Elena let out a long breath. “And who knows how that will go? Although I can’t believe that Alex could harm you and get away with it.”
Livi didn’t respond to that. “I better tell Caleb about this latest development. I can’t afford to shut him out of this battle. I might need all the protection I can get.”
Chapter 6
Livi delayed telling Caleb about the threatening text. After she told him the next afternoon, he came to the academy. Elena was assisting with the casting for the next performance. It was after hours, but she often worked late, as did Livi.
Caleb walked in, looking handsome in slacks and a short-sleeved shirt. The concern in his expression touched Livi’s heart. “Elena, hello.”
Livi noticed Elena’s reaction, a slight blush, as if she was flattered that Caleb noticed her. Then Caleb focused on Livi. “Are you about done here? You’re supposed to be resting, remember?”
“Yes, we were just wrapping up,” Livi said.
“I came to take you home.” Caleb waited, as if expecting no argument.
“We’ll walk Elena out to her car,” Livi said, not minding a ride.
After they put a couple of items in the drawers then shut down the computers and the lights, Caleb escorted them to the parking lot. Elena unlocked her car door and got in. “See you tomorrow,” she said, then went on her way.
Livi was alone with Caleb, but she had no objection. The unsettled state of her life had drawn him closer, a silver lining to her trauma.
After securing her in the passenger seat, Caleb jogged around and hopped in. He looked so masculine when he was caring for her, and he smelled so good. She breathed in a scent of soap and men’s cologne. “What’s with dressing up?”
“I had a meeting with a prospective client earlier, so wanted to look the part.”
“It suits you,” Livi said.
“You think so?” Caleb said. “I’ll take jeans any day, but it’s business. How are you doing, anyway?”
“My head has a dull ache, but not too bad,” Livi said. “I haven’t developed any more symptoms, so it’s probably just part of the healing process.”
For a few minutes, Livi didn’t talk. She preferred to discuss her situation at home. Caleb would be in her living room again, a nice thought for sure.
Once they arrived and got inside, Livi offered Caleb a drink. He accepted iced tea. “Don’t you drink beer?”
“Sure, but not on duty.”
“You’re on duty?”
“I guess not technically,” Caleb said. “But I am concerned for your safety.”
Livi served the drinks and sat across from him. Then she scrolled to the text and handed over the phone. “Alex isn’t going to let the justice system do its job. I guarantee he has other plans.”
Caleb stared at the screen. “He thinks he can talk his way out of this.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“You can’t take any chances,” Caleb said. “Take extra precautions, so you aren’t alone with him. I’d ignore this text. He will get the message.”
“Alex isn’t used to being ignored,” Livi said. “He will be more insistent. I know him well.”
“He can insist all he wants, but the court won’t drop a case because the defendant objects.”
Livi hesitated. “Well, you’d be surprised.”
“You keep implying that Alex can get away with what he did,” Caleb said. “Why is that?”
“Let’s just say that in the world of ballet, it’s not uncommon for misdeeds to be tolerated.” Livi sipped her tea. “It goes against your sense of fairness…I get that. But it’s just the way it is. Professional ballet is male-dominated; the ballerinas just do the dancing. Those in control have each other’s back, and have connections to wealthy donors, who can pull strings when required.”
“I don’t like that at all.”
“Well, then you understand why I intend to shift the balance by taking Alex’s job,” Livi said. “But it’s an uphill battle for a woman to rise into a controlling position.”
“You belong there as much as anyone.”
“And I intend to get there,” Livi said. “I won’t be bullied into submission.”
“You could get a restraining order,” Caleb says. “Threatening texts are harassment.”
“Alex is still the artistic director,” Livi said. “He won’t be barred from the academy. I’d have to refuse to come to work, and that defeats the whole purpose. With that alone, Alex would have won. No, it’s better to stick it out. I won’t let him get the better of me.”
“I’m watching him,” Caleb said. “He had better not cross the line.”
