Her Invisible Knight (Book 4)

Five

Maverick

Okay, admittedly, what I did was stupid. I wasn’t supposed to give out clues that I studied Mackenzie’s partnered dance routines just for kicks or that I was hanging around the dance studio which lately I often do and today I did just the opposite simply because I saw how she was struggling and I couldn’t take it. I hated that the feisty, beautiful, and most talented dancer was deflating right in front of my eyes when I knew she could totally kick ass. She was starting to doubt herself, and that didn't sit well with me somehow.

She worked hard day in and day out just so she could land the lead, but her partner was sort of overwhelming her. He’s a marvelous dancer, sure, but it was as if he wanted the spotlight all to himself that he wasn’t paying attention enough to know that either he was slightly dragging her everywhere or he was unnecessarily dramatic. So I suddenly felt that I had to do something. Did my stepping-in help though? I really don’t know, but for me, it was a win because I got to hold her and look at her through the entire dance. It felt good, it felt right, but it also brought back memories that I wish hadn’t happened. After that, a sudden embarrassment and nervousness crept through me, so I had to pretend that I meant to make the stupid speech followed by the walk of shame barefoot and all. I had to endure walking on the cold tiled floors for a while before I found the perfectly imperfect spot to sit my ass down.

So, here I am, at the bottom of the stairs, putting my socks and shoes on, occasionally stopping when people approach and ask to take photos with them. Nope, this wasn't awkward at all. I was about to step out into the streets when a resounding “hey” called from behind me. I slowly turned to see if the call was meant for me, and sure enough, Mackenzie was standing on top of the stairs, looking directly at me, a bit disheveled, but still alluring as f**k. I pointed to myself and mouthed the word me, but instead of walking back to meet her halfway, I stayed where I was and waited for her to advance toward me. “What was that?” she asked. “What was what?” You see, I knew what she was referring to, but I suddenly felt the urge to prolong our encounter so yeah, I became a d**k about it and pretended that I knew nothing. “The barging in? The dancing? The wise sensei act? Any of those ring a bell?”

“Wise sensei act?" I chuckled. "Okay, A, I didn’t barge in, I was invited, B, maybe I wanted to see if I still had it, and C, even the most uncoordinated person would know that the routine wasn’t working out. Also, apparently, my opinions matter to Lila,” I answered with a shrug and the look on her face told me all the ways she was planning to murder me. “See, that’s what I don’t get. Why and how are you even related to Lila?” I crossed my arms in front of my chest, wondering if it was the right time to let her in on my secret. “We met years ago and now we’re good friends,” I simply answered with a shrug. “Friends? Like friends, friends or?” she snorted. “Does it matter?” I challenged, and yes, by saying that, I knew I was once again being a douche. “Absolutely not, but you showing up all the damn time and it's rubbing me the wrong way, to be honest. Like, help me I want to punch that smirk off of his face kind of way,” she angrily stated. “Okay... wow... that’s uh super aggressive, but if it really makes you feel any better, then you’re free to use me as your personal punching bag.” I knew saying that sounded bad but as sick as the sentiment sounded, I guess I was hoping to let her know that I was willing to do whatever it took to make her happy.

“You know what? Whatever, just know that this...” she paused, pointing between the two of us. “This has to stop. We need to stop bumping into each other like this. So please, please, for the love of god, let’s just stay away from each other’s lane. You do your thing, I’ll do mine,” she pleaded. I looked deeply into her eyes, trying to decipher whether she really meant it or not and if it would actually affect my decision if she really did, and I guess it wouldn't. I'd made up my mind since we last saw each other that I was going to pursue her again. It didn't matter if it took another few years, I mean, I've already come this far. I watched her from the sidelines for years, kept my distance physically, but was involved with a lot of things around her. I didn't manipulate her life if that's what everyone was thinking. I would never do that. I simply made sure that she was safe. Whatever happened in her life was purely her choice, some were just coincidences that provided a few advantages on my part. I had a lot to say, but I have decided against voicing them out now. So, instead of actually saying something, I simply nodded and turned back around. Before I was fully out, I turned my head sideways and said, "You know, I have every right to be here as much as you do."

"What does that even mean?" She questioned, throwing her hands up in the air in exasperation. "It means I can come and go as I please because I own this dance company and Lila is my business partner," I informed, making her brows shoot so far up her forehead. She tried to open her mouth to say something, but nothing came out and I reveled in her silence. After all, she was the type who always enjoyed voicing her thoughts. I then smiled at her and gave her a one-finger salute, and then headed out to meet my bodyguard, Duke. I knew she wasn't going to run after me, but it still didn't stop me from half hoping that she would.