The Dance Academy (ON HOLD)

07

Two months later...

Dancer's POV

I walked into the dance studio and pulled my bag off of my shoulder. I noticed Chris was standing on the opposite side of the room from me, but he never took his eyes off of me. I sat my bag on the floor and started stretching. Tyler was groped all over Chris and my stomach turned. I looked away and bent over to stretch my thighs.

I noticed a small piece of paper tucked in the wall. I frowned at it and pulled it out.

'If you don't have anything to do after practice, meet me in the alley. -CB'

I looked up at Chris and he winked before stretching. My mind was racing. I know I heard the client a few nights ago say his name. What was he doing?

I spent the entire practice trying to figure out what Chris was up to. I kept dancing on like nothing was bothering me. Something is always bothering me, but nobody needs to know that.

"You seem a little off today, Dancer," I clenched my jaw as I turned and faced Tyler.

"I guess getting hit wasn't enough for you was it?" I mumbled.

"Oh, that little hit? It didn't even hurt," she smirked at me as I stood up.

"Oh, It didn't? How about I try again?" I lunged at her and another girl pulled me back by my waist. The director called Tyler's name and she groaned.

"Thanks a lot, freak," she barked. I smiled at the girl that pulled me back and grabbed my bag, picking up the piece of paper left on the floor. I walked out of the studio and down the stairs. Chris's scent was still in the hallway, so I knew he hadn't been gone for long. I signed my name on the sign-out sheet and waved goodbye to the receptionist.

The frigid New York air slide through my leggings. I shivered a little as I pulled my jacket on. I walked down the street and stepped towards the alley. Part of me didn't want to go down that alley. I trusted Chris, but not that much. I looked down the alley and saw nothing but darkness. I sighed deeply before I walked into it. I prayed quietly as I took my next step and I heard his voice.

"Over here," he spoke.

I walked towards his voice and I felt his hands grab my waist. A small yelp slipped my throat before I looked up and met eyes with Chris. He smiled down at me and pulled me into a hug. I took in his scent and my body melted into his chest. For the first time, in a long time, I felt safe in the presence of a man.

He kissed my cheek before he spoke.

"Hey, beautiful," he moved my hair from my cheek and smiled.

I shifted on my feet as he took my hand. We walked into the alley to a small corner that had a small box in it. He sat on it and patted his lap. I stared at him and he touched my side gently.

"Trust me," he whispered. I nodded and sat on his lap. His arms wrapped around my waist and he leaned against the wall behind him.

"We need to talk."

I nodded and turned to look at him. He sighed and touched my face.

"Your father paid me a visit at the orphanage I stay in." My heart sank into my stomach and I dropped my head. He sighed before he wrapped his arms around my waist again. His grip was tighter and he put his face into my back.

"My father has a side business," he mocked me quietly. A small lump gathered in my throat, as his hands rubbed my sides softly.

"He makes good money with it.." he continued. I bit down on my quivering lip as my eyes began to flood with tears.