“Are you staying for dinner?”
There was an awkward moment. Livi looked into Caleb’s eyes, and instantly dinner felt like much more. He looked back, igniting the chemistry between them.
“I better not,” Caleb said, then stood up. “I didn’t see you bring any groceries home, and I know what’s in your freezer. I’m going to need more than a diet microwave dinner.”
Livi smiled. “Okay, maybe another time.” She walked him to the door then stepped back. If she looked into his eyes again, she might ask him to stay, skipping dinner entirely.
Caleb stood in the doorway. “I’ll call you.” Then he left, and Livi wasn’t sure if he was going to call for a date or only to check on her safety. The sexual tension was palpable, and she wasn’t certain if the emotion was hers, or if Caleb felt it too.
*****
The following week, Livi bided her time. She was able to avoid a confrontation with Alex. Most of the day, she was in the office with Elena, but she was going to have to resume instructing classes. That would make interacting with her boss more likely, since she’d be in the dance rooms.
Each day, Livi felt better. She scheduled a visit with her doctor as a follow-up. But her headache abated, and she didn’t suffer with the memory issues or mood swings, like she had with the previous concussion that had resulted from a dance misstep.
Livi stayed limber, stretching in one of the unoccupied rooms while Alex directed classes. The next major performance was The Nutcracker in December. It wasn’t too soon to begin rehearsing. Some of her students would graduate and seek professional careers. The last show of the year was a big deal for everyone.
A loud bang startled her, and Livi got up to see what was happening. It wouldn’t be the first time that Alex had thrown a chair in frustration, even though it scared the dancers. She strode to the room where class was ongoing.
Just as she stepped in, Livi saw Alex grab a ballerina’s hair then yank her head into place. Then Alex turned to another dancer, doing the splits. He dropped to the floor beside her and, with his hands on her hips, pressed down, forcing her to stretch beyond her body’s natural capability.
There wasn’t a peep from the dancers, who had learned not to defy their director for fear of being expelled from the academy. A career in ballet meant enough to dancers that they endured such treatment, instead of losing their chance to be on stage.
Livi’s pulse pounded, and she resisted the urge to jump on Alex to drag him away. Instead, she stood close and glared down at him. “That’s enough.”
Alex squinted his dark eyes, seething. “She has to get this right if she plans to dance in the next performance.”
“I’ll handle this,” Livi said. “This is my class, and I’m prepared to take over.”
For a tense moment, Livi stared at Alex, unsure how he would react. He took a breath then resumed his haughty attitude. “If you feel you’re capable…go right ahead.” Then he walked from the room, without a word to the dancers.
Livi helped the dancer up. “You’ll get there, but it’s best to stretch gradually. You don’t have to force your muscles, and it can be harmful. After all, you’re going to be on stage this December. You can’t afford injury, now can you?”
The ballerina shook her head, and the others stood as still as statues.
“All r
ight,” Livi said. “Let’s take that from the top. I’d like to see what we need to work on.” She proceeded to conduct the class without mentioning the rough treatment they’d witnessed. It wasn’t new to them, and that saddened Livi.
A new day would dawn when ballerinas at Youth for Dance could experience the joy of performing without tyranny. Livi couldn’t block Alex entirely just yet. But she would do her best to intercede, or what Alex called interfering.
Certainly, Alex considered her the enemy. But Livi had just as much reason to think the same of him. Any professional courtesy they’d enjoyed for the first few years had vanished. The work relationship was contentious, and she couldn’t wait until she could take over.
Alex didn’t mention the incident with the catwalk or ask about her health. Of course he wouldn’t. He pretended that it hadn’t happened. After Livi ignored his text, he didn’t bring it up again. The silence was unnerving, because she was sure he was planning something.
In all the years she’d worked with him, Alex had been the aggressor. Sometimes he demonstrated it in subtle ways, and other times more overtly. But there hadn’t been a time when he was quiet, unless he had been conniving ways to gain control.
