Chapter 187: Doesn’t deserve a whore

One week back in the studio, and I was already exhausted. Even with the exercises the doctor approved, it felt like I had a long way to go before I was fully recovered. Of course that didn't stop me from pushing myself beyond my limit. I didn't spend years of grueling and excruciating practices to get where I was and lose it all now.

It upset me to think that a woman I didn't even know had hated me so much that she pushed me down a flight of marble stairs. The incident set me back and now since I was back in the studio, I had these memories where resentment niggled it's way into my heart.

I should have been here these past few weeks. On the weekends, I should have been on the stage performing. This is who I was and what I was meant to do.

One woman and her jealousy could have taken it all away. I needed to trust Andrey that she was gone, and I wouldn't have to worry about her retaliation again, but it was scary to think that I would have lost my career that night. A few weeks away was a torture enough.

For my sake, I needed to let go of that resentment. It wouldn't help me lingering on that night. Easier said than done, but I had plenty of distractions to help me push those thoughts away.

Although I had to admit that all the time, I spent with Andrey Volkov had been amazing. Maybe it was just from my end, but it felt as though there was a bond growing between us. Something stronger than what I could have expected to come out of this arrangement... The exclusive contract.

Over time I was feeling less like a possession to him and more like someone he genuinely cared for.

Some small part of me hoped that was the case, and not just wishful thinking because I was in love with him. It was hard enough coming to the terms with that. I knew it would devastate me if I was wrong.

The yearning in his voice when he said that lingered with me. I could feel it in my chest and it ate away at me. How could that be not real.

There were moments when I swore his gaze sharpened like he was seeing not just my face but something beneath my skin, like he was reading my heartbeat. Other times the air around him felt heavy, like charged air before a storm, like something wild and dangerous was always pacing inside him, waiting. I never understood why, but I always felt safest beside him.

Ricky and the other dancers were so happy to see me back in the studio. It was amazing practicing with them over the week. Despite the rain and gloom outside in the studio over the theater, the lights were bright, and the energy was high.

I was so tired, but I was on top of the world to be back where I belonged. Every day at the end of the practice, the others especially Ricky tried to convince me to go out with them. Thankfully I had the excuse of needing to rest my ankle. In reality I was going to the hospital to see papa before going home to Andrey.

Sometimes just thinking of home stirred up that familiar warmth in my chest,  something like comfort, something like being claimed even though that made no sense. Sometimes when Andrey watched me, I felt like prey and treasure all at once.

Today wouldn't be any different. Just like on Monday, rain was again pouring down by the Friday afternoon. Since I wasn't performing, I didn't need to return back in the studio until next Monday, so I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend with Andrey. As long as he didn't drag me anymore to any clubs.

Our night at his club was so fun and stimulating, but the memories alone of being fingered on the dancefloor every time caused me to blush furiously no matter where I was. The only thing that I knew was, Andrey was so wicked. I used to be shy around him at first but now, I took what I wanted.... his dick shamelessly.

I sinfully enjoy every illicit moment I have with him. Sadly the end of my contract with him was approaching.

And every time I tried to imagine walking away, something inside me recoiled, like a string tied between us pulled taut, refusing to break. I chalked it up to love, but deep down, it felt like something older, deeper. Instinctual.

"Alright, everyone! That's a wrap on practice today", Luke clapped his hands while shouting over the studio. "Everyone performing in the show tonight, go eat dinner and be back early. Not on time! Because on time is late!", He added loudly then walked out.

"Are you sure, you don't want to grab a bite with me, Elena?", Ricky asked when we made it to the lockers. "It would be nice, but I'm going to the hospital for a bit. Thanks for offering, though", I changed out of my practice clothes and into something warm and casual to wear on the street.

"You always welcome to join me, girl. You know that", Ricky slipped on an oversized hoodie before leaning in to nudge my shoulder with his. "How is grand pa doing!", "About as he good as he can be. It might be the best hospital in New York, but there's only so much the doctors can do. I think he's been stable lately", I retorted to him

"That's something at least", Ricky smiled trying to make me feel better when he heard me sigh. "Better than nothing", I agreed but I think Ricky could tell that my smile was fake. "Every thing will be okay", Ricky pulled me into a tight hug before I could get away from him. It was short and nice, but just enough comfort from a friend to make the ache in my chest ease up a fraction.

"Good luck at the show tonight. I can't wait to be on the stage with you again next week", I squeezed Ricky's hand while tuning out the chatter and banging lockers around us from the other dancers. "I'm looking forward to it, Swan Queen", He giggled with a wink.

"See ya babe!"

Ricky bounced away with the others, to grab an early dinner before their show tonight. As everyone walked out of the locker room, I took my time in stretching out my ankle before lacing up my shoes. It wasn't long before I was alone in the silence as the last person to leave.

There was still items strewn about the locker room since most of the dancers would return in the next hour, but I ensured i packed up all my stuff in my bag. Closing the locker , I turned to head out of the studio but my entire body immediately froze when I saw Luke leaning in the studio's doorway, blocking the exist to the stairs.

Something in him felt wrong in a way I couldn’t name. Not dangerous like Andrey, Andrey felt like a threat you would still trust with your life. This felt like the kind of danger that didn’t have rules just cruelty.

"Luke", I nodded my head in greeting. The smile that curled his lips up made my stomach to instantly twist. "It's has been nice seeing you here again this past week. No one here has the same tight little body as you do", His eyes scanned my body, and I swallowed hard, thankful that I was wearing layers.

"Do you need something, Luke", He was being awfully bold, and I felt the need to get out of here as quick as possible. "I can list all the things I need from you, Elena", He licked his bottom lip while staring at my legs.

"Well, I'm the Prima ballerina and you the choreography. So l'm sure there's at least one thing", I tried to keep the subject on the only thing we had in common. However his eyes instantly snapped up and narrowed at me like daggers I could feel on my face.

"Prima ballerina, huh?", He scoffed and pushed off the doorframe. This was only the exist out and he was blocking my path and he was walking closer until he was in my space , sneering at me. "You nothing more than the whore of the richest men in the city",

My heart immediately dropped into my stomach and they both fell to the floor. Luke's words hit me harder than if he had simply slapped me. I think I would have preferred it if he had hit me instead.

I felt like a puppet when I snapped and locked away my emotions into a dark crevice in the back of my mind. The prickle of tear behind my eyes only lasted for a second before it was shoved deep down in my throat and out of sight. I didn't want Luke to see me as a weak person and after feeling fine, i locked my eyes with him.

A plastered wide vicious smile appeared on my face too as I stared at him.

"If you upset that you can't afford me, Luke then just say that", I purred looking away nonchalantly as if this interaction meant nothing to me. At my words, Luke clenched his jaw so tight, I thought I had his teeth grinding together. A vein throbbed in his temple, and he visibly stopped breathing.

He didn't say anything for a moment and with this moment of victory, I found the strength to push past him. For a moment I thought I was in the clear, but his voice trailed after me when i reached the top of the stairs.

"If it were up to me, you wouldn't be dancing in the finale next week. The New York City Ballet deserves better than spoiled goods. It doesn't deserve whores like you", That was a punch in my stomach and i felt the pain deep in my chest.

But without looking back at him, I kept my head held high and took a steadying breath. "Well, good thing they don't leave the important decisions up to you", I hissed out.

Stomping, followed by the loud slam of the door made me jump and quickly I began running down the stairs. I was so frightened and I didn't stop running until I was out in the rain.

Despite the frigid rain, I didn't pull up the hood of my coat. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back, allowing icy droplets of rain to wash over my flushed face. I was angry, totally angry with everything and this was the only solution.