Original subtitles

Inside the ballet studio, Ava slowly bent over right in front of me. Under

the studio lights, her slender waist and the graceful curves beneath those tights

were impossible to ignore.

Coach?

Am I doing this right?

I nodded, making sure my face gave nothing away. Perfect.

Here's the thing. Ava was blind, and her husband was watching us outside the

window. His stare cut into me like a blade.

But Ava moved closer again. Coach, I can't stretch any further. Can you help

me? I looked down, held my breath, and placed a steady hand on her thigh,

gently guiding her into a deeper stretch.

Ava folded forward from the pain, her body pressing straight into me. I

couldn't let go, otherwise she'd fall.

In the mirror, I saw her trembling slightly, cheeks flushed red.

I dared not look any longer. I stepped back, grabbed a nearby towel, and tried

to keep my tone calm.

That's it for today.

Mr. Julian, your wife's ready to go home.

Julian's eyes were cold enough to kill. He said nothing, just walked over and

stared me down. I didn't flinch. I just kept cleaning up, like he wasn't even

there. Look, a little physical correction was part of the job.

But Ava was different. She didn't shy away when I touched her. If anything,

she kept leaning closer.

Maybe she couldn't see how intimate we were getting, or maybe she knew exactly

what she was doing.

Julian stared at me for what felt like forever.

Finally, he looked away.

Meanwhile, Ava leaned against the mirror, rubbing her lower back, looking

completely relaxed.

Honey, let's go home.

Ava tugged playfully at Julian's arm. Only then did a faint smile cross his

cold face.

He pulled her close and let her out. As they passed me, Ava brushed her shoulder

against my arm, then gave me a little wave.

See you next time, coach.

I watched them disappear down the hall.

The second they were gone, I exhaled and sank to the floor.

Then I opened my hand. A note was stuck to my palm, damp with sweat, written in

lab stick.

My husband won't be home tonight.

It wasn't subtle.

It was an invitation.

I stared at the note, cold sweat running down my back. I'd be lying if I said I

hadn't thought about it. But then I pictured Julian, his size, his stare,

and common sense came rushing back. I tore the note to shreds and flushed it.

I told myself I was done teaching Ava.

But the next morning, Julian showed up at the studio.

Ava likes you.

Starting tonight, you'll give her private lessons at my villa. I'm sorry,

Mr. Julian. My schedule's full. I don't think I can... $1,000 per lesson. Cash.

The word no died in my throat. Then I remembered the threatening text from the

debt collectors.

A thousand dollars per session could pull me out of the hole I was in. I

couldn't afford to refuse.

By sunset, I was standing outside the villa, stealing myself to go inside.

I stepped inside, tense and out of place.

Then I made my way up the spiral staircase to the dance room. The door

was slightly open.

Only a few dim wall lights lit the room.

Mrs. Ava, I'm here. I pushed the door open.

and froze.

Ava was standing in the center of the room. She wasn't wearing rehearsal

clothes. She was in a black slip dress instead.

Ava stood there barefoot, those long, pale legs catching the light. I felt my

pulse spike, blood rushing straight to my head.

Coach, you came after all. Her lips curved into a slow smile, the kind a

hunter gives its prey.

Julian isn't home tonight.

Ava came toward me barefoot. The AC was blasting, but I was burning up. I looked

away, trying like hell to keep my cool.

Mrs. Ava, Please get changed into your ballet clothes first.

I tried to hide behind professionalism, but I couldn't help hitting a step

closer. Ava froze.

Tears welled up in her eyes. How could I even know what I'm wearing? She bit down

on her lip, trembling.

Julian gave me this and left.

I thought it was my dance outfit.

You mind that I'm blind, don't you? I didn't know how to respond.

Guilt hit me hard. No, that's not what I meant.

Let's just start the lesson, okay?

I quickly changed the subject and guided her to the bar.

She had barely taken two steps when her knee buckled. I reached for her on

instinct. A second later, she fell right into my arms.

No, Mrs. Ava. I tried to pull away, but she held on tight.

I'm paying you, so teach me like this.

Between the heat of the moment and the money I desperately needed, I couldn't

say no.

For the entire lesson, Ava stayed pressed against me. We moved in front of

the mirror, her thigh brushing my waist every time she lifted her leg. Then she

stopped. Her hands came up, framing my face.

She rose onto her toes and leaned close to my ear.

Your heartbeat's giving you away, coach?

No, I'm not.

Tell me, what are you thinking?

I was one inch from her lips when the door slammed open.

Looks like you're really getting into the lesson.

Julian stood in the doorway, coffee in hand, face like stone. My chest seized.

I shoved Ava back and stumbled a step away from her. Ava lurched, reaching out

blindly. Honey?

Your back? Julian didn't answer. He walked into the room, slow and

deliberate. His piercing gaze swept over Ava, then locked onto me. My shirt was

already soaked through with cold sweat. My brain was running through every

excuse I had, trying to find one that wouldn't get me thrown out a window. But

Julian didn't ask a single question. He crossed the room, sat on the sofa in the

corner, and crossed one leg over the other. Then he took a slow sip of

coffee.

Keep going.

From now on, I'll be watching every lesson. It wasn't a request.

I turned around stiff as a bard, and Ava hadn't backed off an inch. She lifted

her legs straight onto the bar right in front of her own husband. Julian was

sitting just a few feet away, watching every move.

I need to stretch.

Come hold my leg.

She turned her face toward me, her tone almost sweet.

I looked at Julian in panic. He just stared back coldly, then waved me on.

I swallowed hard.

My legs felt like concrete as I forced myself over to Ava.

My hand shook as I reached out and rested on her thigh.

Mrs. Ava, focus on your breathing.

Stay controlled.

My palm pressed against her smooth skin. She didn't pull back. If anything, she

opened up wider, sank right into my hand like she wanted my fingers to disappear

into her.

Fear and something more dangerous had my nerves on edge. I kept my eyes fixed on

the floor. My hand stayed frozen on her thigh, and I didn't dare move it an

inch. From the corner of the room, Julian watched me.

His stare felt like a thousand slow cuts.

