I can’t seem to stop the way my heart picks up as I gaze around the large ballroom, searching for him. My eyes catch on a set of silver ringed, violet eyes and it feels like the world stops spinning. A million butterflies burst to life in my chest, leaving me breathless.
Maxon looks up at me from below, his eyes tracing over every inch of me. The heat of his stare feels like a physical caress, making my cheeks flush.
Damn it, I need to get myself under control.
Maxon starts through the crowd toward us, never taking his gaze away. I can’t help but admire how the black suit hugs his body in all the right places, emphasizing his masculine physique. The black shirt is undone midway down, showing off his tanned and muscled chest. The black clothing seems to bring out the intensity of his features. Plaits woven with gold rings are scattered through the length of his dark brown hair. My eyes roam his face, taking in every detail. The three sword earrings in his left ear, glinting in the light. The way some of the free hairs frame his features.
“He really should be more careful. You both should,” Raiden mutters.
I have no idea what he’s talking about, trapped as I am in Maxon’s gaze—unable to look away or speak.
Maxon’s eyes sparkle like gems as he stops at the base of the stairs to wait for us. When we finally reach the bottom, Raiden releases my arm, and Maxon's hand finds mine, his grip firm and comforting as he smirks down at me.
“You look absolutely stunning tonight, Stóirín.”
Unable to hold those intense eyes a moment longer, I drop my gaze. “Thank you,” I whisper.
Gosh, is it hot in here?
Without a word, Maxon turns, pulling me toward the dance floor. Panic begins to set in. I didn’t know any of these fae dances.
He can’t expect me to dance, right?
“Stop worrying. I’ve got you.”
He faces me, his palm sliding around my waist to pull me closer, our bodies fitting together seamlessly. My first steps are hesitant, but soon fall into a smooth dance, Maxon spinning me around, leading me into each step with perfect grace.
The world around us melts away, leaving only the two of us twirling, spinning, and gliding across the floor. I am so content in this moment; a feeling I’m not familiar with. His eyes brighten and we remain locked in each other’s stare.
Maxon pulls me closer, and the warmth of his body sets my heart to a racing pace. Moving his face closer, his cheek brushes mine, his warm breath on my neck, his hand firm against the small of my back. My heart races faster as I marvel at the sensation of being so completely enveloped in his presence.
As the music swells, reaching its crescendo, our bodies press together in a fiery embrace. He leans me back over his arm, my head falling back slightly and eyes closing, my body surrendering to the magic of the dance and the irresistible pull of the man in my arms.
My smile is so big that my cheeks hurt, but I can't seem to wipe it off my face. “That was amazing,” I laugh, my fingers digging into his arms.
Maxon’s eyes are warm and tender as he grins down at me, slowly lifting me upright before stepping back and releasing his hold on me. “I’m glad you enjoyed the dance.”
Out of nowhere, a fae man appears and whispers something into Maxon’s ear. Maxon's eyes narrow, and his jaw clenches as he gives the man a curt nod.
His attention returns to me, and he sighs in frustration. “The queen wishes to see me.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll find Raiden.”
Maxon appears torn as he looks around, and I feel a pang of guilt.
“I will be fine,” I assure gently, resting my hand on his arm.
Maxon peers down at me, something flickering in the depths of his eyes before he nods. Turning, he makes his way through the crowd toward the dais where the queen is conversing with a few other fae.
With a deep inhale, I square my shoulders and survey the room. Raiden is leaning against one of the massive marble pillars around the edge of the large ballroom, his hawklike gaze watching everything. I start making my way over when someone steps in my path. I look up into the cool, calculating eyes of a tall fae with dark hair.
“You must be the human. Everly, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s me. The lowly human,” I reply with a tight smile.
The fae's eerie smile makes me shiver with unease. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but my gut is telling me that there’s something off about him. His unsettling eyes continue to rake over my body, making my teeth clench and anger burn in the pit of my stomach.
“I can see why the prince has taken a liking to you. I, too, like curvy women.”
