the moment.

  “I know. I just wanted to check in on you because I knew you’d be finished by now. You look like you got a lot done.”

  “I did.”

  Thomas took a seat next to me and I felt embarrassed about how I looked at the moment. Gone was the sultry vixen that I constantly dressed myself up as. Even when I was in nothing but a towel it was still seductive in its own way. Instead, Thomas would have to settle for a hooker who had just gotten home from school.

  “Marcus and I went over a lot of things,” I said. “It was… It was hard work but I think I’m getting the hang of it.”

  “That’s good to hear, Angel. But are you enjoying yourself?”

  “...Yes. It’s weird, you know?”

>   “What is?”

  “It’s just… There were times when I was on the floor with Marcus and I was dancing with him… I felt like—”

  “You felt like you were actually learning something.”

  “Yeah…”

  I didn’t remember the last time I had been in school. But it wasn’t just school. Ever since I’d dropped out, I had gotten into the business. I stopped doing anything productive and focused solely on trying maximize my earning potential.

  “I don’t know,” I mumbled. “I guess it’s pretty stupid and you just want me to learn how to dance for you.”

  “Angel…”

  I was looking down at the ground in embarrassment when he placed a hand on mine. I looked up at him and he was staring back at me with some kind of tenderness in his green eyes.

  “I know it’s a lot of hard work,” he said. “And I appreciate you making the effort.”

  “Hey, if this what you want, then I’ll do it. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was grateful for this. I… I enjoyed myself.”

  “Good. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’re capable of this evening.”

  “Don’t expect too much. I’m only better in comparison to what I used to be.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t want you dancing you too well. If that were the case, I’d have to fight off all of the other men who are interested in dancing with someone new.”

  “I’ll save a dance for you, Mr. Livingston.”

  We laughed softly with one another. For a second, I could appreciate Thomas’s company without having to put on a performance. I didn’t have to be Angel at the moment. Even though he had invaded the peace and serenity of the suite, I didn’t mind that he was here with me right now.

  “Are you hungry, Angel? Have you had lunch?”

  “No, I haven’t. Would you like to dine with me this afternoon?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t.” Thomas said as he stood back up from the couch and straightened his already perfect suit. “I just imagine that you’re famished from spending so much time with Marcus. I have to head back out to meet with—”

  “I know.”

  I cut him off. I said it with a bit of disdain. For a split second, I was upset that he was leaving to go running off to another meeting. But I caught myself and started to laugh nervously to myself.

  “I’m not used to this kind of food,” I said to him. “To have a gourmet dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner is something I’ll never get tired of. But I think the best part is that they bring it right to the room.”

  “You’re making me jealous,” he said. “You should enjoy your lunch by yourself. You’ll be having dinner with me tonight, among some other snobby rich people.”

  “Mr. Livingston, I can’t speak for the others, but the thought of not enjoying your company has never crossed my mind.”

  I winked at him and he smiled back at me. Even though the streetwalker he had invited into his penthouse suite was still on duty, I still said what I did without any pretense or sarcasm. It was confusing. I was beginning to have trouble figuring out when to flip the switch on and off. But before I could make the situation any more strange than it already was with vague comments, Thomas made his way out of the suite.

  “I’ll be seeing you tonight, Angel.”

  “I’m looking forward to it, Mr. Livingston.”

  He nodded his head to me and briskly left me alone to wallow in the comforts of his wealth.

  Even though it was the same hotel, I never had the same thing to eat. And when I did, it was still just as delicious as it was the first time. The view from the penthouse was always amazing and in the middle of the afternoon, I could continue to look down upon the city. I ate my lunch and watched as the same people who were going about their day I saw earlier did their best to continue. I almost wished that I had somebody to share it with. But in this business, it’s hard to make friends. Other women are just there to steal potential clients and take money out of your pocket. And of course, men are just the targets that are only there for consumption, in one way or another.

  My appetite satiated, I stripped off the clothes that had been soaked from a hard morning’s work and washed away all of the sweat in the shower. Even then, it was still early. I had hours to go until Thomas would inevitably return and accompany me to another extravagant gala. My towel sprawled around me, I laid on the bed and nodded off until it was time to get ready.

  Time passed in the blink of an eye and when I finally awoke, the sun was already beginning to set. I was more exhausted than I had realized. But there was still plenty of time.

  I stood in front of the mirror and attempted to apply my makeup more perfectly than I ever had before. A pair of ruby red lips offset my complexion and my eyes were done up to match. I put my hair up and tied it behind my head before finally slipping into my underwear and deciding what to wear. I looked at each of the dresses I now owned, all of them just as extravagant as the next. For some reason, a green silk dress caught my eye. I plucked it out of the closet and got ready.

