10 The Flaming Tango

Feeling Williams arm around my waist, my heart starts racing. I never noticed how powerful he is. Turns out all those muscles are far more than just looks. Wait, now is not the time to be drooling over my boss. Why am I drooling over my boss? It's never time to be drooling over him! Though he isn't my boss for another 2 days. Shaking my head, I bring my attention back to the situation at hand. The panther looks as if he's on the prowl. Meanwhile, William is holding me as if he needs to protect me from some wild animal. How ironic.

"Will, good to see you again."

"Xander. If you have a problem with my assistant, you can talk to me about it."

"No problem at all. Astra and I go way back."

"Ms. Cyrene, do you know Xander?"

"This is between the two of us."

"I'm sorry, Xander. I don't remember meeting you."

For a second he looks hurt when I say this but covers it quickly. I almost wonder if I had seen it at all.

"You heard her, she says she doesn't know you. Now you'll have to excuse us, I believe Ms. Cyrene owes me a dance."

Xander and Will stare at each other for a few moments, and then Xander smiles.

"Before I forget, my sister sends her love. She's hoping for a dance?"

"Tell her not to waste her time."

"Hmmm, maybe next time …"

Hearing them announce the music is about to start, William grabs my hand and starts walking towards the dancefloor. As we take our place, I hear Por Una Cabeza start to play. Oh lord, we're going to have to do a tango aren't we? Why, of all dances, do they have to start off with the tango?

"Do you have any experience with ballroom dancing?"

"Other than learning a basic waltz and jive in highschool, I'm afraid not."

"Follow my lead and whatever you do don't doubt me for a second."

Before I can answer him he spins me. The dance has begun. As I follow his lead, I'm surprisingly able to keep up with him. He may be an overbearing jerk, but he's a good lead.

"So it seems you know a lot of people in the industry, Ms. Cyrene."

"I only met Dillon yesterday, but he seems pretty nice."

"And how about Alexander. How do you know him?"

"I really don't remember meeting him. He's a stranger as far as I know."

"Not from what he says."

"And how do you know him? Long lost lover perhaps?"

"Alexander and Cassiopeia Alaric. The darling twins of Hollywood and America's sweethearts. Both childhood stars. We used to be friends."

"Used to?"

"Let's just say there's bad blood between Cas and myself. Enough about us, what was the plan that you and Dillon had?"

Giving him an innocent face, I feed him the same line he fed me before the auction.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

I think back to the moment and smile.

"Listen Dillon, I don't have much time. William signed me up for the auction without telling me. Since he wants to play games with me, then he needs to pay to play. I'm going to put up my first dance to catch his attention. I'm not worth much, so if he doesn't bid; try to buy me. But if he does try; raise the price to $100,000. Can you do it?"

While lost in thought, I suddenly feel him dip me.

"Don't deny it. I heard the two of you just now. What are you up to?" He says with caution.

"We wanted to get tacos and go to the beach after the gala ends, but unfortunately the truck isn't open. So we're going to get burgers instead."

"From the place that has that milkshake?"

"... Yes."

"We can take my car."

"Ok! I'll let Dillon know."

F**ck! I didn't think he'd want to come! Guess I'd better tell Dillon what our new plans for the night are. All of a sudden, he hooks my leg behind his and pulls me close. He drags me for a few steps, then keeping my leg behind his, he picks me up and dips me once more. Leaning in, I feel his breath trail up my neck up to my ear.

"See you at the end of the night." Straightening us both he then leaves the dancefloor. Why am I so breathless all of a sudden? I feel flushed. Must be because of the dancing. I see Dillon and we both meet at the edge of the dancefloor.

"Madame, it would be my honor if you would give me your next dance."

"Why, Monsieur it would be my honor!"

Luckily it's a jive so I'm a little familiar with it. While we're dancing, he starts to waggle his eyebrows.

"So, you and Will, huh?"

"He's a good dancer."

"I saw more than dancing. There was so much passion between the two of you, I thought the place was going to be set on fire. Be honest, there's something going on between the two of you isn't there?"

"All it was is a dance. That's all. Speaking of William, I might've told him a little white lie. He thinks we're grabbing burgers and going to the beach and he's decided to join us."

"And you say there's nothing between the two of you …"

"There really isn't! We're just boss and employee."

"Yeah. Boss and employee engulfed in the flames of passion!"

"I'm serious! There's nothing between us!"

"Ok …"

"I'm serious Dillon."

"So am I!"

As the song ends he twirls me a couple times.

"I don't know about you, but I could use a drink!"

"That's the best thing I've heard all night!"

As we stand at the bar waiting for our drinks the emcee makes an announcement.

"And now a surprise performance from Mr. Alexander Alaric!"

Hearing thunderous applause, I look towards the stage to see the panther up there with guitar in hand. I watch his eyes roam the room until they land on me.

"I've actually spent a few years working on this song. Waiting to find someone before I could release it. Now that she's here tonight, she can finally hear my words. It's name is My Lost Star. To Chaméno Astéri Mou, this is for you."