For ten straight minutes, he didn't shift in his seat, didn't say a word.

But that silence was more suffocating than any words.

Cold sweat soaked through my clothes, clinging to my back. I felt a sharp

chill every time I moved. Then came the floor stretches.

Ava lay on her back, her legs spread to either side, breathing steadily.

Coach, is this right?

Hold my legs down. I can't get the right leverage.

She asked like it was nothing.

I knelt between her legs, hands hovering.

Julian remained silent.

I placed my hands on her legs, my gaze glued to the floor. She knew exactly

what I was trying to avoid.

I still don't feel it. A little more pressure?

As you wish.

I pressed a little harder. Julian set his cup down with a soft click.

Then Julian stood.

He stepped toward us. My hands snapped back.

Sweetheart, how's it feeling?

Amazing, honey.

Really. He kept his eyes on Ava, as if I wasn't even there.

Good.

Carry on.

I'll head out for a bit. He turned toward the door. I finally let myself

breathe. That's exactly when he stopped.

Oh, one more thing, coach.

It's a little stuffy in here. Leave the door open from now on. Every lesson?

Understood, sir.

Julian left.

Ava felt her way to the sound system and pressed a few buttons. A deafening

symphony blasted through the room, making the floor tremble.

Mrs. Ava, it's too loud. I can't even count over that.

I shouted and reached across to turn off the stereo.

I needed to stay on beat.

Ava grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward her.

He's gone.

Turn it all the way up, and no one outside can hear us.

But the door is still open. I glanced toward the dark doorway. Julian could

come back any second. Ava rose onto her toes, turned my face toward her, and

leaned close to my ear.

Right now, it's just you and me.

Her forehead rested against my collarbone. In one second, the music was

gone. The room fell dead silent.

Who's there?

Coach, I want to try a lift.

Ava turned the music back on, as if what just happened meant nothing to her.

I need you to catch me right at the peak.

It was a perfectly reasonable request, but somehow, every word sounded loaded.

That's dangerous.

I really don't recommend.

I tried to cover my nervousness with professional talk, but she wouldn't

entertain my explanations.

She just turned her back to me.

and launched herself into the air i stepped forward caught her securely by

the waist and lifted her clear off the ground as she came down she hit my chest

hard the impact drove me back i tightened my arms around her to keep us

both from falling we stood there pressed together both of us shaking from the

effort i could feel every inch of her against my arms her neck brushed my jaw

sweat and perfume hit me all at once and i couldn't think straight whatever

control i had left was slipping fast then the music cut out again An ice-cold

voice rang out suddenly from the doorway.

Not finished yet? Julian stood in the doorway, watching us. Sir, she was

coming down from the lift. I had to catch her up close.

My voice cracked on the way out. I didn't even know what I was so afraid

of. Julian said nothing. He just walked over, placed a hand on Ava's shoulder,

and pulled her away from me.

Thank you. That's enough for today. He walked Ava to the door, then stopped.

10 AM tomorrow.

I expect to see you here.

I barely slept that night. Over and over, I told myself tomorrow would be my

last day. I'd say my schedule was full. I'd invent an emergency.

I'd say anything.

Then I looked at the debt collection notices on my phone, and I remembered

the truth. I couldn't afford to walk away. The next morning, I was back at

Ava's house.

Come in.

Julian's out. We didn't finish the lift yesterday, and I'm not stopping until I

get it right.

Three hours later, Ava was spent.

She sank to the floor, chest heaving, drenched head to toe. Her leotard was

soaked through, stuck to every curve like a second skin.

I grabbed a clean towel and held it out to her.

Mrs. Ava, dry off before you catch a chill. Ava lifted her unfocused eyes but

didn't reach for the towel.

Do it for me.

She tilted her chin up slow, bearing that pale neck to me like an offering.

It wasn't a request.

It was a clear come on. I stood frozen.

Gripping the towel so hard my knuckles turned white. I didn't have the option

to say no.

I crouched down and gently pressed the towel to her forehead, then her cheek,

down her jawline, to her neck. Ava's eyes fell shut. She let out a soft,

satisfied sigh.

Lower. I'm also wet down there. My movements grew stiffer. My heartbeat

pounded in my ears.

Yes, ma'am. The towel slipped lower, past her collarbone, then stopped just

short of going any further.

Mrs. Ava, Mr. Julian's delivery has arrived. I looked toward the doorway.

The bodyguard stood there, holding a video camera.

That damn camera was Julian's idea.

From now on, every lesson had to be recorded.

High definition.

The red light tracked every move we made.

Ava didn't seem bothered by it at all.

Coach, help me find my balance.

Ava suddenly tipped toward me, and I caught her before she fell.

Mrs. Ava, engage your core. You need to stay upright.

Ava ignored every word. Using my arms for support, she suddenly lifted her

left leg. Her long leg, wrapped in white tints, landed across my right shoulder.

I tried to lower it, but she pressed down instead.

forcing me to hold her full weight.

Coach, you like this?

No, Mrs. Ava. My phone suddenly lit up.

It was Julian.

His name flashed across the screen like a death sentence.

My heart was pounding.

I picked up with a shaking hand.

Why is the camera tilted?

I probably knocked the tripod.

I'll fix it. I held the phone in one hand and reached for the camera with the

other. Ava's leg stayed on my shoulder. She didn't move an inch.

Silence on the other end. Only Julian's steady breathing came through. I forced

the camera back into position. The red light once again aimed straight at us.

Okay. Ava, how's the lesson going?

Ava's foot rested against my collarbone. It brushed me lightly as if by accident.

Pretty good.

Good. Coach, Ava's new pointe shoes arrived today. Go help her put them on.

The call ended. I looked up, and Ava slowly lowered her leg from my shoulder.

You heard him, right? He wants you to tie my shoes.

Eva sat on the bench, holding two long pink ribbons.

Coach, I can't get these new ribbons right.

They're just getting tangled.

She fumbled with the ribbons around her ankles, leaving red marks on her skin.

I can't tell which way they go.

Come help me.

With heavy steps, I walked over and dropped to one knee on the cold floor.