  As usual, I tapped my heel against the ground and awaited for Thomas to return from his long day at work. I heard the handle of the door beginning to turn and I got up from my seat. I walked forward to the door and stood there as it slowly opened before me. Thomas entered and stopped in his tracks as he looked me up and down.

  “Angel.”

  “Is this appropriate, Mr. Livingston?”

  He continued to stare at me, his eyes unblinking. Then slowly, he began to nod softly in approval.

  “You have an audience awaiting you,” he said. “Let’s go see what they’re up to.”

  “As you wish, Mr. Livingston.”

  We made our way down to the grand ballroom of the hotel and even though I had already seen it before, I was still mesmerized the extravagance of it all. The expensive suits and even more expensive dresses shuffled throughout the room as I tried to find my place. My arm wrapped around Thomas’s as he escorted me inside and the first thing I noticed was the ballroom occupied by all of the graceful dancers. I had to hold back a bit of excitement I had building up inside of me. I was eager to find out if Marcus’s teachings could actually be applied when someone was watching. But I wasn’t about to ask Thomas if he could escort me onto the dance floor. It seemed egotistical to think that I could be exactly what Thomas wanted of me in only a few days.

  I didn’t have the opportunity though. Thomas’s friend walked up to me and quickly greeted us.

  “Hello, Angel,” Anthony said to me. “You are looking especially lovely this evening.”

  “Thank you. You are as well.”

  “Oh, please,” he said, starting to laugh. “There’s no need for that kind of flattery. It’s not welcome or appreciated. Especially from someone like you. Don’t lower yourself to the level of everybody else in the room.”

  “Yes, there’s no need to say that,” Thomas said to me. “At least save those comments for someone like Alina. Where is the lovely girl by the way?”

  “I’m afraid my better half was feeling a bit under the weather and couldn’t make it out here tonight. Every now and then something will sneak in and affect you, regardless of whether or not you live a life of extravagance. She’ll be fine. Angel, Thomas, please join me for dinner will you.”

  We made our way toward one of the dinner tables. As they engaged in their conversation, I listened to the sound of the music playing. I watched the dance floor as the ambient sound of their discussion grew more and more faint. Thomas and Anthony flanked me on each side of the table, each of them looking at me to make sure that I was enjoying myself. I was just happy to be there. The food was decadent and the atmosphere was unlike anything I could describe. But everywhere I looked, there were people who were so accustomed to living this life that they seemed bored by the whole experience. I wondered how long it would take to get to that point. It was definitely much longer than Thomas was going to have me employed.

  I was a glutton.
Nothing was holding me back and by the time we were finished eating. I could feel the fabric of my dress beginning to strain around my waist. Nobody noticed though, as they consumed their wine and lost their focus from all of the alcohol.

  “He wants to kill you, you know that, right?” Anthony said to Thomas.

  Thomas sighed as the two of them continued to discuss men and business that I wasn’t privy to. I was admittedly a bit bored having to listen to their conversation. I let my guard down for just a moment and Anthony realized that none of this was interesting to me.

  “Angel,” he said. “Thomas has been telling me that you’ve started taking lessons. Is that true?”

  “I’ve only just started.”

  “But you are better than you were before, right? I mean, you’ve made some progress.”

  “Not much. My body is still a long way from learning how to move correctly.”

  “Well, I’m sure you’ll get there eventually. Perhaps a demonstration.”

  “What?”

  “I think I speak for Thomas when I say that I’m eager to see you out there. It would be a shame for you not to get some practice in. Thomas, you don’t mind if I take her out for a test drive now, do you?”

  “Not at all,” Thomas said. “Angel.”

  Thomas looked at me and I nodded my head. Then Anthony offered his hand to me and led me away from the table. I didn’t object to dancing with Anthony. The entire time I spent with Marcus was nothing but trying to understand and learn concepts. This would be the first time I would actually get to apply all of those things. But I thought that the next opportunity I would have to dance would be with Thomas. I was almost disappointed that it wasn’t him on the dance floor with me. When I looked at him, I could see him sitting at the table by himself, a barely there smile on his face. Anthony took me into his arms and I turned my head to him.

  “Well, let’s see what you’ve learned, shall we?”

  I nodded then turned my attention to the music. I listened to the timing and rhythm of it, trying to find the place for all of the steps to fall upon. Then without thinking, Anthony started to lead me around on the floor. The way he held me was different. It was a lot more firm than Marcus had taught me. His arm was tight around me and his hand clasped my back like a vise. The song continued and I started to get my rhythm. It wasn’t long before I no longer had to think about what was happening and I could allow my body to follow Anthony’s lead.