The Cirque by Ryann Kerekes Read Free Book Online

was attractive and though Tanner had chosen a new look for me I felt underdressed and out of place…though I could have felt that way just because I was one of the few girls. There were guys dancing together in groups, and a gorgeous guy without a shirt swayed his hips on top of a platform, his performance momentarily disorienting me.
    “You look nervous,” Tanner shouted so I could hear him over the music.
    “No, I’m fine,” I shouted back unconvincingly.
    He nodded and apparently that was all the reassurance he needed. He disappeared onto the crowded dance floor.
    “I’m getting a drink,” Sasha said, leaving Gabriel and me alone beside the dance floor.
    The song changed and the deep beats were now accompanied by vocals of girls moaning. My cheeks flushed and I hoped Gabriel would think it was just from the heat of the all the bodies around us. His eyes watched the crowd cautiously, and he half shielded me from it, like he was ready to spring into action if needed. He leaned down near my ear so I could hear him over the music. “This must be strange for you to have no one noticing you or trying to pick you up.” I picked up a trace of cologne. It was clean with notes of soap and something spicy and masculine.
    “Not really, I don’t get picked up.” I brushed off his comment. I was sure he was being sarcastic.
    “I doubt that,” he said with a smirk. He quickly met my eyes and then looked away. I watched his face, wondering what he meant. “So, you’re a virgin to the gay club scene.” He shook his head while looking around the room.
    “I’m a virgin in every way,” I uttered under my breath. I doubted he heard me over the music, but when I glanced up at him, he looked confused, like he was working something out in his mind.
    “I thought you and Dmitri…”
    “What? God no.” I grimaced.
    I thought I saw the hint of a smile cross Gabriel’s lips, but before I could be sure, Tanner grabbed my hand and pulled me out on the dance floor. I could feel Gabriel watching me as I let Tanner lead me away.
    Dancing with Tanner required me to forget every move I knew and just go with it. I held his hands and swayed my hips to the beat in time with his. The song changed again and I felt myself loosening up a bit more. He hopped from side to side, keeping beat with the music and twirled me around.
    I felt Gabriel’s eyes on me from the side of the room so glanced in his direction. He didn’t look happy, but as usual gave no indication of what was bothering him.
    As much fun as dancing with Tanner was, I felt bad leaving Gabriel standing by himself at the edge of the dance floor. After a few songs, I headed back to him. Tanner didn’t seem to mind since there was a guy ready to cut in and take my place. When a remixed Madonna song came on the two of them grabbed each other’s hands, and jumped up and down with excitement.
    Gabriel looked amused when I walked up. “For being a professional dancer, your dance moves need a little work.”
    Awesome . So, that’s why he’d been staring at me. I was too stiff for club dancing, but I didn’t think I was that bad. “I was trained as a classical ballerina, but thanks for pointing that out.” I tried not to overanalyze his comment about my dancing – and failed.
    A guy with dark hair and a lip ring approached us. Well, not us per say, since he was openly staring at Gabriel. Gabriel slipped his arm around my waist, clutched my hip to pull me in toward him. His fingers brushed across the bare patch of skin at my waist and they felt cool despite the heat in the room. Goosebumps spread across my stomach. The guy with the lip ring gave him a head nod, but kept walking.
    “What, you’re not into his facial piercings?” I winked, knowing he’d just used me as a shield.
    “Ha, ha,” he said dryly. “You do know I’m straight, right?” His eyebrows pulled together. The look on his face questioned my mental stability.
    I had never doubted his sexual orientation,