Mrs. Eva, lift your foot a little. Without hesitation, Eva put her foot on

my knee. The tights were far too thin to keep out her foot's heat. It seeped

right into my skin.

I kept my eyes down and focused on the pink ribbons, carefully taking hold of

both ends. The ribbons crisscrossed up her calf in loops.

Once, twice.

Each pass brought my fingers too close to her skin.

I could feel the tension in her leg beneath my hands, and that alone was

enough to dry my mouth out completely.

I glanced at the camera. Its red light was still blinking. Behind that lens, I

could almost feel Julian watching me.

I could picture Julian sitting in front of some massive screen, zooming in frame

by frame on every movement of my hands.

Fear and temptation were tearing me apart.

Coach. Ava suddenly leaned in, her face inches from mine.

Why are your hands shaking?

Her breath hit my face.

I dropped my head and pulled the final knot tight.

The AC is too cold. Mrs. Ava, it's done.

I stood and backed away.

Her warmth still lingered on my knee.

Really? She slowly pulled her leg back, wearing a smile I couldn't read. Then

turn it up the next time.

I practically fled through the door.

Just before I left, I glanced back at the corner. Its red light kept flashing.

Every second had been recorded.

That night, I came back with an excuse.

I told the guard I'd forgotten my jacket.

I hit playback.

The footage suddenly skipped when I was helping her stretch.

Someone edited this.

Today, right here in this house.

When I arrived the next day, the housekeeper told me Mr. Julian was

waiting in the dance room. All the curtains were drawn.

The room was dark.

like a movie theater.

Ava sat quietly in a chair. She didn't say a word. The white wall we used for

posture training now held a large projection.

Julian hit the pause button, freezing the footage with my hand against Ava's

calf. Coach, I can't help noticing how close you've gotten to my wife.

Mr. Julian, physical correction is sometimes necessary in ballet, but I

understand. I'll be more careful about boundaries.

I kept my head down, staring at my shoes, trying to sound humble and talk

my way out of it. No.

You misunderstood me.

I mean, you need to get closer.

For a second, I thought I'd heard him wrong.

Closer? Ava can't see. You need to stay closer to keep her safe.

That part where you tied her ribbons yesterday?

I watched it more than once.

Cold sweat broke across my back. Was he trying to get me to crack?

Good footage.

I like it.

Sir? I didn't expect that. He wasn't angry. His voice was calm. Somehow, that

scared me more.

Start the lesson.

Ava rose from her chair and slowly felt her way toward me. Her hand found my

chest. then slid down to my waist. She stuck out her tongue playfully.

Gotcha. Mrs. Ava, please let go.

I kept my voice low, my eyes locked on Julian.

Coach, don't worry about me.

Ava turned her back to me and took hold of both my wrists. She guided my hands

into position, one over her abdomen, the other beneath her ribs.

Honey, do you like watching me dance?

I could feel her heartbeat, along with the slow, deliberate breathing.

Of course I do. Julian smiled knowingly. Ava leaned back against me and tilted

her face up.

Coach, your heart is racing.

I looked up at Julian, and for the first time, I clearly saw his expression.

No anger, no jealousy, not even a hint of displeasure. His eyes were bright, a

faint smile curling at his lips, like a man admiring something he owned. A

sickening thought entered my mind. What if Julian didn't just tolerate this?

What if he was enjoying it? I couldn't let myself think any further.

Oh, one more thing. I've made arrangements.

Your commute is too long. It wastes time.

And it throws Ava off her training.

Starting today, you'll live here.

Mr. Julian, I have other commitments.

I don't think I can manage that kind of schedule. I'm not asking. Julian cut me

off and tossed a black bank card in front of me. Triple pay.

You move in today.

Take the guest room on the third floor, right next to our bedroom.

I couldn't turn down the money, so I packed a small suitcase and moved in.

Their bedroom was on the other side of the wall.

At two in the morning, I tossed and turned in bed as heavy rain pounded

against the windows.

Suddenly, I heard soft footsteps in the hallway.

Closer, then stopped outside my door. I held my breath, every muscle in my body

locked. I stared at the brass doorknob. The door slowly creaked open.

Pale light from the hallway spilled into the dark room.

Ava stood in the doorway, barefoot and silent. All she had on was a thin silk

robe, its neckline hanging loose, revealing too much pale skin in the dim

light. Coach, are you awake?

I can't sleep.

Come practice with me. There was something in her voice I couldn't

refuse. I sat up and stared over her shoulder at their bedroom.

Julian was still fast asleep inside.

Mrs. Ava, it's midnight.

I kept my voice low, but I couldn't stop it from shaking. I waved for her to go

back, even though she couldn't see me. Please, I can't get downstairs alone.

She ignored me and stepped into my room. Her hands reached through the dark,

straight to my arm. Her grip tightened.

You have to help me down.

I didn't dare raise my voice. The last thing I wanted was to wake Julian.

I had no choice but to throw off the covers and let her drag me out.

He was awake.

Shh. The second that light appeared, my heart stopped.

Mrs. Ava, Julian's awake. We need to go back now.

Panic surged through me as I tried to pull my hand away. Ava caught my wrist

before I could. Her grip was shockingly strong.

What are you afraid of? She looked up at me, her red lips curling into a faint

smile. Then she took both my hands and firmly placed them around her waist.

Hold on tight.

If I fall, I'll make noise.

Neither of us wants to wake him up, do we? The thin robe barely kept me from

feeling her body heat. The sensation hit me harder than ever. I went rigid, like

a puppet with its strings cut. Didn't dare move.

Didn't dare breathe.

One wrong sound and Julian would hear everything.

Then the light suddenly came on, flooding the entire staircase.

What are you two doing out here this late? Julian stood at the top of the

stairs. He wore a dark robe, perfectly composed. A glass of whiskey in one

hand, looking down at us.

My legs nearly gave out. My throat closed up. I couldn't force out a single

word. Cold sweat ran down my temple and hit the floor.

I couldn't sleep. I wanted to practice, but I can't see the stairs, so I asked

Coach to help me down.

