She takes hold of my hips and steers me like a puppeteer. Once I get familiar with the motion, she lifts her slender arms above her head in slow, languid strokes—moving as if submerged in water. I mirror her, easing into the melody.
She twines our fingers and twists around, putting her back to me and drawing me closer. The liquor begins to take effect, warming me and melding us together until we’re one sensuous wave moving in tandem.
My gaze lands on Zadyn across from us, his arms wrapped around a pretty fae in a plunging, skin-tight dress. His nose grazes the smooth line of her neck as she tilts her head to allow him better access. I can’t bring myself to look away as he traces her curves, mapping out each dip, each hard line andsoft patch of flesh.
It’s mesmerizing.
Zadyn’s eyes snap up to mine as if I’d called his name.
The drums pound in the background, shaking the floor and echoing deep in my bones. I can feel them everywhere, pulsing in me, throbbing in time to my rapid heartbeat.
I trail my fingers over Mar’s shoulder. Zadyn’s heavy-lidded gaze tracks the movement before flickering back up to mine.
He looks so good.
Maybe it’s the alcohol.Or maybe it’snot.
He takes hold of the female’s neck, slowly lowering his mouth to it. It’s quite possibly the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
The veins in his arms go taut, flexing around her waist as she gives him her weight. But his eyes are on mine.
Locked.
The heat rolling off him transfers to me, making me feverish.
I told you it can be fun to watch.
His voice is a velvet-soft brush against mind. He clutches her skirt, planting slow, agonizing kisses up the column of her throat, and I can almostfeelthem on me.
“Now you’ve got the hang of it.” Mar slips behind me, a sleepy smile on her lips. With a gentle nudge forward, she says, “Go play.”
Her warmth disappears, leaving me cold and exposed on the dance floor. Zadyn looks me up and down, a hunger like I’ve never seen turning his eyes glassy. His stare strips away layer after layer until it feels like I’m on display. Being watched. Being seen.
It’s both terrifying and invigorating.
I want to look away. But I can’t. Not as he releases the girl and starts walking toward me, his stride magnetic.
“You once warned me about the kind of dancing they do in pleasure halls.”
“I remember.” His voice carries no amusement as he peers down at me, searching my face.
I give him a shrug. “Show me.”
Definitely the alcohol.
He glances up at the ceiling and lets out a laugh. “I don’t know if that’s the best idea.”
God, I hate it when he’s responsible.
“It’s just dancing.” But he doesn’t budge. He stares at me, torturing me with his silence. “Alright, well, I’m sure I can find someone else to ask?—”
I’m halfway turned when he snatches up my wrist and yanks me back against his chest. My breath leaves my body.
“One dance.”
I twist my head to look up at him.Yes, sir.
Without breaking eye contact, his hand slides from my ribs down to my hips. He holds me tighter, fusing our laps together, then traces a line up the center of my body starting at my belly button and blazing a taunting trail between my breasts.
