Luna Tango by Alli Sinclair Read Free Book Online Page B

Argentine. No offence, but you all lack the soul required for this dance.’
    â€˜Aside from La Gringa Magnifica .’ Carlos leant back and put his hands behind his head. ‘She was a foreigner with an Argentine soul. If you have done your research on my dance you would know of La Gringa Magnific a, yes?’
    Dani stared at her wine glass, wishing she could dive in and disappear into the rich red liquid. She hoped they didn’t notice the goose bumps on her arms, her taut shoulder muscles and throbbing temples. She also prayed they couldn’t sense her mentally super-glueing her butt to the chair so she didn’t dash out the door.
    â€˜Daniela?’
    She looked up to find Carlos arching an eyebrow. His use of her full name grated on her but she was willing to let it slide—for now.
    â€˜Sorry,’ she said. ‘I didn’t hear you.’ Like hell, she didn’t.
    â€˜Do you know of this Gringa Magnifica ?’ Carlos asked again.
    â€˜Yes.’ She drew the ‘s’ out longer than needed.
    â€˜An amazing performer. I would never have imagined Argentines were capable of embracing a foreign tango dancer with such love. They hadn’t, until La Gringa Magnifica arrived on our shores twenty years ago. For a country obsessed with youth, she did very well to find her audience at the age of thirty-five. She was a strong, independent woman who put the younger women to shame and became a role model for others. She was an Australian, like you, sí? I still find it difficult to believe a country with the kangaroos and the bear things—’
    â€˜They’re not bears, they’re koalas.’ Her words sounded snappier than she’d intended. ‘Sorry, I’m a tad tired. I’m not used to starting my evening at midnight.’
    â€˜Ah, then we must train you if we are to take you to more dance halls during your stay, won’t we, Carlos?’ Gualberto smiled like he’d already shoved a plan up his sleeve.
    â€˜She needs to learn to dance to write her article. This is the agreement.’
    â€˜Maybe she could be the next Gringa Magnifica .’ Gualberto patted his cousin on the arm. ‘But I fear you have work cut out for you.’ He winked at Dani.
    â€˜I know dancing’s not one of my talents.’ She forced a smile but felt like a phony. How stupid she’d been to think she could go to Argentina and deal with the inevitable references to her mother. You’re an idiot in denial, Dani McKenna .
    â€˜Did you do the Google thing again?’ asked Gualberto, filling everyone’s glass.
    â€˜About the Australian tango dancer?’ She took another sip, keen for the alcohol to do its job. Within moments the pain in her temples had eased slightly. ‘I know a little about her.’ Dani shifted in her chair. ‘Gualberto, what made you want to start playing the bandoneón?’
    A tsk came from Carlos. He shook his head, full lips twitching at the corners. ‘This is a nice diversion but I am aware of these tactics. Cousin,’ he turned to Gualberto, ‘do not answer unless she learns a new step.’
    â€˜Oh no.’ Gualberto shook his head vehemently. ‘If I dance with this lovely lady I will need to use your cane.’
    The cousins laughed and Dani crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes, suppressing a chuckle. A flash of electric blue sequins drew her attention to the far corner of the courtyard. A tall, thin woman in a fitted dress danced with natural grace, her long arms and legs forming beautiful arcs. Dani’s stomach lurched and she gripped the sides of the chair so hard she split a nail.
    â€˜Excuse me a minute.’ The men stood as she got up and she smiled a thank you for their chivalry. They took a seat and carried on talking as she hurried away.
    A sea of bodies twirled and turned as Dani wove between half-empty tables and apologised profusely when she stepped on toes. The