Ava sounded completely calm. She even tilted her face toward Julian, like she

was mildly annoyed by the inconvenience. Coach, hold on to me. She didn't let go.

Instead, she leaned more of her weight into my arm. I kept guiding Ava down the

stairs. Every step felt like walking on a knife.

I didn't dare look back, but I knew he was still up there. The light at the

third floor landing cast his shadow on the floor ahead of us, following us down

the stairs.

Coach, my foot froze in midair. Slowly, I turned and looked up. Julian stood at

the top of the stairs, taking a sip of whiskey. My wife is in your hands. Don't

let her fall.

He headed back to his room. The sound of the door closing echoed through the

house. Only then did Ava turn toward the stairs, wearing an unreevable smile.

Come on, Coach.

Let's practice.

All night, I couldn't get that shadow out of my head or Julian's last words.

My wife is in your hands. At 3.30 a.m., I walked Ava back to her room. Then I

practically ran to mine. The moment I shut the door, I slid down against it to

the floor. Outside, the sky gradually turned pale. I didn't sleep for a

second.

Morning light poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, stabbing at my

bloodshot eyes.

And now, standing in a room full of cameras, I could barely think straight.

I called my boss.

I want to know if Mr. Julian had any other coaches before me.

I found it. Before you, Julian booked trial classes with seven coaches.

Seven? Yeah, all men. And here's the strange part.

Every one of them was drowning in debt, just like you.

I stood alone in the empty hallway, phone in hand. A chill ran down my back.

Ava slowly came down the stairs.

I froze when I saw what she was wearing. No practice clothes, just an oversized

white men's shirt. The collar hung open.

the hem falling just low enough to cover her thighs as she made her way down the

stairs. I couldn't find my clothes, so I just grabbed whatever I could.

Ava said it like it meant nothing. Then she walked straight to the mirror and

leaned back against me, naturally. Her full weight settled against me.

Julian's shirt was the only thing between us. With every breath, I caught

the scent of his cologne mixed with hers. I tried to step back, but Ava

suddenly lost her balance, forcing me to grab her waist again. Just then... The

room door opened. Julian stepped inside in a perfectly tailored suit, his face

giving nothing away. He came straight toward us, close enough for me to see

the pattern on his tie. Julian didn't look at Ava. He slowly raised his hands.

Your buttons aren't done up right.

His fingers moved down the front of that shirt, fastening every single button,

one by one. But the entire time, he never took his eyes off me.

The last button was fastened.

Julian walked over to the bar and picked up a white paper bag I'd noticed when I

came in. Starting today, we're adding a spa session after your morning lesson.

He pulled something from the bag and held it out to me. It was a women's

swimsuit, barely covering anything.

My hand hovered in the air. I didn't know whether to take it. Mr. Julian,

shouldn't Mrs. Ava decide that for herself?

She can't see.

So someone who can see has to decide for her.

Ava felt her way over and ran her fingers over the swimsuit twice.

It's this small?

That's the whole point. As he said it, his eyes stayed on me. Ava gave a small

smile, said nothing, and headed for the changing room. I stood there, afraid to

move. Beside me, Julian calmly rolled up his sleeves.

Coach, my wife is beautiful, isn't she?

Sir, I didn't know how to answer.

Then the changing room door opened, and I forgot how to breathe.

Ava walked toward us, barefoot, wearing the swimsuit.

Coach, does it look good on me?

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

Julian chuckled beside me.

It looks great.

He gave my shoulder a hard pat. Go changed.

Get in the pool.

Mr. Julian, swimming isn't part of the lesson.

And I didn't bring anything to wear.

Everything you need is waiting for you.

When I came out of the dressing room, I felt like I was walking to the gallows.

Only Ava and I were left by the pool. Julian had gone.

Ava stood at the edge, testing the water with her toes. She reached for me.

Coach help me into the water and I know that once I hold it I can never let it

go Coach you have to hold me the whole time. I stood chest deep

in the water I had no choice but to keep both hands firmly around her waist the

water slowed everything down Ava floated on her back, her legs stretched out in

front of her. The current carried one foot toward me. It came to rest against

my chest.

Her toes brushed slowly across my chest, sending a shiver through me. I stood

rigid in the water, supporting her by the waist. I felt almost weightless in

my hands. My breathing grew heavier as I stared at the ripples spreading across

the surface.

For one reckless second, it felt like the rest of the world had disappeared.

Like there was only Ava and me. Ava suddenly leaned closer.

Coach, you still haven't answered me.

Does my swimsuit look good?

Mrs. Ava. I wanted to tell her to stop, but the words wouldn't come.

Ripples spread across the pool.

The only sound was our breathing. Just as I lowered my head, I saw him.

Julian was standing on the other side of the pool. I had no idea how long he'd

been there.

He just stood there, watching us, without moving. My blood turned to ice.

I let go of her instantly and stumbled back as if I'd been burned.

Without my support, she sank straight beneath the water.

White spray burst outward.

Her hands broke the surface, searching for something to hold onto. That snapped

me back. I lunged into the water, grabbed her waist and hauled her up. She

clung to my neck, trembling violently, her nails digging into my back.

Why did you let go?

Her voice trembled with tears.

Wet hair clung to her face.

I held her back with one hand and supported her head with the other. Only

then did I realize my own hands were shaking too.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to... She buried her face against me, crying, legs wrapping around

mine, tighter than before.

I held her tight. This time, I didn't dare loosen my hold. Julian crouched at

the edge of the pool, looking down at us. I was holding his wife close, her

body pressed against mine.

Mr. Julian, it was an accident. We were just... Why did you let go?

I froze.

I told you, if you let go, she'll sink. You almost drowned her. There was no

anger in his voice, no blame, just calm.

My head rang.

He wasn't angry that I'd been holding her. He was angry that I'd let her go.

Hold her. Bring her up. I carried Ava up the steps, water streaming off both of

us. Julian picked up a towel, but he didn't hand it to Ava. He handed it to

me. Dry her off.

He stood just a few feet away, watching as I slowly dried his wife.

He didn't say another word.

