Hidden

Chapter Two

The bodyguard turns, eyes wide in shock. I smile, trying not to look too smug as the giant steps aside, permitting me through.

I hurry up the steps towards the most beautiful human I've ever encountered. I hold out my hand, grinning stupidly from ear-to-ear like a crazed fan.

"Maestro, it's an honor to meet you. Your music-"

"Well, it is not mine," he exacts, cutting me off. I stare at him, closed mouth before nodding.

"Well, yes, I understand that but your portrayal of it was astounding, truly, sir. You've gained a fan today."

He stares down at me, his mouth but twitches slightly and I'm guessing that's his extent for a smile. His eyes, dark in color, find the inner workings of my soul and tug hard, knocking my entire equilibrium.

"Come with me, Miss Simone," he croons, turning towards the curtains. I follow him into the darkness of the backstage realm, keeping close in the chaos of instruments and chatter. He doesn't try to communicate, doesn't even look back to see if I'm still there. Maybe he knows I wouldn't leave.

I feel my knees buckle slightly as he stops by the door with his name, opening it slowly. He gestures me inside and I smile with relief, glad to know he carries some manners. I step inside, not surprised that the space is empty apart from his clothes, draped across the rest of the loveseat against the wall.

"Have a seat," he addresses me, clearing his throat slightly. I nod and walk to the black leather, lowering myself down onto it with an awkward chuckle. He remains standing where he is, oddly.

"I was hoping to be able to ask you a few questions," I pronounce, trying to sound as professional as I can.

"And I don't get to know anything about you before this happens?"

What? I chuckle uncomfortably and shrug my shoulders. "Not usually, I don't believe."

"Why do you say you don't believe? Have you done this before?"

"This would be my first face to face interview," I state, frowning at the tone of his voice. "Is that a problem?"

His brows rise slightly and for a moment, I think he's going to say yes. But he doesn't, he shakes his head, looking down. "No, no. I'm just... I do not like opening up to complete strangers."

"Why did you agree to this interview then?"

"I don't know," he replies with a distant half chuckle, turning. I watch him move, dazzled by his beauty. He removes his hands from his pockets and flexes his fingers before turning back to me. "What would you say to getting dinner?"

I'm completely caught off guard. I gape slightly, shocked. "Dinner?"

He nods, unfazed by my blatant surprise at his offer. "Yes, there is a good place down the street from here."

"I'm here for an interview, Mr. Giordano," I declare, mustering all the courage I have. I'm beginning to believe he has no intention of answering a single question I have about him tonight.

"I'm aware of that."

I press my lips together and stand. "So, you're saying that if I go to dinner with you, you will answer the questions I have for you?"

He stares. "I will answer any questions you have about my company or the music they perform. I will not answer any about myself."

My alarm bells are fucking blaring in my brain. "Why?"

He shakes his head. "I just don't want to."

I wait for him to say something else but he doesn't. "Are you serious? That's why you won't do this interview?"