"Please don't," she cut me off. "I know I look ridiculous."
I looked at her as if she were crazy. Most of the guests had disappeared with only a few lingering and chatting. I put an arm around her waist and pulled her close and took her in, hungrily, from head to toe. Mia had soft skin and petite curves. As my eyes travelled further down her body, I could see her nipples were hard under the fabric of her dress and her long legs on display where the skirt split up along her thighs. My mind fogged over with how much I wanted to take her away from this place and have a more private party.
"Mia, you look beautiful," I told her. "And if we weren't around people right now, I'd be sure to show you just how beautiful I think you are."
She swatted at me, but I caught her hand and kissed it.
"We should probably catch up with everyone else," she told me quietly, linking our hands before she led us to the reception. This was going to be a long night of exercising self restraint.
Chapter Twenty
Mia
Dom's reception was beautiful: a rustic theme that saw twine and fairy lights threaded around mason jars and wooden pillars. The orange and green floral arrangements stood out and I couldn’t help but think just how perfect everything had been for the newlyweds. I was grateful to have been a part of Dom’s day and I hoped one day he’d be able to return the favor.
Everyone had sat down for the reception and Dom and Rodrigo took to the floor, just as the sun sank into the horizon, to have their first dance. I found myself leaning against Luc and watching them move effortlessly across the floor. Luc hadn’t left my side since the ceremony had finished. There were a few glances thrown in our direction, but no one had approached us. Luc clearly gave off an aura of not wanting to be disturbed.
I sighed wistfully as other couples joined Dom and his husband on the floor.
"Mia, would you like to dance?" Luc asked, looking down at me.
Lifting my head, I was surprised at the offer. "I didn't think you'd be someone who wanted to dance."
"I don't want you sitting here all night and I'm sure as hell not letting anyone else dance with you looking like that," he told me bluntly. The dress had definitely caused some heated words between me and Dom, but it fit perfectly with the rest of his vision.
"In that case, I would love to dance with you."
Luc stood up from his seat, offering a hand to me before he led me out onto the floor. His arms wound around my waist as I locked mine around his neck, and we swayed to the music. I was pleasantly surprised at how light on his feet he was.
"Is that the tattoo you couldn't show me?" Luc asked. His gaze lowered to my chest where a coiled snake lay between my breasts and I nodded. "I like it but why a snake?”
"Thanks, they’re meant to symbolize healing. There was a Greek God…” I trailed off.
"Of course,” Luc laughed. He’d become aware of how deep my interest lay. “Anymore that I'm not meant to see?" Luc asked.
"No, just the two and you've seen them both now." Luc was covered in designs that snaked up his arm, across his shoulders and down his chest but I was happy with my two small pieces.
My fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck and Luc's fingers dug possessively into the sides of my body. He dropped his head down against mine as he spoke. "I might just need to make sure of that myself."
I felt my breath catch. Whenever Luc was this direct it caught me off guard and sparked my own desire. "You need to behave," I told him weakly. It was a poor, last-ditch attempt to keep the remnants of our agreement in place.
"You make it very difficult, love."
With some confidence, I bridged the gap between us, pressing my lips against Luc's and I could feel his smile. It was a promise for later and he knew it. There was no denying it anymore. Despite the fact that some part of me felt like we would end in disaster, I wanted Luc and I would risk my heart for him. I would deal with the consequences when the time came.
As the song wound down, Luc moved his forehead away from mine to give us some space just as Dom appeared next to us.
"Luc, would you mind if I stole Mia for a dance?"
I looked to Luc who gave a small shrug. "Dom's fine. He's married and not interested in you."
Grinning, I reached up to kiss his cheek before he stepped aside for Dom to take his place.
Chapter Twenty One
Lucas
Walking over to the bar, I took one last look at Mia who was now in Dom’s capable hands. Now would be a good time for a drink. I didn’t dance. I didn’t make an effort at events, but I couldn’t let her wilt away in the shadows. Mia deserved for the world to revolve around her, in the safety of my arms so that her attention wouldn’t deviate. And it didn’t. She’d apparently forgotten or no longer cared for her rules if that kiss and look were anything to go by.
