Free Playing with Passion Theta Series Book 1 by Gayle Parness

but she only managed to get
angry glares from both of them. She hunkered down farther in her
seat.
    As soon as Gene pulled the shuttle
into the lot behind the building on Bay Street, Ingrid jumped
out.
    "This is typical?" she whispered,
still wiping tears from her eyes.
    "Happens a couple days a week,
followed by a few makeup days where they get all kissy-kissy," Gene
responded.
    After everyone had disembarked, they
thumbprint scanned their way through the door and up the narrow
stairs to the roof. Ingrid walked behind Gene, enjoying how he
moved and wondering how the rehearsal would go between the two of
them. If their energy didn't mesh, she'd be looking for another
troupe—unless The Director deleted her first.
    Covered in a tinted bubble
that only allowed those on the inside to see the spectacular view,
the roof of the Bay Street building was the perfect rehearsal
space. New York Harbor glistened in the May sunshine, the statue of
Liberty still raising her torch to remind them of the humans who
had lived free before the
steal . From the silver Manhattan skyline
to the Verrazano, a lovely suspension bridge connecting Brooklyn
and Staten Island with a practical grace, the view was still an
inspiration to artists and photographers everywhere.
    Ingrid's gaze met Mack’s, both of them
wary. They managed to smile at each other in a friendly way.
Whatever was between them, had to be put aside for now, she
decided. This was her work and nothing would be accomplished if she
alienated the rest of the troupe during today's
rehearsal.
    She knew in her gut that Mack was the
one she needed in order to get herself free of this life. His axis
had connected to hers as if they fit, as if they were meant to be
working partners. Gene and Mack seemed to be good friends. If she
could convince Gene that there was a way to escape, then they could
approach Mack together.
    But Mack had put all of his energy
into building the troupe and its world class-reputation. He
protected them like family. Her journey toward freedom couldn't
jeopardize any of the others unless they chose to leave their
comfortable non-lives behind. Could she urge them in that
direction?
    "Is there a problem, Ingrid?" Mack had
moved beside her as if he knew her thoughts were of him. He was
only a few feet away, close enough to touch.
    "N...no. It's lovely here. I've never
seen this view in person." What would happen if she took his hand,
she wondered. Would he pull away again or was he as curious as she
was to find out what this connection meant?
    "Are you ready?" His smile was sexy as
hell, sending a wave of pleasant tingles brushing over her skin.
Her body responded by leaning a tiny bit closer.
    "Yes, of course." She bit her lip to
regain control. This had never happened before.
    "Don't be nervous. You'll do
great."
    Alan handed her a script, which she
read through in a couple of minutes. It was a typical description
of a fantasy that a group of witches and sorcerers had
requested—ironic to say the least. She handed back the paper and
began to stretch her body and focus her mind.
    They needed no equipment to work their
magic, only their bodies, their powers, and a stage or open space
where they could dance their visions into existence. During a
performance, an audience member's body would feel whatever the
character they'd linked to was experiencing. Some enjoyed being the
one dishing out the punishments, where others would prefer to link
with the romantic characters. If a fantasy couple was hot for each
other, the audience would feel the lust, the urgent kisses,
embraces, and finally, even the release. If a character was
frightened, their heartbeat would quicken and their palms would
sweat. Rage, romantic love, pride, even death could be experienced,
if that’s what got them off. All their desires would take form
because of the skill and the magic of a theta
performance.
    Each species knew the script
beforehand, so the audience was never shocked by how it unfolded.
If