Page 26 of Allegiant

He shakes himself and takes several steps back, only stopping when he collides with a pillar. “I don’t know,” he repeats in a whisper.

Just like that, the exhaustion from earlier returns. “Great. In that case, I’m going to go inside my apartment.” I hold up a hand when Samson’s pupils dilate. “Alone.”

I’ve had enough of games for one evening. Samson’s a fun distraction, but he could quickly become a mindfuck.

I’ve had enough of those for a lifetime. The only type of fucking I’ll allow in my world now is the kind that ends with orgasms and an easy, mutual parting.

I turn and slip my key into the lock. I can already hear Nugget barking inside.

“Rowan, wait.”

I pause but don’t face him. “What?”

I hear footsteps. Samson doesn’t touch me, but that doesn’t matter. I can feel the heat emanating from him, his breath on the back of my neck. He sighs. “Fuck. I don’t know. What is it about you that makes it hard to stay away?”

A chord strikes deep in my soul as new walls are erected around my heart. “You’re the first to have that problem. Believe me.”

Enough. I can’t do any more of this tonight. I step inside my apartment and close the door behind me.

On Samson and whatever bullshit he’s bringing along with him.

7

ROWAN

I don’t expect to see Samson again. Certainly not as soon as the following afternoon.

But as my “Adult Introduction to Ballet” class files through the doors to the studio, there’s a familiar grump among them.

What the heck is he doing here?

I mean, sure, he needs dance lessons. I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone more in need of them than Samson. But taking part in a class? A ballet class?

Wasn’t what I expected. But that’s Samson. Constantly surprising me.

I shouldn’t like it as much as I do. Not if I want to keep my life uncomplicated. And I do. I can’t let anyone close now. Every time I find happiness, it’s taken from me.

Last time, it was in the worst possible way.

I’m not subjecting Samson to the same fate.

I greet everyone who enters, encouraging them to don the ballet shoes they were told to purchase in advance. I hear the same comments I always do about how they don’t look how they expected them to.

I haven’t got the heart to tell them they won’t be dancing on pointe for several years, if at all. Nor how painful it can be. I want them to develop a love for ballet, for how exciting it can be, not scare them off.

The only student I actively avoid is Samson. The corner of his lips curls up when I pass by him, like he finds my aversion amusing. When he pulls out a pair of simple black ballet shoes, I fight to hide my surprise.

Not only has he shown up to the class, he’s come prepared.

When everyone is ready, I clear my throat and sweep my arms wide. “Hello and welcome to Rhythm Studio. This class will cover the most basic principles of ballet. You don’t need to have any experience at all, and I promise this is a safe space. There’s no judgment. All of you are beginners. Most importantly, we’re going to have fun!”

One or two of the faces smile at this, but everyone else seems to be questioning all the choices they made that led to this moment. Everyone except Samson, who has his arms folded over his chest, his gorgeously hewn face not betraying any emotion at all.

“Please find a space on the floor, and we’ll get started.”

Everyone cringes and slinks against the back wall. I bite back my sigh. This always happens during the first few lessons. No one wants to be at the front, but they can’t dance if they don’t have the space to.

Surprise catches me as a figure detaches from the herd. Samson strides confidently to the front and center, shaking out his limbs.