That afternoon, I stayed locked in my guest room. I kept replaying what Julian

said by the pool. The more I thought about it, the stranger it seemed.

A husband sees his wife with another man like that in a pool, and the first thing

he asks is, Why did you let go?

Was Julian actually getting off on this? Watching her with someone else?

By evening, it started raining.

A housekeeper knocked and said Ava was in the basement media room. She asked me

to listen to a dance tune with her. I hesitated for a long time, but I went

down anyway.

We ended up on the couch in the dark.

Ava turned off the lights, and once darkness took our sight away, everything

else went into overdrive. Sound, touch, all of it. I could hear my own heartbeat

pounding and smell Ava right there beside me.

Coach, are you excited?

Ava suddenly turned toward me.

There was something pleased in her voice.

A faint rustle of fabric came from inches away on my left.

Ava didn't need any light.

Somehow, she moved through the darkness more easily than I did.

Her hands latched onto my arms, feeling their way up my muscles.

Her fingertips slipped beneath my collar and rested against my neck.

Mrs. Ava.

I tried to back away, but there was nowhere to go.

My back hit a cold metal wall.

Ava didn't back off. She stepped closer, pinning me against the wall. Her other

hand rose to my cheek, her fingers tracing the outline of my lips.

Every muscle in my body locked solid, like stone about to shatter. I squeezed

my eyes shut in the dark.

Her breath landed on my face, closer with every second. That heat kept

coming, one second from her lips touching mine.

The overhead light snapped on, no warning at all.

The harsh white lights tore through the darkness.

My eyes flooded on instinct.

It took a second before anything came into focus.

Julian was standing there, two steps away.

Half his face was hidden in shadow. His eyes moved slowly, from Ava's hand

against me, to the space between our lips.

barely an inch apart my heart was slamming so hard that i thought it might

break through my ribs the fear of being caught shut my brain down my blood

dropped to zero honey you're here ava slid her hand off my cheek easy

as anything i stayed glued to that cold metal wall my legs weren't holding me up

anymore not really just friction julian showed no sign of anger he simply took

another step toward us coach His cold, razor-sharp eyes fixed on the sweat

across my forehead.

Let's listen to some music.

All three of us.

Julian switched off the overhead light. The basement media room sank back into

darkness. Only the tiny red standby light on the speaker glowed faintly.

Sit down. He sat in the middle of the couch and patted the spot beside him.

Here. I sat down stiffly. Ava took the other side. The music started.

Swan Lake.

Act 2. The three of us sat side by side in the dark, not saying a word. I barely

dared to breathe. I thought having Julian between us would at least keep me

out of trouble. Then a hand suddenly settled on mine. It came from behind

Julian and traced along the back of the couch until it found me. It was Ava's

hand. Every drop of blood in me rushed straight to my head. Her fingertips

slowly traced circles over my hand. Then she pried my fingers apart, one by one,

and slipped hers between them.

Our fingers locked together, right behind Julian, less than a foot away.

Mr. Julian.

My voice came out shaking.

This piece, it's beautiful.

Is that so?

Just listen. Ava tightened her grip. Her other hand reached over, sliding up my

forearm, over my shoulder, and to the back of my neck. Her nails dragged

lightly across my skin. I sat frozen, afraid to move. In the darkness, all I

could hear was the three of us breathing.

Ava suddenly leaned forward.

Her face appearing from behind Julian.

Her hair brushed my arm. Then she gave my arm a light bite, and I snapped my

eyes shut. The music hit its peak, right then strings piling on top of strings,

building until it felt like drowning. And that was exactly when it stopped.

The whole room went dead silent. I yanked my hand back.

Ava eased away like nothing had happened.

Then, from the dark, Julian spoke.

I couldn't see his face at all. Coach, when I walked in earlier, what were you

and my wife about to do? My heart just stopped.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. What could I say? A misunderstanding?

That she just happened to fall? The silence went on so long, I genuinely

thought I might black out. Then I heard Julian chuckle.

Forget it.

But there's something I want you to remember.

He turned toward me in the dark. Next time, you can get a little closer.

I thought I'd misheard him. I sat there, ice cold, unable to move. From the other

side, I heard Ava let out a soft laugh.

Then Julian stood up. He didn't turn on the lights. He just walked out of that

room in the dark.

Without another word, the door shut behind me. I sank into the couch.

My shirt was soaked through with sweat.

Ava leaned in from the other side and rested her head on my shoulder.

Did you hear that? He told you to get closer.

I didn't answer. I didn't dare.

About ten minutes later, footsteps came back down the hallway.

The lights came on. Julian stood in the doorway with two bottles of wine and

three glasses.

Come have a drink with me.

At the bar counter beside the dance room.

Julian slid a full glass of whiskey toward me. Ava leaned against the bar

counter, completely relaxed, rolling a melting ice cube between her fingers.

Coach, you seeing anyone?

Julian asked without much care, tracing a finger around the rim of his glass.

I swallowed hard, searching for the safest answer. I'm single, Mr. Julian.

Works pretty much all I have time for. I kept my eyes on the wood grain, too

afraid to meet his knowing stare.

Coach stays busy, all right?

Ava cut in, deliberately pressing the melting ice against her neck and letting

the water trickle down.

He's not just busy teaching me.

He's busy taking care of me, too. I turned to Ava, panicked. What was she

doing? Why was she poking him on purpose?

But instead of getting angry, Julian laughed.

She's right.

You've been a big help to both of us. Still smiling, he pushed the whiskey

closer to me. So let's drink to that.

The hallway reeked of alcohol in the middle of the night.

Julian had gone way past his limit. He was passed out on the couch outside the

dance room. He still had his suit jacket on, his large frame sagging heavily into

the cushions. I stood maybe less than three feet away, watching his chest rise

and fall.

I moved as quietly as I could, trying to slip past him and get back to my room.

Right as my foot cleared the edge of that couch, a hand suddenly shot through

the half-open door and grabbed my wrist. Eva yanked me hard into the pitch-black

studio. Coach.

He's asleep, right?

Ava pressed her whole body against me, rose onto her toes, and whispered close

to my ear. So whatever we do next, we need to keep it quiet?

