Free Jordan, Olivia - Carly's Two-Stepping Temptations [Studio Seductions 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Olivia Jordan Page B

wouldn’t do something just as reckless and illegal to try and save them.”
    Taletha’s expression hardened again. “I wouldn’t do that.”
    “Really? Are you honestly that much of a cold, calculating businesswoman that you’d leave either of your lovers at the mercy of a loan shark rather than break some laws to keep them safe?”
    Taletha glared at Jared. “Okay, okay, I’d probably break the law for them.”
    “Look, she made a mistake, she got caught, and she’s going to face the consequences. Let’s put a positive spin on this. Let’s show that we’re willing to forgive her transgressions as long as she pays her debt to society, both literally and figuratively.”
    “I’m still skeptical. Though I suppose that it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to show support if she’s repentant. Besides, being affiliated with a major political scandal might even be good for business, in a weird way.”
    “It could easily drive attendance up rather than pushing people away.”
    “Okay, we’ll try it your way. But if I get uncomfortable with the way things are going, I’m reserving the right to actually make the final decisions about the studio I own.”
    Jared nodded. “Thank you for giving her a chance. I really appreciate it.”
    “Not that it’s going to matter much. She’ll probably back out.”
    The intercom buzzed. “Taletha?” Lynne’s voice came through the speaker, weak and scratchy.
    Taletha pressed the intercom button. “What’s up?”
    “Melissa Roth is here.”
    “Send her in.” After she released the intercom button, she turned back to Jared. “I hope you’re right and this all works out.”
    A few seconds later, Melissa tentatively opened the door to Taletha’s office, her eyes red and puffy.
    “I–I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said, sniffling back tears. “Things have been—well, it’s been a stressful morning, as I’m sure you can imagine.”
    “How are you holding up?” Jared asked.
    “As well as could be expected, I supposed. They’re moving the hearing along quickly. I have about a week left before everything begins.”
    “I’m sorry you have to deal with all of this.”
    “So am I, but it’s my own fault. I’ll hold myself accountable for my actions and face whatever consequences result from them. I don’t expect to be in office much longer.” She paused for a moment, looking from Jared to Taletha and back again. “You were talking about me, weren’t you?”
    “We were actually wondering whether you planned on staying in the show or not,” Taletha said. Jared appreciated her tact. He couldn’t help feeling sympathy for Melissa, and he didn’t want her to feel any worse than she already did.
    “So you don’t want me to step down?”
    “The choice is entirely up to you,” Taletha said. “I was assuming you would probably feel obligated to leave the show due to recent demands on your professional life, but if you want to continue in the performance, you’re welcome to stay. The official policy of this studio is that we love the sinner and hate the sin.”
    A small smile cracked through Melissa’s sorrowful exterior. “Thank you. I’m grateful that someone in this town isn’t shunning me. Even—” Her voice cracked again. “Even my husband has decided to cut and run, and I did this all for him.” A lone tear trickled down her cheek.
    Jared took her hand. “Well, let’s get your mind off of your troubles for a little bit.” Giving Taletha a grateful smile, he took Melissa’s hand and led her out toward one of the smaller studios where they could have more privacy. He shut the door, turned on a loud two-step, took Melissa in his arms, and began dancing as though his life depended on it. He could tell that her focus wasn’t in the present moment, that the weight of her problems was distracting her, but he didn’t fault her. He couldn’t even imagine what she was thinking at the moment. As the music went on, though, he could feel