That part disturbed Livi.
After class, Elena assisted with some directions for the choreographer and talked about costume ideas. Livi was glad for the distraction, and to be involved again. She lost herself in work, putting aside her issues for the moment.
Caleb had been regularly checking on her, but Livi had assured him that she was recovering well. Since there hadn’t been any more threats, he hadn’t been to the academy or her condo. That was unfortunate, because she missed him. It seemed that danger brought him close, but the last few days had been quiet.
Alex was still around, and as the dancers filtered out to get their rides home, she heard his voice. Livi didn’t like the condescending tone. She went to the hall so she could hear what he was saying.
“You’re too fat,” Alex said. “You need to eat pineapple and drink water all week.”
Body shaming was routine in ballet, but a horrific practice in Livi’s mind. She looked out to see Alex talking to a fifteen-year-old dancer who was thin as a rail. Rage surged within her. Classical dance throughout the world operated a regime of psychological terror.
Injuries were ignored, and anorexia was common, even implicitly encouraged. Ballerinas lived under a permanent threat of expulsion to goad them beyond their mental and physical limits. What Alex was doing—as cruel as it seemed—was acceptable practice within the ranks of ballet.
A tear rolled down the ballerina’s cheek, and she brushed it away, appearing embarrassed.
Livi couldn’t turn away. She went over and put her arm around the young girl. “Alex is exaggerating. You’re lovely, and your partner will be able to lift you like a feather.”
The girl’s sheepish look warmed Livi’s heart, and she nudged her toward the lobby to meet her mother.
Alex turned and kicked the sliding door to a dance room, causing it to rattle. He left the room, but Livi had no doubt that she’d fanned the flames of his hatred for her.
When the students were gone, Livi grabbed her bag and told Elena she was going home. It had been a long day. Although Livi was recovering from her fall, she didn’t have her normal strength back. Teaching class had exhausted her.
She stepped onto the sidewalk and breathed in the fresh air. The walk home would be good for her, would calm her nerves. She could walk off some of her upset over Alex, and her desperation over how much longer she’d have to work with him.
Within a couple of blocks, Livi heard someone behind her. Glancing back, she saw Alex. He had followed her, yet there was no chance to evade him. Alex strode up to her, towering over her.
Panicked, Livi took a step back, then another, quickly regretting that she had backed into the alley between buildings. Alex advanced, trapping her against the brick wall. “I’ve asked you nicely, but you don’t seem to listen.”
“Get away from me.”
Alex put his palms flat on the brick wall, his arms on either side of her head. He pinned her in and got right in her face. “You really piss me off, you know that?”
“Alex…please.” Livi tried to duck under his arms to escape, but Alex caught her.
“You aren’t going anywhere,” Alex said. “You need to drop the case against me. We can deal with this between us.”
Livi gasped when Alex put his hand around her neck. She feared that he would squeeze the breath out of her, but he slid his hand under her chin, forcing her to listen to him.
“Let me go.”
Alex’s jaw stiffened and he ground his teeth.
“You heard her. Let her go.” Caleb stood a foot away.
Alex looked at him and hesitated. Caleb appeared calm and in control. His broad shoulders and muscled arms seemed to impress Alex, and he dropped his hand.
“Take this as a warning,” Caleb said. “Stay away from Livi. If I see you touch her, harm her, or even so much as upset her, be prepared to deal with me.”
Alex sized up Caleb, then left the alley like a dog with his tail between his legs.
Livi slumped with relief then fell into Caleb’s arms. He held her close, allowing her to regain her composure. She looked at him. “How did you know I was here?”
“I went to the academy and Elena told me that you’d just left,” Caleb said. “I was going to catch up to you, but I spotted Alex a couple of blocks up. He disappeared around the corner, so that didn’t leave much to the imagination.”
