If That Is What You Want✔

21

(Media is Slowly surely by Jill Scott)

Lyra maintained eye contact and followed Laurent's leaded. She smiled as he pivoted her in a circle. Larry snuck under Laurent's arm and stole Lyra away. She didn't make eye contact with Larry and her stance became more rigid. 

"Ly, what you tell my brother?" Larry whispered.
"Can you not talk to me?" Lyra quickly asked watching his shoulders. Larry smirked at her.
"You mad?" He laughed.
"You have a death wish?" Lyra smiled warmly but her eyes were cold. "I would be happy to fulfill it."

Larry glared at her as she spun herself out of his arms but Laurent quickly pulled her and they continued dancing. Lyra felt her face warm when Laurent pulled her closer. She smirked when he kneeled holding her hips while she danced around him. Lyra thought he looked like a dirty old man, because he's eyes continued to linger on her hips even after he stood up.

"My eyes are up here." She said lifting his chin.
"I knew you could sing. You are so beautiful." He said putting pressure on her spine as they moved around the stage. "I miss you." He whispered in her ear.
"And that matters why?" She asked taking a deep breath as he dipped her. "In case you missed it, I'm dating someone else. And everyone in his life accepts me."

Her lungs filled with his scent and she caught herself leaning closer than necessary when he spun her.

"I missed you in my arms." He said running his hands over her arms.
"You miss me in your bed." She retorted indignantly pushing his hands away and stepping back to put a respectable distance between them. He took hold of her hand and spun her then released her hand as the song ended. She curtsied to Laurent. Laurent bowed to her while Larry walked over to his brother.

Vincent came on stage to claim her, kissing her cheek, then lead her away to the sound of cheers and applause.

"Thank you." Lyra said before leaving the stage.
"That was telling." Vincent whispered as the walked back to the table.
"How is that?" She replied in kind.
"He still has a hold on you." Vincent held her chair.
"And that isn't what matters anymore. Can we talk about anything else?" Lyra asked taking a seat.
"I'm trying to get you to see I have been trying to get you to smile like that for weeks. It took him a smile and half a minute." He replied then kissed her cheek before taking his seat.

The brothers bowed together then left the stage. 

Ashlie sat at Lyra's table, "The crowd seemed to appreciate the performance."
Lyra smiled and leaned closer to her.
"I will deal with you later." Lyra whispered.
"I tried to tell you but you said you didn't want to hear it." Ashlie smiled.

~~~

Laurent walked back to their room expecting a note or something with the answers Ashlie promised.  He's notification light on his phone was blinking, with an urgent message. He sat down and opened it. It wasn't what Ashlie promised but it confirmed a lot of things he already suspected.

"Larry!" Laurent yelled beating on his brother's door.
"What?" Larry huffed.

Laurent replayed the video for Larry.
The video showed Lyra being carried to a stage by two men. Her being blindfolded and her wrists bond. The entire show at the club the day of the VMAs.

The video ended.

"Explain." Laurent demanded as he stepped towards his brother.
"I tell you she make me do that." Larry replied.
"Really?" Laurent played the second video.

Larry was kneeling in front of Lyra, removing her shoes.

"I sorry, Ly." Larry said softly, "I no mean to hurt you."
"Thank you for keeping me from falling and helping me." Lyra smiled.
"You're welcome." Larry replied.