Toxic Bad Boy(25)

I wouldn’t ever admit it to anyone but her, but Gianna looked hot dancing up there on point in a flowing light blue dress. Really hot.

At intermission I was ready for it to be over. Walking back to my seat after using the restroom, I spotted Julie talking to an older woman. Not wanting her to see me, I ducked behind a pillar until she went back into the auditorium.

The ballet droned on, only perking my interest when Gianna was onstage or when the creatures danced. I could understand why Dante had been to every night’s performance, but why the hell was Gage here tonight?

Finally it was over.

Half the crowd was intent on getting backstage. Dante and I weaved past little girls and old women. Dads carried flower bouquets in an array of appealing colors. Many of the little girls, probably ballet students in the younger classes, wore tutus or frilly dresses.

“Cece got invited to train at the Colorado Ballet Academy,” Dante informed me.

“Is that a big deal?” I asked, wondering if Gianna would be interesting in something like that.

“I guess so,” he replied. “She’d have to drop out of regular high school and work with their tutors so she could train full time at a pre-professional level.”

“Do you think she’ll take the offer?”

Black eyebrows drew together as he frowned. “She hasn’t decided yet.”

From his demeanor, I suspected he didn’t like the idea much. It sounded as if that type of commitment would cut down on Cece’s free time. Time currently dedicated to her relationship with Dante.

He hadn’t mentioned Gianna getting a similar invite, so I assumed an offer hadn’t been made to her. Selfish relief coursed through me. After eight months of being deprived of my girlfriend, I wouldn’t be thrilled about her taking on professional ballet training.

Glancing around, I didn’t see Gage any longer. I’d thought he was right behind me, but he must have took off. His friendship with Gianna was no longer necessary and if he hadn’t already gotten the message, I’d make it clear to him in the near future.

“Which way?” I asked Dante.

Dante pointed in the direction of a dim hallway. “Cece and Gianna should be changing down there.”

As we waited outside a wooden door, girls now devoid of their costumes began streaming out. Cece came out, blinking in surprise when she noticed me. “Caleb! What are you doing here?”

“Busted out,” I teased her. “Now, where’s my girl?” Pulling her petite body into a hug, I blew curly black strands away from my face.

“Does she know you’re here?” she asked.

“It’s a surprise.”

“Oh.” She still seemed confused. “Gianna checked her phone when we got back here and said she had to go. She didn’t even change out of her costume or wash off her makeup.”

“Well in that case, I’m going to check out the parking lot,” I told her and Dante. Winking at Cece, I added, “Gianna and I will be missing the after party.”

“There isn’t one!” she called out after me.

Going out a back door, I circled around the side of the building. The parking lot was dark, but I spotted her white Jeep from a distance. Nearing it, I saw her. She still wore her princess costume and Gage stood next to her. He gripped her upper arms as if to hold her in place while she said something to him.

“Get your fucking hands off her!” I yelled as I ran towards them.

Gage released her, spinning to face me. By the lack of surprise on Gianna’s face, I knew he’d already told her I was here. Stupid bastard.

“Caleb,” Gianna said softly, making no move to come to me. People passed by, getting into their vehicles or chatting outside of them, but my eyes remained locked with hers.

“You can leave,” I ordered Gage.

Panic entered Gianna’s eyes and she put up a hand. “Stay, Gage.”

Reaching out for her, I took her into my arms. She felt perfect, right where we both belonged. “Missed you, princess.”

“I-I missed you, too.” Her body trembled in my embrace.

“Then tell that fucker to go away,” I whispered into her ear.

She jerked out of my arms. “You don’t understand.”

A weight settled in my gut. She was acting strange and Gage wore an expression of anticipation, as if ready for action. “Understand what, Gianna?”

“You didn’t tell me you were getting out early,” she said in a rush, her words jittery.

“It was a surprise,” I explained slowly and held up my arms. “Surprise!”

She moved over to Gage, grabbing his hand as if in support. He glanced down at where their hands were joined before meeting my glare. “You see,” Gianna began quietly, “I couldn’t tell you while you were locked up because it was my fault you were in there.”