“That was frightening,” Livi said. Caleb put his arm around her to guide her back to the sidewalk. “Why did you go to the academy?”
“I want to take you to dinner.”
“Really?”
“Is that so unbelievable?” Caleb said. “We’re friends, and I want to see how you’re doing. I’ve been kind of busy this week, and I’d like to catch up. Looks like I was a few minutes late, but the offer still stands.”
“I could use a drink before dinner.”
Caleb grinned. “That can be arranged.”
It struck Livi that Caleb had rescued her without working up a sweat. He hadn’t lost his cool, and he’d chased Alex away merely by telling him to leave. His presence was enough to dissuade her attacker from arguing with him. “It’s nice having you around,” Livi said, as they walked back to his truck.
*****
Caleb chose an Italian eatery. It was dark inside, with wood paneling along the walls. The tables were covered with red-and-white-checked tablecloths. And there was a lit candle on each table. The greeter escorted them to a booth for privacy.
Livi ordered a lime margarita, and Caleb had a lager. “Wine won’t do it,” she said. “I need something stronger.”
“Have whatever you like,” Caleb said, looking sexy in the dim lighting.
While drinking, Livi shared what had occurred earlier that day. When she described how Alex treated the dancers, Caleb’s jaw tensed. “That is inhumane,” he said. “Why do the dancers put up with it?”
“The ballerinas are involved in a competitive endeavor,” Livi said. “It’s what we call the constant vanishing point in dance, because it’s over as soon as it happens. The only stable jobs are in management. Ballet is an art but also a passion. It means so much to the dancers; it’s their life. Each dancer yearns for validation and praise.”
Caleb swigged his beer, not interrupting.
“When a dancer gets the approval she seeks,” Livi said, “she might push herself past a healthy point to keep it.”
“Because it can mean the difference between keeping her place in the dance troupe or being booted out,” Caleb said.
“Precisely,” Livi said. “Emotions run high in the world of ballet.”
Caleb appeared to consider that.
“It’s a grueling yet passionate endeavor,” Livi said. “If a dancer can’t keep up, there’s always another willing to take her place.”
“No, it doesn’t,” Livi said. “And dance schools are starting to change throughout the world.”
For the rest of the evening, Caleb didn’t ask any more questions about that. He ordered drink refills and the conversation turned to lighter topics. Livi learned more about his life, and what he’d been doing since he retired from the service.
Caleb shared some anecdotes about his teammates and told her about a few of the jobs they’d handled for clients—while not revealing anything confidential. It seemed that his close friends had found true love and were engaged or married.
While Caleb spoke, Livi tried to tell if he had any intention of marrying. All he said was that he was happy for his buddies, yet his tone revealed otherwise. It made Livi wonder if he was lonely, although that was hard to imagine, considering how eligible he was.
Livi admired Caleb’s strength. When she was around him, life seemed better. It wasn’t only that he kept her safe. Caleb was warm, intelligent, and caring. She avoided opening her heart to him, lest she be disappointed.
And Caleb was sexy as hell. There was no arguing that. The look in his eyes ignited desire, an ache in her heart that wouldn’t go away. She missed him and wanted what she couldn’t have and didn’t deserve.
The meals arrived, but Caleb paused before carving into his steak. “What are you thinking about? It seems that I lost you in that last tale of adventure.”
Livi’s heart skipped a beat. “Do you ever think about what our lives would have been like if we’d stayed together?”
“Yes…often.” Caleb’s expression softened and he put his hand over hers. “As I recall, you broke it off. Not that I’m blaming you.”
Livi was on her third drink and her inhibitions had waned. “I remember that night, the one time we were together. I’ve never forgotten.”
“I haven’t either.” Caleb squeezed her hand, appearing unsure where to go from there.
Livi wanted to blurt it out, tell him why she had ended their relationship before they had a chance. But after all these years, it could only hurt. If she revealed the truth, Caleb would hate her—then where would she be?
Caleb Page 6
