Mischa’s shrewd eyes narrow on me. “Why is that?”
“Because your family has been in this business a long time.“ I purposely don’t allude to the drugs. “Do you know what that means?”
“It means I am powerful.”
“It means you’re the past. I’m the future.”
I sense the surprise in him that I would dare to speak to him this way. It’s an opening. One no person in their right mind would use.
Take no prisoners.
Mischa is like Harrison in some ways—egotistical, demanding. But without all of Harrison’s graces.
So, I know how to provoke him.
I turn back to the venue, sweeping my gaze over the dance floor. “Men who build theaters like to adorn them with gold and velvet to trick the audience into believing the venue is the spectacle. But no matter how comfortable the chairs, how gilded the balconies, it’s still only a blank canvas. A theater is only as good as its performers.” I close my eyes, take a deep breath of the sunlight and the fresh air. This place will transform at night, become something else, like I do. “I can’t tell you how many people have tried to keep me off stages like this one. But they won’t.”
Mischa watches me like a predator surveying its prey. “And why is that?”
I step closer, my heart hammering against my ribs.
The man before me is dangerous. As skilled as Harrison at business, more talented at manipulation, without the reservations about hurting people.
But I can be dangerous too.
“Because when I’m up there?” I nod my chin toward the stage. “They can’t fucking look away.”
Mischa’s nostrils flare. Blue eyes glow like cold embers, dragging down my body. The top and jeans cover most of my skin, but under his attention, I feel bare.
Blood pounds in my veins, fear and adrenaline. I’m no longer chasing. I’m being chased.
Eva knows it too. She’s at his side in an instant, her arm threading possessively through his.
“Your manager has my rates and terms,” I say to Mischa once his gaze returns to mine. “I look forward to hearing from you.”
I haven’t won, but as I square my shoulders and head for the exit, I know I’ve done something very brave or very foolish.