Darkness in the Tents

Chapter 3

"Annabeth." He said in one cool word. His voice was silky and fine, coarse and rough, and more perfect than the stars.

Annabeth didn't even bother to turn around to speak with, just continued on stretching.

"Yes?" She brought her right leg over her shoulder, curling herself into a ball. She had to be prepared for tonight's act, they were in a new town with new people.

The thing about these towns was they thought they were special. They thought they were the only ones visited by the respectable freak show. They didn't realize that the performers were constantly on the move, constantly stirring up trouble when towns got blanketed in warm peace. Tranquility was overrated.

The man uncurled her from her position, much to her annoyance and brought her to her feet. Annabeth felt his strong arms pulling her up then wrapping them around her midriff. He placed a lingering kiss on her neck and she pretended not to shiver.

"I was wondering if you'd like to take part in my act tonight?" He said right to her ear in a low, husky whisper.

"And have knives thrown at my head?" She whispered back, turning her head so their lips were grazing each other.

"I promise they won't hurt a tiny blonde hair on your head."

She loved the feel of his warmth against hers. His breath becoming her breath. She loved him.

"Well if you say so."

He grinned at her in wolfish delight.

"You, my dear, are the best."

"I know." Annabeth sad placing a quick kiss on his lips before returning to her stretches.

She trusted him with all her heart. She knew he was an expert at what he did.

So then why did she feel apprehension at being his partner tonight? She had been multiple times before and like he said, one of his knives never hurt her.

Yet the anxiety crept up into her muscles and down her spine like a taunting spider. She tried to suppress a shiver. Too bad this one wasn't caused by a kiss.