Deadly Embrace by Jackie Collins (ebook reader for manga TXT) 📕

vision. She paraded round the stage, head held high, moving like a queen.

When she got off the stage and returned to the dressing room, she was furious to find Joey, Penelope’s boyfriend, lounging on the couch. She’d informed Penelope on countless occasions that she didn’t want him in there. Being topless on stage was one thing, but returning to her dressing room and having Joey ogling her at close quarters was unacceptable.

‘Like he’d want to look at you when he’s got me,’ Penelope had argued. ‘Get a fuckin’ life!’

Dani realized she would have to take it up with the company manager. Enough was enough.

‘How ya doin’, doll?’ Joey said, jumping up and leering at her. He was all greasy black hair and pointed white teeth.

‘Not so good,’ she answered crisply. ‘Do you mind waiting outside while I change?’

‘You don’t got nothin’ I ain’t seen a thousand times,’ Joey said, eyes fixed on her nipples.

‘I’d appreciate some privacy.’

‘Don’t be like that, doll,’ he said, edging closer. ‘Where’s my Penny?’

‘On her way, so take your dirty little eyes off me,’ she said, grabbing a towel to cover herself.

‘Jeez! It wasn’t like I was gonna touch ’em,’ he said indignantly.

‘Out!’ she yelled, suddenly losing it.

He slouched to the door and stepped into the hall. She quickly slammed and locked the door behind him.

Soon Penelope was hammering and shouting outside.

Dani took her time removing her heavy stage makeup and changing into her street clothes. When she was finally ready, she unlocked the door and a furious Penelope burst in.

‘What the fuck—’ Penelope began, quivering with fury.

Ignoring her, Dani headed for the stage door.

‘Bitch!’ Penelope yelled after her.

On her way out Dani grabbed Eric. ‘Either she goes into another dressing room or I do,’ she said. ‘Call me when it’s done or I’m not coming back.’

It felt good to assert herself, and why not? She had a fan club and magazines chasing her to take her photo. It was about time she started enjoying her success.

She walked outside.

Standing there, smoking a cigarette, was Michael Castellino.

‘Where did Michael go?’ Tina asked, as they trooped out of the Krystle Room along with the rest of the audience.

‘Dunno,’ Max replied, more interested in hitting the blackjack tables than anything else.

‘Should we wait here?’

‘No, Tina. He said he’ll find us.’

‘So what shall we do?’

‘Dunno what you’re doin’, but I’m hittin’ the tables.’

‘Then I’ll play the slots.’

‘Have fun.’

‘Don’t lose your money.’

‘I never lose.’

And happily they went their separate ways.

She didn’t back away. She didn’t run, although she wanted to.

Michael Castellino was standing there as casual as if they’d seen each other the day before.

‘Hey,’ he said, flicking his cigarette to the ground. ‘Remember me?’

Remember him. She’d never got him out of her mind. And now, almost ten years later, he was back.

‘I’m sorry…’ she said, faking it.

‘Michael,’ he said, stepping closer. ‘Michael Castelli.’

‘Castellino,’ she corrected. And she could have kicked herself for coming out with his name.

‘So you do remember,’ he said. ‘That’s nice. Oh, and by the way, I changed my name to Castelli.’

‘What are you doing here?’ she asked, keeping her tone cool and impersonal.

‘Right now I’m wondering if I can buy you a drink.’

‘I don’t think so.’

‘You don’t think so,’ he said, giving her a quizzical look. ‘Hey, that’s better than a flat no. At least I got a fifty–fifty chance.’

They stood there. Two strangers who’d conceived a child together. And yet he didn’t know. He had no idea he was the father of an amazing nine-year-old boy.

Don’t just stand here, get moving, her inner voice urged.

She couldn’t move. Her legs wouldn’t allow her to.

‘I guess this is kinda awkward,’ he said. ‘We spent one great night together, then you never heard from me.’

‘That about sums it up,’ she said coolly.

‘Believe me,’ he continued. ‘there were circumstances, things that prevented me coming back.’

She was silent, refusing to help him out.

‘Uh…are you married or something?’ he asked, feeling awkward–a new sensation for him.

‘Divorced,’ she answered quietly. ‘And you?’

‘No. Never did get married.’

‘I see.’

‘You look great.’

So do you, she wanted to say, but she didn’t. He was so damned handsome.

‘One drink, Dani. How about it?’

‘I don’t drink.’

‘I’ll buy you a milkshake.’

Damn! He was attractive. What harm was there in having a drink with him? He was just another man, and she knew exactly how to deal with men.

‘Fine,’ she murmured, giving in. ‘One milkshake. Chocolate. And then I have to get home.’

An hour later they were on the bed in his hotel room at the Estradido, making wild passionate love.

She had never felt this way before. Never. Sex was something other people did. Not her. She wasn’t interested.

Yet here she was–with Michael. And it was as if the world had stopped and he was the only person who mattered.

His touch made her moan and shiver with pleasure. The way his body felt up against hers. His lips, so insistent, covering every inch of her flesh.

She was transported to another time, another place. She was truly happy.

For the first time since Beth’s tragic murder, Michael could feel the pain lifting away. There was something about Dani, something warm and nurturing. Suddenly he felt at peace. It seemed that being in her arms was the right place to be.

The sex was incredible, too. It wasn’t as if he was scoring, more like connecting. He knew she felt the same way. She had to.

Afterwards they lay on the bed, side by side, silent, peaceful and content.

‘Wow!’ he said at last. ‘That was something.’

‘Yes, it was,’ she agreed.

‘You were…are…sensational.’

‘Isn’t it about time you got dressed and left?’ she said, deciding she couldn’t allow this to go any further.

‘Huh?’

‘Y’know, repeat performance. See you again in ten years.’

‘Ouch!’ he said, sitting up. ‘I explained to you where I was. Didn’t think you’d appreciate the “Dear Dani, I’m in jail” letter.’

‘I might’ve appreciated something.’

‘Yeah,’ he said, reaching for a cigarette. ‘I know.’ A long beat. ‘Hey–it wasn’t as if I didn’t think about you.’

‘That’s comforting.’

‘Dani,’ he said seriously, ‘we were both kids then.’

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I