Total pages in book: 194
Estimated words: 187021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 935(@200wpm)___ 748(@250wpm)___ 623(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 187021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 935(@200wpm)___ 748(@250wpm)___ 623(@300wpm)
“No, they tried to kill me as a child. I can’t think they’d sanction this if they were still alive.”
“But they’re not,” Graves said.
“No,” she said, deflating at that reality.
She was the last wisp. She had a soulmate bond to the most powerful Druid. Something in that made perfect sense, if it was a continuation of a line. Natural selection. It didn’t make her hate it any less.
“Just ask him about it,” Graves said through clenched teeth. “I bet he bends over backward to reassure you about it.”
Kierse didn’t doubt that for a second.
The show came to a close with that anger and indignation still rattling her bones. She and Graves stood with the rest of the audience for a standing ovation. Lyra’s eyes swept to the seats that Kierse had purchased for the entire week. She had noticed them before, but the intrigue was more intense this time. A question in her perfect dark eyes.
“Ready?” Graves asked.
“I’ll meet you in the limo.”
Kierse waited for Lyra at the backstage door. Nearly the entire cast had left before Lyra appeared, dressed in a tight black dress with a large designer bag slung over her shoulder. She didn’t look surprised to see Kierse.
Despite that fact, she still flushed slightly at the sight of her. “Hey.”
“You kept me waiting,” Kierse teased.
“You waited,” Lyra noted.
“I did.”
Kierse fell into stride with her as they headed for the elevators.
“Where’s the guy who is always with you?”
“I sent him to the car,” Kierse told her.
“Hmm.”
They stepped into the elevator, and they were halfway to street level when Lyra pressed the hold button.
“I don’t need a patron or money or anything,” Lyra said quickly. “I know the last time that we met, I was really forward, but I don’t actually…do theater like that. I’m a professional.”
Kierse almost laughed. “I can see that.”
Historically, so much of the backbone of the theater had been held up by, essentially, prostitution to the wealthy. Patrons had come into fashion once more, to allow actors and artists to continue to work. Most of them were not entirely altruistic.
“I’m just being honest.”
“I believe you. Nor am I hoping to pay to sleep with you.” Kierse actually did laugh then. “Does it look like I’ve paid to sleep with anyone?”
“No,” Lyra whispered.
“Nothing against sex workers. The oldest job and everything. I used to live in the attic of a brothel, and the workers were all incredible people. But I’m not propositioning you like that. I’m just interested.”
Lyra took a step back as if that were the last thing she had expected. “Oh.”
Kierse pressed the button that let the elevator drop down to street level. She gestured to the awaiting limo. “This is my ride.”
“You’re just going to go?” Lyra asked in confusion.
“I’ll be back tomorrow,” Kierse promised with a wink. “Unless you need a ride home?”
Lyra looked at the limo for the invitation it was. Kierse could see the moment she wavered. But she also knew Lyra’s backbone was strong and that she’d decline the help. Thinking that giving in to them too easily would lose her ground.
“No, thank you. I can get to the Barbizon on my own.”
Barbizon. Kierse filed that name away. She’d heard of the place. It used to be an all-women’s hotel where artists could feel safe in the city during the Roaring Twenties. It had been reopened recently for human and monster women to have a safe place of their own again. It made sense that someone like Lyra would be living there. And that she was definitely interested, if she gave Kierse that name so willingly.
“Suit yourself,” Kierse said and reached for the door of the limo. She was about to pull it open when she acted like she’d just remembered something. “You’re going to be performing at the Monster Con, right?”
“Oh, yes, we were just given the date for that. Will you be there?”
“Well, my beau is speaking,” she said, gesturing to the interior of the limo. “But I don’t have an invite. So, not sure yet. Hopefully we’ll see you there.”
Kierse could already see the wheels turning in her head. A night off from the show run, a performance where they’d have a room in a five-star hotel, and Kierse needed a way in.
She’d let her come to the conclusion on her own.
Kierse stepped forward, kissing both of the girl’s cool cheeks. “See you tomorrow night.”
Then she ducked into the limo and forced herself not to look back.
“Well?” Graves asked.
“It worked.”
“She confirmed that she’ll get you in?”
“Not yet, but she will.” Kierse was certain of that.
A yawn escaped her as George pulled away. She’d been going to so many midnight showings and not sleeping long enough during the day.
“You look like you’re about to pass out.”
Kierse stifled another yawn. “I’m fine.”
“You’ve been burning the midnight oil.”
“I’m a creature of the night.” He shot her a look, and she grinned. “Just as much as you are.”