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26
Pen
I’ve spent the best part of the last of couple days in fucking turmoil over David’s threats, backing off from the Breakers when I should’ve been getting closer to them. I’ve not been complacent though. I’ve tried to find out more about what Jeb and D-Neath are up to by feeling out the other students. If D-Neath is back to his old tricks and selling drugs, then it stands to reason he’ll start right where he has a willing market. I’m no criminal, but that seems the most logical step. The Academy is full of students who live and breathe a life of dance and everything that goes with it. I’m not saying they’re all drug addicts, but it’s not a secret that some dancers use drugs to keep them going when their natural energy is depleted. Fuck, some just do it for fun. It’s not as if I haven’t considered it myself.
But so far, nothing. We all know that Madame Tuillard has a zero tolerance policy for any drug taking. If she finds out a student is using, they’re out. No second chances. Which makes me laugh, given her choice of a fucking boyfriend.
It’s all so fucked up.
It’s midweek now, and tonight we have another rehearsal for our end of year performance. This time we’re working on the duets. I wasn’t the only one who got fucked over when Dax dumped me for Tiffany. River was dropped too. Naturally, we’re now paired up, and whilst I think River’s a fantastic dancer he just isn’t Dax. We don’t share the same connection.
I feel sick, just thinking about it. I can’t bear to see that bitch all over Dax. I’m not sure I’ll survive the torture. Dax has avoided me at every opportunity, and knowing he doesn’t want to partner with me twists my gut, but at least I’ve had this performance for Grim to concentrate on. Dancing might help me to express my emotions, but it also helps me to think. I’m fully aware that I need to get my shit together, which is part of the reason I called Grim and asked to meet with her under the proviso that I need to teach the strippers, I meandancers,the choreography I’ve come up with. Of course, that’s not the only reason I’m here at her club today. What I’m about to ask is a risk, but one I have to take. I don’t have any other choice.
“It’s good to see you again,” Grim says, eying me from behind her desk. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing what you’ve come up with for your first performance.”
I nod, chewing on the inside of my cheek.
“She was quiet as a mouse on the drive over too,” Beast says to Grim, concern crossing his features as he props himself up against the wall. “Not her usual cranky-arse self.”
“Is that right? What’s on your mind, Pen?” Grim asks, turning her attention to me.
“Thanks for picking me up,” I mutter, my mouth going dry as I try to make small talk. Not quite ready for the big question.
“I was in the area,” Beast shrugs. “Besides, Grim said I should pick you up, and what she says goes. I don’t argue with the boss.”
“So, do you want to tell us what this is about? I can see this is more than you giving us a preview of your dance. By the way, the girls are waiting for you outside. They’re excited to get started. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them as enthusiastic about anything else before,” Grim says, pushing back her seat and lifting her foot up onto the edge of the desk. She narrows her eyes at me as though trying to figure out if I’m going to try and fuck her over. I’m not. I just need her help.
“You once said that if I ever needed a friend that I should call—”
Beast’s eyebrows shoot up, but if he has any opinion on the matter, he keeps it to himself.
“That’s right, I did.”
“Were you serious?”
“Yes.” There’s no hesitation in her response.
I blow out a breath, fixing my gaze on hers. “Okay then.”
“What do you need?” Grim asks, getting straight to the point.
Jeb and Daviddead, preferably. Though, of course I don’t say that out loud.
“Spit it out, Pen,” Beast prompts, giving me a grin to show he’s not being an arsehole. I’m beginning to get the impression that he’s more kind-hearted than his appearance and reputation dictates.
“I need a friend. I need a friend like you.”
“What else have you got yourself mixed up in?” Beast asks, his eyebrows shooting up.
What else? He makes it sound like I’m some kind of magnet for trouble… Then again, I suppose I am. I scowl at him and he chuckles.
“A friend like me?” Grim tips her head to the side, showing off her pretty neck tattoo, the roses rise up her shoulder and wrap around her throat.
“Someone who has a reputation, and contacts…” I explain.
“I see, so if you think I can help, why the hesitation?” she asks.
I can feel myself trembling, coming here is a huge risk. Asking this woman for help, an even bigger one, but I don’t know what else to do. The Breakers work for Jeb and despite everything York and Zayn have said, I still don’t know if I can trust them completely. I want to. God knows I do, but they’re still part of the Skins’ crew and after Xeno warned me off them, I have very few options but to stay away until I can at least secure Lena’s safety. At least Grim has shown me she’s got some principles that I can agree with. She doesn’t let anyone touch her girls and she fiercely protects what she loves: her business and her man. She’s already told me she dislikes Jeb and she’s given me a job at her club that comes with her protection. It’s more than I could’ve asked for, but I’m hoping she’ll extend that protection to my little sister too.
