von Willegen, Therése - Tainted Love (Siren Publishing Classic)
Page 10
Great, turn on the guilt. If Tonia lost her job because of a small incident like this, Marianne would never be able to live it down. The whispers of “bitch” would follow her for weeks, and who knew what else would follow? It was such a small incident, at any rate. Marianne would call in ill for a night or two to give her ankle time to heal, then just stay more aware of Tonia’s intentions.
The question was, would Tonia back down now after her first apparent success? It was obvious she had it in for Marianne. It was all too confusing at this point in time, though. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.
“I’m really tired. I need to get back to my apartment and get some arnica on this after a hot bath.” Marianne gestured at her ankle.
At that, Katja sighed. “Very well. Want me to call a cab for you?”
“I’d appreciate that.”
While Katja was busy on her cell phone, Marianne gathered her things. Beyond the dressing room’s closed door, Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” was pumping through the speakers, one of Delia’s favourites, and she was no doubt giving everyone a thrill.
Knowing that she couldn’t strut out and join the other dancers this night made her feel cut off somehow, and all Marianne wanted at this point was to be on her own, among her own things. Brett was, no doubt, in his office, but a curious reluctance overcame her, and Marianne left without saying goodbye. She was in no mood for explanations and, possibly, uncomfortable revelations.
Chapter 12
Marianne knew something was wrong the moment she woke, her hands seeking somethingsomeone