He seemed unaffected.

I loved to play the game.

I had nothing more to lose.

This would be my final revenge.

"I love you," I whispered. Heads snapped towards me. His eyes stayed locked on Darcy. He didn't dare look at me. He knew what I was doing.

"Are you talking to the little b.a.s.t.a.r.d?" Darcy laughed. I shook my head. Finally, I pulled my eyes away and stared at the older man.

"You," I said, firmly. Pride burst through my chest as I saw his eyes widen a bit. "I am no ballerina. I can't show you my blackened feathers, but I love you... I always have."

"Ballerina?" Luke muttered, suspiciously. "What do you mean, girl?"

"Do you remember the theatre? The red velvet seats, the silence that overcame the crowd as the curtains slid open? Didn't she look beautiful? I wished I was her. To have your affection, the time of your day. It must have been a boon. Tell me, did you see her for the first time on that stage?" My voice was barely over a whisper, but I knew that the man had heard me. He had fallen in love with a dancer. A woman so pa.s.sionate that she could turn her tears into liquid perfection on the stage.

"Are you trying to rattle me, girl?" I shook my head.

"I'm just awed to finally be in your presence. I always wondered if I would be lucky enough to survive meeting you. I think I got my answer today."

"So, you've been stalking me all your life?"