Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 36428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
His light chuckle is swiftly followed by my wife’s own cocky smirk as if she can literally feel the hunger that’s hollering to be fed just beneath the surface.
Remy Kessler is the literal definition of dangerously sexy.
I know this.
I’ve known this from the moment we met.
It’s what kept me alive back then.
And what keeps me alive now.
“Thank you,” Jordan practically whispers into the microphone prior to pulling the corners of her lips upward into a nervous beam. “All of us at Dance, Dance Resolution are grateful and honored to have you here this afternoon for our La Sylphide performance. This one is particularly special to me as I was fortunate enough to perform it with The New York City Ballet as well as the Dalvegan Regal Ballet, two world renowned companies many of your children aspire to join.”
Leaning over to brush my lips against Remy’s ear, I quietly enlighten, “Annika performed too. Also favorite.”
She silently acknowledges the new information with a soft, sweet smile.
“I consider myself beyond blessed to not only be the one to build them up towards those dreams but to give them all the tools it takes to make those dreams become a reality.”
Ignoring the pang in my chest created by her choice of words is difficult.
How can it not be?
How can knowing that your child has no actual choice in her future, or her dreams not hurt to hear?
The sliver of sadness that appears on Remy’s face disperses almost as quickly, proving that she feels the same despite the fact she wishes she didn’t. That the “heartless monster” actually has one. And that it constantly cracks even if no one else aside from me can see it.
Or feel it.
Winding my arm around the back of her seat is risky, yet I don’t let it deter me.
I know she needs the touch.
Nonverbal evidence of my unwavering loyalty to the choices she has to make.
When she doesn’t flinch away or indirectly threaten me harm, I allow my thumb to steal a small stroke of the area covered by the red material.
“Before we enjoy this performance of La Sylphide, I just want to remind everyone that after the recital there will be catered refreshments for both the performers and their families – provided by the Kesslers – available in the cafeteria down the Frazier Hall.” Her petite arm briefly gestures our direction. “Let’s go ahead and give them a warm round of applause for their generous act!”
Heavy clapping begins at the same time the majority of eyes in the room land on us. My wife offers a polite, picture worthy grin while I merely deliver a slight wave of acknowledgement. Vlad gleefully joins in on the banging action sparking us as well as the rest of audience to snicker, a reaction that easily creates a smooth segue for Jordan to finish the introduction for the production.
Remy waits until the house lights have lowered to lean over and harshly interrogate, “Was this a fucking powerplay, Mr. Kessler?”
“Net,” I immediately deny. “Just want to make moment special.”
Her hazel glare cuts to me.
“Know Kat can’t tantsevat' forever.” A small head shake precedes an even smaller shoulder shrug. “Ona dolzhna poyti po vashim stopam.” Realizing the foreign explanation may not be easy for her to decipher has me rushing to do so. “Has to…follow…in your steps. Has to…become you someday. Simply want to make these moments…osobennyy.”
“Special,” Remy thoughtlessly translates out loud.
“Da.” I absentmindedly adjust Vlad’s rumpled collar. “Want her to have happy memories.” Our son nuzzles my hand and slowly shuts his eyes. “Will need.” It takes a moment for my gaze to find hers; however, when it does, I’m not completely sure of what I’m seeing. “Neschastnyy?”
To my surprise, I’m offered another small, warm grin. “Not about this, Pet.”
Hope clumsily lands on my shoulders, shifting me closer to her.
“We will discuss the other situation tonight.” Irritation threatens being expressed once more. “After the kids are in bed and not a goddamn minute sooner. Understood?”
“Da, Minun Herrani.”
Remy fights the urge to smirk and sends her stare back to the stage where the curtain is lifting.
For the next two hours, which thankfully includes an intermission where the children can roam around the aisles to burn off built up energy between being trapped in our laps or the floor space in front of us, our daughter plays the role of a bridesmaid beautifully while we present ourselves as the perfect pair of parents. Allowing Remy to do most of the talking is easy. I nod when I should. Chuckle on cue. Possessively wrap my arm around her waist when one of the other fathers says something a little too flirtatious for my liking. Wendell and Rosa assist in keeping an eye on Vlad who seems to have a fondness for digging in other people’s bags in search of snacks.