Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
The marketplace scene was a whirlwind of activity where the fair Rosaline turned down a proposal and the Montagues and Capulets showed a fierce rivalry. Tempers flared, but before a fight started the Duke of Verona appeared and threatened them with death if they didn’t stop the feud.
Geno leaned forward when Amaranthe appeared in the next scene in the garden receiving her ball gown. Her parents had accepted a marriage proposal on her behalf from noble Paris.
Amaranthe was stunning onstage. Her jumps were beautiful, elegant and astounding in the height she could reach. Her kicks were effortless and so high she appeared to have legs that went on forever.
Guests arrived at the ball. Romeo and his friends, wearing masks, followed Rosaline and gained entry to the Capulets’ home. In the ballroom, Romeo and Juliet saw one another across the room filled with people. Geno thought it was a highly emotional moment. He wasn’t the only one. He heard the swift intake of breath from the audience. The hush shared throughout the theater as the onstage chemistry became apparent. The chemistry was so believable between the principal dancers, it was easy to see the two had fallen in love at first sight.
Jason had strong, clean technique. The lines of his body were superb. Although he was significantly taller than Amaranthe, the height difference was never a problem due to her outstanding ability to leap into the air effortlessly as well as the way Jason matched her stride while appearing to be at full extension every time. Geno had no idea how the man could accomplish such a feat, but he certainly was generous to his partner, always spotlighting her.
Geno was suitably impressed with him and held spellbound by Amaranthe—by the two of them. Their onstage chemistry made for a magical partnership, creating the illusion of two young people from rival families falling deeply in love. The audience couldn’t help but feel every emotion as the dancers portrayed the depths of their feelings for one another through dance.
Geno did his best to scan the audience for any movement, not that he expected to see any of the Boutlers, but even the best of the best made mistakes. A rider could make a transfer from one shadow to the next but step out into the open for the briefest of seconds to make the exchange.
Intermission gave him a reprieve and what he hoped would be the ability to be stronger. Time was against them now. If the Boutlers were going to attack, they would do so in the next hour. Geno stood up to stretch, to keep his body loose and ready for action. Salvatore and Lucca did the same.
Brielle sent word to Elie, Emmanuelle reported telepathically to her family. Our little theater is suddenly crowded with the enemy. They came in while the audience was getting drinks and food.
Is anyone going near Amaranthe? Geno asked, doing his best not to sound like he was snapping her head off.
It appears they’re all coming up here just as we expected them to do, Emmanuelle said.
Geno wished he didn’t have the gut instinct that told him things weren’t going to go as well as they all were expecting. They were missing a key component. He kept his hands on the railing, not joining his brothers near the shadows, where they could help Lorenzo if they were attacked. He needed to be able to think clearly.
Geno, are you certain you’re on alert? Amaranthe poured into his mind, filling him with her essence—the beauty of her. The promise of a life of companionship, laughter, loyalty and most of all love. In that moment, he realized she would leave the stage, blow her reputation as a dancer and come to him if she believed he needed her for any reason. She wouldn’t hesitate. He felt that as surely as he drew air into his lungs. He didn’t know why he’d gotten so lucky, but he recognized that he had, and he knew what he had in Amaranthe—a miracle. A treasure.
I’m covered, Amara. Lorenzo is controlling and getting joy out of telling me what to do. No one is going to slip past him. He poured reassurance into her mind.
We’re missing something. I know we are. I can feel it.
That really put him on alert. All along his radar was blaring a warning. We’re on the same page, baby. I’ll make certain the others know that both of us feel something else is in the works. They’ll pay attention.
They’ll strike when the play is at its most intense, she warned.
He agreed. It’s difficult to keep from being mesmerized by your performance, he told her. I’ll admit, even knowing we’re being stalked, when you’re dancing, I just want to watch you.
Well, don’t. I really have this bad feeling, Geno. I’d rather be in the shadows protecting you than up on the stage.