two sets of weights in their fitness center that was already bigger than most apartments? Cry me a river. They were the most over-privileged, spoiled brats I’d ever met. Every time I started to feel a little bit of sympathy for them, they proved they didn’t deserve it.
It wasn’t until well after they left, and I had burned off some of my anger that I realized what Maverik said. This wasn’t a room where Richard simply had someone set up a barre. This had been part of the fitness center – he had to have had it built specifically for me. I wasn’t an expert on construction, but I was pretty sure that it took more than a day to build something like this. Just how long had Richard been planning on having me come to live with them?
Chapter 11
Katya
I spent most of the next few days in my new studio. I was on edge, expecting the two demon boys to come and harass me, but I was left alone. By mid-afternoon, I decided to take a break. The grounds were quiet as I walked back to the house, and it was strangely empty. I was so accustomed to the background noise of New York that the silence was disorienting.
I gave Ryan a tour of the entire estate during a FaceTime session a couple of days ago, and he had been just as impressed as I was, but also a little jealous. I told him that he needed to beg his parents to let him come out here for a visit, but they were wary of Richard since he’d threatened them with lawyers – which was understandable. We talked for hours that day, but since then, he seemed more distant and barely responded to my texts.
Every time that I set down my phone, my heart ached with loneliness. My only solace was losing myself in dance. I knew I was probably pushing myself too hard after just wrapping up a difficult season, but anytime I tried to sit still, I was overwhelmed with unwanted emotions. Focusing on dance, and the pain that came with it, was how I stayed sane. My physical pain numbed the emotional.
I showered and changed, but I felt so listless, so empty. Ryan hadn’t answered my texts yet today, and I was essentially alone in a house that was beautiful, but intimidating. Everything was so expensive and extravagant, that it felt more like a museum than a home. I understood why the guys decided to hang out in the guest apartment instead of in here.
I wandered downstairs, my footsteps echoing on the marble staircase. Mrs. Ferguson hummed to herself in the kitchen, and I took a step back, unsure if I should go in. My tummy grumbled, and I hadn’t eaten at all today, but I didn’t want to intrude.
Mrs. Ferguson solved my conundrum when she saw me hovering.
“Katya, dear,” she said with a friendly smile. “Come in, are you hungry for a snack?”
I smiled back at her, but hesitated in the doorway. “I don’t want to bother you.”
“Nonsense,” she said as she herded me into the kitchen. “Have a seat, and I’ll whip something up for you.”
“Oh, I can figure something out,” I said awkwardly.
I was used to being independent, and I wasn’t sure if she would try to give me chocolate chip cookies or chips like a typical teenager would eat. I kept myself on a strict diet to keep my body in the ideal ballet shape.
“I did some research when I heard I was getting a ballerina as one of my charges,” Mrs. Ferguson said with a smile. “I made a lovely fruit salad and prepared some snacking vegetables for you.”
I brightened in interest. “That sounds amazing.”
Fresh fruits and vegetables were a delicious, yet healthy treat, and thankfully low in calories. I was instantly grateful for Mrs. Ferguson’s thoughtfulness. It was always awkward when someone tried to be nice by giving me sweets. I either had to force myself to eat some of it so I didn’t hurt their feelings, or make the situation incredibly awkward by trying to refuse their offer of kindness. Either way, I dreaded those interactions.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day, dear?” Mrs. Ferguson asked as she dug around in the refrigerator.
“Um, I’m not sure,” I confessed. “It’s weird to have so much free time.”
Mrs. Ferguson gave me an encouraging smile. “The boys get restless, too. I think it’s important to take some time just