Her hand closed around my wrist and pinned it back to my side.

Fear and thrill surged through me. I was barely holding on to my last bit of

control.

Don't move.

Julian was right there, nothing but an open doorway between us and him.

just as Ava's fingers were about to push past my last defense.

On the couch outside, the sleeping man slowly turned over. My breath caught.

I went rigid, like something had poured concrete straight into my bones.

A full, elegant breakfast sat untouched on the long dining table. Julian sat at

the head, calmly slicing into his steak. The calmer he looked, the more terrified

I felt. Coach, sit down.

Eat before the lesson. I pulled out the chair farthest from him and sat down

stiffly. Ava came in wearing a fitted knit dress, feeling her way to the seat

beside him. Honey, I can't find my phone.

Ava complained, then suddenly stood up and walked straight toward me. Every

muscle in my body tensed as she stopped in front of me and suddenly bent down.

Coach, is it in your pocket? And right in front of Julian, she reached straight

into my pants pocket, without hesitation.

The thin fabric did nothing to dull the heat of her touch.

A jolt shot through me. I stopped breathing entirely.

My hands gripped the chair so hard my nails nearly dug into the wood. She kept

digging, unhurried, her fingers brushing against the tension in my thigh. Julian

sat only a few feet away, still holding his steak knife. He stopped cutting.

Coach.

Do you have my wife's phone in your pocket? The knife hung in midair. Tip

pointed right at me. My tongue felt glued to the roof of my mouth.

Mr. Julian, I... Found it! Ava straightened up. Phone. It was hers.

I had no idea when it had ended up in my pocket.

Next time, coach, just give me a heads up. She said with the most innocent

voice I'd ever heard. The dining room went so quiet I could hear the clock

ticking. Julian slowly set the knife down. From now on, anything of my wife's

is yours to keep. He went back to his steak like the last 30 seconds hadn't

happened at all. Ava returned to her seat and finished her breakfast without

another word. I didn't touch mine.

That morning, Julian stayed in his study, making calls one after another. I

couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

I was about to bring him his coffee when I saw him standing with his back to the

door. No changes.

Stick to the plan. She's already taken the bait. My hand stopped on the door

handle. Leave the rest to her.

That plan he mentioned.

What plan?

At two that afternoon, Julian walked in. Into the dance room. Julian walked in

and stood by the window, slowly adjusting his cuffs and fastening an

expensive sapphire cufflink. There's a problem with a merger in Europe.

I have to fly out next week. You should be gone for about two weeks.

The announcement caught me off guard. My heart skipped a beat. I knew this wasn't

just a business trip. How could he possibly leave Ava and me alone in the

same house for two weeks? Two weeks?

That's a long time.

Ava leaned loosely against the bar. There wasn't a trace of concern on her

face. If anything, she turned toward me, deliberately, right in front of Julian.

Guess I'll just have to depend on my coach completely.

You'll follow every instruction he gives you.

Every one of them. Julian turned.

gave me a flat, cold look, and walked out of the studio. The second his frame

cleared that doorway, Ava slowly turned toward me, her unfocused eyes locked

onto mine. She didn't move, but parted her lips.

And silently, she mouthed one word.

Before leaving, Julian insisted I give Ava one last deep stretch in front of

him. Ava stood with her back to me, both arms reaching forward.

Come here.

Julian stepped right in front of Ava and firmly took hold of her outstretched

hands. Coach, get behind her. Hold her at the waist and press her down.

Something about that position made my scalp crawl. Julian held his wife's

hands from the front while I had to stand directly behind her. I stiffly

stepped forward, hands trembling as I wrapped them around Ava's waist. As

Julian pulled her forward, her weight tipped backward right into me. The three

of us were locked into this twisted formation.

Ava let her full weight fall against me, her head resting against my collarbone.

Her fast and uneven breathing filled that dead silent room far too loudly.

Julian's eyes locked onto mine, over Ava's shoulder. There was no anger in

his eyes, only a disturbing hunger for control.

Remember this.

When I'm gone, you hold her exactly like this. Don't let go. Every word out of

his mouth felt like another thread in a web I hadn't even noticed closing around

me, and I was already caught in it.

Julian's black sedan cleared the estate's massive iron gates. As they

swung shut behind him, it was just me and Ava, alone in the sprawling mansion.

Julian had cleared out every guard, every staff member, all of them, with

excuses I didn't even bother questioning. That kind of total

isolation cranked up every ounce of tension in the air.

That night, Ava stood in the middle of the empty dance room. She wore a white

camisole as she slowly turned to face me. He's finally gone. No one is here to

interrupt us now. As she said it, she reached up, caught the strap on her

right shoulder, and pulled it down an inch.

Stopped there.

I'm counting down from three. Come here.

Or walk out.

Two. Blood rushed to my head. My last bit of restraint was hanging by a

thread. One.

She suddenly smiled and pulled the strap back into place.

I knew it. She closed the distance.

Step by step, backing me straight into the corner until my spine hit the wall.

Just as her arms locked around my neck and her whole body pressed against me,

the phone on the floor lit up.

Buzzing hard against the wood, I jerked my head toward it, panic already rising.

The name on the screen for the incoming video call, it was Julian.

The harsh glow of the phone screen cut through the dark studio.

I answered the video call, holding the phone up and keeping the camera locked

on Ava. Julian filled the phone screen, an expensive hotel suite behind him.

Ava turned toward the camera, putting on that helpless, unfocused look again.

Honey, are you at the hotel already?

She sounded innocent, but just below the frame, she slowly moved closer to me.

Just got in.

Let me see you.

I stood there like a human tripod, my arms shaking under the weight of my own

fear. Ava didn't back off.

She got closer instead.

I can't tell where the camera's pointing.

Coach, could you come a little closer?

Her hand came around from behind me and grabbed my wrists, the one holding the

phone. Her touch made me gasp. I kept my eyes locked on Julian's sharp and

unreadable eyes. I felt like I was being tortured.

Coach, why so quiet?

I'm... I'm right here. Steady the phone. It's making me dizzy.

