The Swan and The Sergeant - Alana Albertson Page 0,9

Deployment had at least meant an end to the constant torture of seeing her face on television, except even worse pinups of her were on many of my men’s walls.

I pressed my lips to her ear, but no sound came out. I placed my hand on her lower back and dipped her to the floor.

Benny cut off the music.

“Ace! Bravo, mate. You haven’t lost your step. I told the suits as much. What do you think, doll?”

Selena pulled away from me. “It’s as if he never quit.”

Benny conferred with Karen, acting like professionals, not ex-spouses. Karen laughed at something Benny was saying. Selena and I stood there, both keeping our gazes upfront.

But even though I was a trained Marine, I couldn’t keep my attention at front. I stole a glance at Selena. She had been so warm against me just a few minutes ago.

Maybe I should try to seduce her. She’d asked me to have a drink with her, but I said no, and she told me she missed me. What kind of dumbass was I? She was perfection.

But she belonged in my past.

I’d been wrong before. It wasn’t dancing that was awkward as hell. It was this, the aftermath.

Benny turned and smiled. “Welcome to Dancing Under the Stars! I told them the other day—I said he’s the good oil. Surer than a bum in the bucket. The others thought you might have lost your touch. I said, ‘Not unless the Sahara freezes over and the camels come home with skates on.’”

Karen kissed me smack on the lips and rubbed her nails through my hair.

I was so thrilled that I squeezed her waist without a thought.

I’d done it. Everything had fallen into place. I’d have enough money to help out Pierce’s family.

“Congrats, Bret.” Selena embraced me. “I can’t wait to work with you this season.”

My mouth stretched wide, and I was seized with the urge to hold her again. But I couldn’t let myself go there, ever. I could never trust Selena.

I should thank her for making me look good on the floor. A dancer was only as good as his partner, and despite her shock over seeing me without warning, she’d held her own. I mean, why wouldn’t she? She was the best dancer in the world.

But she was already looking away, so I aimed my grin at Benny and Karen instead, extending a hand. “Thank you, Benny, Karen. I won’t disappoint you.”

“I’m sure you won’t. We have some details to go over with the contract.” Benny addressed Selena. “Thanks, doll. We won’t need you anymore.”

She twirled a lock of her hair. “You sure? I can stay and give him some pointers if you like.”

Benny shooed her away. “I know you have to get ready for tomorrow. You can shoot through.”

“Okay. Bye, Bret.” She turned toward me and gave me another quick hug. “See you soon.” She removed her shoes, placed them in her bag, put her sunglasses back on, and walked out of the ballroom. The door slammed behind her.

“Don’t fret about her—she’ll be apples. Now, tomorrow night, we have a crew ready to take some footage for your introduction on the show,” Benny said as he rifled through his briefcase.

“Tomorrow? At the competition?” I didn’t want to watch Selena compete. At least, not with Dima. Seeing that slimy motherfucker put his hands all over her would make me ill. He had been our teacher—Dima had groomed her. It wasn’t right.

“Well, you must lob in. You’ll get to mingle with most of the cast. There’s also a surprise for you.”

A surprise? Dancing with Selena was enough of a surprise. What else was Benny plotting? “I’ll be there.”

Benny rattled on about schedules, media appearances, and payment plans as Karen ogled me. I might’ve been able to pay attention to what Benny was saying had it not been for Selena’s lingering coconut scent on my skin.

Selena

Loud booms caused the floor to vibrate. I followed the bass path to the sound system, where I found Dima dressed in a flashy Armani suit. I almost tripped over him. Not that he’d notice with his gaze set on Elizabeth, his latest blonde-haired, blue-eyed, baby-faced prodigy, and the youngest professional dancer on the show at only eighteen. Dima had discovered her at a studio in Utah and recommended that Benny cast her on the show.

“Excuse me…” I interrupted.

“Hi, Selena,” Elizabeth said. “Dima was, uhm, he was just going over some steps with me. Good luck tonight. I’ll see you inside.” Then she ducked away.

Dima