Dancing on Keys

To my parents, I was their obedient and kind daughter.

To my students, I was their gentle and understanding piano teacher.

To my audience, I was the star performer at the cabaret.

Of all these different identities, my favorite was by far the last. I enjoyed the hungry gazes that fell on me, searing my skin like flames. I enjoyed the juxtaposition between my different identities, never tired of playing different roles. In a sense, I was born to act, and I was passionately devoted to each of my identities.

So, won't you come watch me dance?

Just as I was opening the door to leave, Vincent stopped me from where he was sitting on the couch. "Where are you going, this late at night?"

I turned back and saw him holding a cup of water, staring at me unblinkingly.

I gave him a soft smile. "To a little gathering, that's all."

He seemed to have more to say, but I walked out and shut the door before he had the chance to.

The moment I stepped out, I took off my heavy coat, revealing my skimpy camisole and hotpants. As I walked down the stairs, I felt a heated gaze coming from above. Scoffing internally, I flicked my hair and got into the car that would take me to the cabaret.

When I was almost there, I deftly pulled out a mask and put it on my face.

The moment I stepped out of the car, excited screams filled my ears. Some people whistled at me, and I walked up to them, allowing their gazes to consume me.

Who in the world would have guessed that I, the woman who was well-known for being obedient to a fault, was the star of the cabaret?

Standing on the stage, I saw the men in the audience reach their arms toward me with frenzied expressions, clamoring for me.

A sense of unrivaled satisfaction surged through me as I felt their gazes devouring every inch of my body, and it made me feel like I was being violated in the most intoxicating way.

My breath grew heavier as I took out a rose that I'd prepared beforehand, pointing it towards them as I smiled seductively, scanning each and every one of them with my gaze.

"My dearest patrons…" I drawled sultrily, before tearing the rose petals off the stalk, pressing the crimson petals on my lips.

At that, their screams grew even louder, and some even tried to rush onto the stage, not being able to contain themselves any longer. The bouncers managed to stop them, but one of them shouted at me, eyes maddeningly red. "Odile! I love you! I love you so much!"

I didn't pay him any heed, continuing my movements as I spoke with my ruby lips. "I hope you will have a good time tonight…"

"God, she's so hot!"

"Right? This is great, man!"

"I'm going to sleep with her someday! Hah, I'm sure she wouldn't even resist with a personality like hers, right?"

"Hahaha, got that right!"

Hearing their unabashed words, my movements started to become even more daring. With a fluid motion, I took off my camisole, leaving a thin bra left on my upper body.

Hooking it with a single finger, I threw it to one of the men watching below the stage. He pounced onto it like a predator hungry for prey and buried his face into it, inhaling it as if he was intoxicated.

On second glance, I finally noticed that this was a familiar face — He looked like the father of one of my piano students. A few seconds later, he looked up and met my gaze.

"I know you," he mouthed silently, his grin wide as if he was confident that I would be afraid.

My trembling intensified, but not from fear.

No, this was excitement. I'd finally found my prey for the night.

After the performance, I stood backstage, waiting for the man to arrive. Footsteps approached me from behind, but I didn't move a muscle, calmly continuing to smoke my cigarette.

Wrapping his arms around me, he trailed his hand up my thigh. "You little minx, I'm sure you wanted this when you were on stage, huh?"

I turned and pressed the cigarette to his lips, reaching to take off my mask with my other hand. He couldn't tear his gaze from me as I reached to wrap my arms around his neck, nibbling on his earlobe. "Are you married, sir?"

His rough breathing echoed in my ear as he gripped my hand, panting, "Don't worry, I'm divorced. I know the rules around here, you lot don't mess with married men."

His hand moved even higher up my thigh, his fingers teasingly making their way deeper. I didn't resist, tilting my head back with a soft moan.

Taking this as provocation to continue, his movements became erratic, and he even buried his face in my chest.

"Who else have you touched like this before?" I asked, tapping at his shoulder playfully. "How do I compare to them?"

"You're the best…" He muttered, lifting my leg as his fiery gaze met mine. "Odile, you don't know how captivating you are on stage."

Satisfied with his answer, I chuckled lowly and silently allowed his actions.

And so, the night unfolded in a rush of passion, sweat, and ecstasy.