I practically lunged for the bar, desperate to prop it up. The camera

settled on the center of the room, and this time, my hands were finally free.

I regretted it then. The second my hands had nowhere to hold, Eva pressed right

into me. Much better.

Coach, let's get started.

I stood behind her, my hands afraid to move. What are you waiting for? My blood

ran cold. He was the one telling me to put my hands on her. I stepped in,

placed both hands on her hips. The moment I touched her, Eva leaned back

into my chest. On the screen, Julian glanced down at some papers on his desk.

Coach, am I doing this right?

She tilted her face up, voice sweet enough to rot teeth.

Don't let go.

I can't see.

Or I'll lose my place.

Julian looked up.

Coach, why aren't you saying anything?

Ava's doing great. Keep going.

Next, extend your front leg. Ava lifted one leg onto the bar and straightened

the other. Her standing leg was pressed right against me. I had to hold her at

the waist or she'd fall.

Press her a little lower. Coach, move your hands higher. Support her under the

ribs. I moved my hands up, exactly where he told me to. Through the thin fabric,

I could feel her heartbeat clearly.

Steady. Completely steady.

But mine wasn't.

Honey? Yeah? Do I look good like this?

Silence for two seconds.

Yes. What do you think, coach?

I opened my mouth to answer. Then, just out of the camera's frame, Ava reached a

hand back toward me.

Her hand landed on my thigh. Through the fabric, her fingers closed slowly.

Coach, you're awfully tense.

Or should I say, hard to handle? Ava lingered on hard. My whole body went

rigid, and my hands tightened around her ribs.

Ava is doing great. Her hand didn't stop. It kept climbing. My breathing

fell apart completely, my chest heaving. Coach, you're breathing pretty hard. My

blood turned to ice. Supporting her.

Coach, next is partner hold, right?

Coach.

Put your hands on her lower back and hold her steady. For a second, I thought

I'd heard him wrong. Did he tell me to do that? Her husband, through a screen,

had just told me, in his own words, to put my hands on his wife. I did as he

said, and Ava, pressed against me, shook with silent laughter. There was no going

back.

For twelve straight days, Julian called at exactly three, right in the middle of

our lessons.

Every little tease from Ava pushed my nerves closer to the breaking point. The

video calls didn't scare her. She turned them into a game, a dangerous one.

She counted the seconds in her head. She knew exactly when that call was coming.

She always used those last few minutes to push me to the edge. With ten seconds

left before the hour, Ava shoved me back against the bar and kicked me hard. Her

tongue pushed past my teeth before I could think. I panicked, tried to pull

back, eyes locked on that phone on the table, waiting for it to light up any

second. The instant the clock hit three, she pulled away clean, and that

helpless, unfocused look slid right back over her face like nothing had happened.

The phone lit up on cue.

I answered, frozen, hands barely steady. I could still feel her lips on mine,

still taste her lipstick.

Julian's cold face appeared on the screen, no greeting. His eyes cut

straight through the camera, straight into mine. I'm back early.

An uneasy silence settled over the room that evening. After he'd said it, Julian

just sat there, watching my face come apart.

After several long seconds, a cold smile crept across his marble-still face.

Just a joke.

My schedule hasn't changed at all. The call suddenly cut out. The screen went

black. My legs gave out. I slid down the cold wall and collapsed onto the floor,

my chest heaving like I'd just surfaced from underwater.

That sick bastard.

He was toying with me. Ava rushed over, something urgent on her face. She

grabbed my collar and shoved me toward the heavy wooden door. My back hit it

hard. She pressed against me, pinning me in the narrow space.

Both her hands came up to frame my face. Her breath, hot, landing right on my

skin.

Julian could show up outside that door.

Any second?

She lowered her voice, trembling with a thrill. Then she pushed her hips into

me, leaving nowhere to move. Just as I was about to lose control, the phone

suddenly lit up and vibrated.

It buzzed for ten straight seconds and stopped.

I stayed down, completely spent.

Ava felt her way over, picked up the phone, and handed it to me.

Was it him? I checked the screen a debt collector.

No. My voice came out in pieces, but Ava laughed.

You're that scared of him?

Yet you never pushed me away.

She was right. For two full minutes, from the moment she pinned me against

the door until the phone rang, I never pushed her away. I was starting to look

forward to tomorrow's lesson. That thought scared me more than anything. I

pulled myself up against the wall. For the first time, I truly wanted out of

that house.

Mrs. Ava, we're done for today.

No. She caught my wrist.

I want to wear my performance dress today and run the whole routine.

She dragged me all the way into the dressing room. The door shut behind me.

The cramped dressing room felt stifling. No cameras here. The only room in the

entire house.

Ava turned her back to me and reached for that dress, hanging on the rack.

Then she started undressing. Mrs. Ava, I'll wait outside.

If you step out that door, I'll scream.

She said it softly, but I didn't dare treat it like a joke. She slid the dress

on and turned her back to me again.

Come help me.

The room was barely big enough for two people. One stepped forward, and I was

already right up against her. I stood stiffly behind her, my fingers shaking

as I handled the tiny metal clasps. With every clasp, my fingertips rushed

against her spine. She leaned back another inch. By the tenth one, her head

fell back onto my shoulders.

Coach, your hands are shaking worse than before.

I couldn't do the eleventh. I dropped my forehead to the back of her neck, closed

my eyes, breathing like I'd just run a marathon.

Mrs. Ava, I'm barely holding on. Then stop.

Fighting it. She turned around and wrapped her arms around my neck. Her

forehead touched mine. Her lips, inches away.

Julian's gone.

There are no cameras in here. So what exactly are you waiting for?

My hands found her waist. This time, no one was forcing me. I lowered my head.

Just as our lips were about to meet, the phone suddenly lit up. Julian's video

call flashed across the screen like a ticking death threat.

The harsh white glow from the phone distorted the shadows in the dressing

room. I stared at the flashing name in horror, fingers hovering. I dared not

answer. Answer it. Her voice was calm, even a bit gleeful.

Desperate, I swiped to answer and stiffly held the phone up. Ava dropped

fast, folding herself completely out of the camera's reach.

