Free The Fated Dance: Bound to the Shadow Dancer by Leeann Whitaker Page B

him spend their time in Venus,” she squeals. “You want to be careful, he might be trying out the whole pretty women thing on you,” she giggles.
    “Flick, shut your face before I shut it for you,” I snap.
    “So… you not going to eat that then?” she hums, drooling over the box.
    “No… here.” I hand it to her, and she’s more than happy to take it.
    Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s sweet and kind, him thinking about me this way. But even though he still insists he has no motives, I’m finding it difficult to believe. I’m a pole dancer and it is my job is to turn guys on. And that’s how he found me. He has to have a dark side.
                                                      ***
    I’ve been fighting with my subconscious all day. Do I go tonight, or do I cut all ties and stay away? Is it really as bad as my mind is making out? It was only a pastry, not a briefcase full of cash. One more night, and if I still feel awkward about the whole thing, I’ll have to go crawling back to Venus with my tail between my legs. Though, after the dozen voicemail messages I’ve had from Phil, telling me to clear out my locker, I feel that groveling may not be enough.
    I pull my gray jacket off the coat hook when someone knocks on the front door. I open up to see an old guy with silvery hair and brows, dressed in a brown suit, smiling at me. I feebly smile back. I have no clue who he is, so assume he’s probably at the wrong address.
    “Ms. Conner?” he asks.
    I scrunch my eyes, raking my brain, trying to figure out where he knows me from. I’ve not seen him in Venus. I would definitely remember dancing for someone old enough to be my grandfather.
    “Yes,” I frown.
    “My name is Henry, and I work for Mr. Crane,” he says. “I was wondering if I could have a few minutes of your time.”
    I don’t usually let strangers into my house, but this guy seems harmless enough. And there was a worry in his voice I didn’t like. He moves to the back of the couch, taking a good look around the room.
    “So, what’s this about?” I ask, interrupting his examination of the damp walls.
    “I really shouldn’t be here,” he sighs. “But I have some concerns I need to discuss with you.”
    “About Grayson?” I hoist my brow.
    “Yes.”
    Okay, now I’m all ears. He has come here to warn me and I have to listen. I’m supposed to be dancing for him again in an hours’ time.
    “Please, sit down,” I say, perching on the armrest.
    He unfastens the middle button of his jacket and sits. “I’ve known Grayson since he was in diapers,” he says. “He trusts me above all, but now he’s given me no choice but to go behind his back.”
    I exhale the unease. Is he about to tell me Grayson is dangerous and I should stay away? That he is some insane person, who has become obsessed with girls like me? Or that I’m a slut, and it is wrong and immoral for me to continue to work for him?
    “Mr. Crane has been through a lot over the last eighteen months, and I fear that he is trying to keep things to himself, so he can deal with the problem alone.” His tone is so somber.
    “What’s wrong with him?”
    “Ms. Conner, Grayson has been in remission for some time now.”
    I inhale a sharp breath as my heart drops a beat. “From?”
    “He has been suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukemia… and I think his condition has returned.”
    Oh god, I don’t believe this . I cover my face with my hands as an empty feeling swells inside my stomach.
    “Mr. Crane is refusing to go into detail on his condition, and I’m worried he might do something stupid.”
    “Well, what can I do?” I try to stop the lump in my throat making tears.
    “The boy seems to have grown very fond of you,” his eyes widen. “In fact, I’ve never known him to be so untroubled and laid-back with his work,” he explains. “I need you to get him to open up. Ms. Conner, time could be short for Mr. Crane,