The Next Line ( The Lineage Series #2)

⚠️ Warning: This chapter contains smut. Please be aware before proceeding. ⚠️

Aurora

Earlier in the day...

It's almost midnight.

The studio is quiet now, the last of the dancers having already packed up and left.

Even Lena, who usually lingers after practice, stayed behind just long enough to give me a knowing look.

"You sure you're good here alone?" she asked, adjusting her bag over her shoulder.

I nodded, brushing back a stray curl that had fallen from my bun. "Yeah. Jamie's picking me up later."

Her lips pressed together, something unreadable in her expression. "You've been acting weird lately ever since the gala."

I swallowed. "I've just been busy."

Lena didn't believe me. I could see it in her face.

But instead of pressing, she just sighed. "Text me when you get home."

Then she left, the sound of her footsteps fading into the hallway.

And now?

Now, I'm alone.

Or at least, I think I am.

I roll my shoulders, stepping back onto the wooden floor, letting the familiar burn settle into my muscles.

I need this.

I need to focus.

To feel something that isn't confusion or guilt or the ever-growing storm inside me.

The music plays softly through the speakers as I move, letting my body take over where my mind can't.

Every movement, every leap, every turn—it all pulls me away from reality.

Away from thoughts of him.

Away from what almost happened last night.

Away from—

"What the fuck are you still doing here?"

I scream.

The music cuts off as I whip around, my pulse skyrocketing.

And standing at the entrance of the studio—**arms crossed, expression unreadable—**is him.

Joshuan.

My stomach dropped.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I demand, my breathing uneven.

He leans against the doorframe, completely unbothered.

"Jamie can't pick you up. He got stuck in Jersey for Columbia football meeting."

I frown. "And that means you had to come?"

His lips twitch. "Do you have a better option, princesa?"

I clench my jaw.

Ugh fuck you Jamie.

Of course, I could catch a cab but mom was scared I was gonna get kidnapped at night or somethung. Dad could have pick me up due to it being midnight and him still doing late-night work at the Sinclair enterprise.

But both were busy.

So my only hope was Jamie until now. Thanks a lot, Jamie.

𐦟𐦟𐦟

Joshuan

I shouldn't have come.