The moment the call connected, Julian's cold face came into view.

Mr. Julian, what do you need? My voice came out hoarse. Every word felt forced.

As I spoke, Ava rose slowly back up behind me, out of frame. She pressed

against my back, forehead resting there. She was smiling.

I had to keep my eyes on Julian, pretending everything was normal.

Cold beads of sweat burst across my forehead, out of terror.

You look awful. What's wrong?

Julian narrowed his eyes, studying every crack in my expression.

The dance room's air conditioner, it broke down, it's too hot in here.

The dance room? My blood ran cold. Then, I realized we weren't in the dance room.

Coach, that mirror behind you, that's the dressing room, isn't it? My mind

went completely blank. That's when Ava spoke from behind me.

Honey? Is that you?

Her voice drifted from behind me, just far enough to sound like she was

somewhere else, mid-change.

I asked Coach to help with my dress. I can't reach the clap as myself.

Three seconds of silence.

You done?

Not yet.

Halfway. Then keep going.

The call ended. I stood there, phone still raised, every ounce of strength

draining out of me at once. Ava leaned into my back, shoulders shaking with

silent laughter.

You heard him, Coach.

He told us to keep going.

Two tangled shadows stretched across the floor. Mrs. Ava, we can't keep doing

this. Fear drove my mind into one last desperate fight. I tried to push her

away. Ava staggered back half a step. Then, suddenly, she went quiet. She

lifted her face and slowly reached out, her hands searching for my face.

You've wanted me from the start. You just never dared to admit it. Her eyes

reddened instantly.

Tears spilled down her pale cheeks.

But I want you.

Her tears broke the last thing holding me together. I finally took control. I

gripped her waist and lifted her straight off the ground into my arms.

Ava buried her face against my neck, her arms tightening around me. I carried her

out of the room and headed straight to the door at the end of the hall.

The thick wool carpet outside the master bedroom swallowed my heavy footsteps.

My arms were shaking from the strain of holding her and I finally stopped in

front of the tall redwood doors. The door was unlocked. The dim hallway light

fell across Ava's face, pale, bloodless, and impossible to look away from. Are

you sure about this? My voice came out ruined, every word scraping its way out.

It was my last desperate attempt to stop myself before I lost control.

I'm sure.

Sir than you'll ever be. Ava didn't hesitate. She tilted her head back and

slowly brushed her lips along my jaw. Then she reached out for my arms, her

fingers finding the hallway light switch on the wall.

Doesn't matter how bright it is anyway.

I can't see any of it.

Her finger pressed down. The overhead harsh ceiling light died instantly.

Darkness rolled over us like a tide, swallowing us whole. I carried her up

over the threshold.

Ava's hand hung over the edge of the bed. The pink ribbon still looped around

her fingers.

The way you look at me now, it's different.

My eyes snapped open. She said the way I look at her. How did she know I was

looking at her? A cold sweat ran down my back as I looked down at Ava. Before I

could say anything, a tall, raw figure filled in the doorway.

That cold, marble-carved face.

There was no mistaking it. Julian was back.

Every drop of blood in my body froze solid. Fear stole my voice.

My arms gave out, and Ava slid off and hit the floor.

Julian showed none of the rage you'd expect from a husband catching his wife

cheating. Instead... His mouth curled into a smile, slow, cold, and far too

pleased with itself, like watching the last domino fall exactly where he'd

planned. Impressive. He slowly walked toward me. I was overwhelmed. I was

still on the floor.

He's innocent.

Leave him out of this.

Her back was to me. I couldn't see her face. My head was spinning. She was

protecting me. What the hell was she actually playing at?

Julian's expression went dark. He clenched his jaw, eyes locked on Ava.

Ava, you broke sooner than I expected.

Then he laughed, his eyes flicking between the two of us like we were

something amusing.

You planned all of this.

Every single step, you put me here.

You put both of us here.

So what?

Every drink you've had, every song you've listened to, every person you've

met over the past six months, I arranged all of it.

Including him.

My head couldn't hold any more of this. It was too much. I tried to piece it

together. Julian had come to me first. Julian had picked me out, specifically

for Ava.

Then what about Ava? What role was she playing in all of this? Four burly men

in black suddenly stormed in, sealing every exit.

Ava rose to her feet, no fear in it at all.

Julian smugly tossed a stack of legal documents down in front of Ava.

Game over, Ava.

Taking your sight was only step one.

Sign the transfer papers.

Now, or by tomorrow morning, the board will know exactly what you've done.

There it was, the mask finally off. This was never a game about betrayal.

It was a hostile takeover. Faced with a dead end, Ava didn't crumble, didn't

even glance at the pen. Instead, she calmly smoothed the wrinkles from her

robe and looked at Julian, almost with pity.

Julian, you really think you've won?

Here yes, suddenly sharp at it, locking onto mine. That wasn't the look of a

blind person.

I was right. Ava was never blind.

Chaos broke loose.

Shadows scattered across the cold marble floor.

Just as Julian reached to force Ava's hand onto the papers, one of his

bodyguards suddenly struck from behind.

One strike to the back of Julian's neck. His whole frame dropped deadweight,

hitting the floor like something already lifeless. The other three bodyguards

stepped back and bowed respectfully to Ava.

Ava rose from the bed, stepped over Julian's motionless body without a

glance down, and walked straight toward me. Her gaze was cold and cruel. The

obsession she'd shown over the past two weeks were gone.

Clean this up.

I never want to see his face again.

She gave the order. I tried to scramble back, and then something crashed into

the back of my skull. Pain tore through everything at once, and the world went

black. I had no idea how long I was out. When the surgical lights stabbed back

into my senses, I forced my eyes open. My whole body was strapped to a cold

operating table, my entire face wrapped in thick layers of medical gauze.

Ava stood over me, slowly raising a clear mirror in front of my face.

A stranger's face stared back, but the eyes, deep-set, familiar, the nose

sharp, straight. I knew that face. It was Julian's face. The perfect

replacement was complete. A husband who would sign over everything to Ava, and

then die in a tragic, perfectly timed accident.