“Then we’d better make it good.” His cheek rubbed against her temple, the scrape of a five o’clock shadow reminding her of his maleness. “Why are you here?”
“I was invited,” she said dreamily, allowing herself this brief moment of bliss.
“Hmmm.” His voice dropped to a huskiness she felt along her skin. “Are you a regular at political balls?”
Humor had her slightly shaking her head. “Ah, no. This is my first ball.”
He whipped her around as the music sped up and then slowed them in perfect time to the beat. “No fancy parties growing up?”
“No. There wasn’t a lot of stability growing up. My mother had, er, problems, and I spent some time in foster care. Well, until my aunt came to live with us.” Mia shook off the unease about the past.
“I see. Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you about the early murder charge. Tonight, anyway.” Somehow, he pulled her closer into warmth and shelter. A safety of sorts. “How old were you when your aunt arrived?”
“Fourteen.”
He exhaled, his breath stirring her hair. “Who protects you, Mia?”
The old-fashioned question went right along with the romantic song. His world was so much different than hers. “I protect myself.” She gripped his hand tighter, allowing herself the rare luxury of enjoying somebody else’s strength. A man’s strength. “What’s your purpose here tonight, anyway?”
He stiffened just a tiny bit. “I believe my father is arranging a merger of sorts. Or, at least he thinks he is.”
“Really? Interesting. Business?”
“Business and family, I believe.” Seth spoke next to her temple, his breath heating her skin. “You really are stunning tonight, Mia Stone.”
They quieted, moving in tune in perfect time. Seth was right. Life was about moments, and right or wrong, she was enjoying this one.
The melody slowly ended with the singer’s mournful plea for someone to watch over her.
Mia lifted her head.
Instantly, the woman’s amazing voice began to croonI’ll Be Seeing You, and Mia stilled. She loved old war movies and had spent hours dreaming to the music.
Seth drew her close again, his lips brushing her forehead. “Just one more song.”
Unable to resist, Mia relaxed again into his strength.
Seth drew Mia closer,inhaling her fresh scents of lilac and vanilla. When he’d turned and spotted her in the crowd, he’d almost swallowed his tongue. She was a wild flame in a sea of black—vibrant and alive. There was no doubt she would burn him. No doubt at all.
Right at the moment, he couldn’t find it in himself to care.
Her fragility confused him. For some reason, she’d seemed bigger—even stronger. Her personality created an illusion. The bones beneath his touch were fine and delicate, and he could easily span her waist with his hands. He shouldn’t have wrestled on the chilled ground with her. “Did I hurt you last night?”
“Of course not,” she murmured against his chest, her voice soft and dreamy. “Did I hurt you?”
“No.” The idea was unthinkable that she could hurt him. How was he going to protect her? The woman had no clue. If he had half a soul, he’d drop her hand and walk away right now.
Too bad he didn’t have a soul.
Instead, he pulled her even closer, not caring that she’d be up against his erection. She stiffened and then softened against him again. Yeah. It was going to happen. He’d face hell afterward, but it would happen.Theywould happen. He’d protect her with everything he had. Nothing would harm the delicate woman now in his arms. He wouldn’t let it. “I’m sorry your childhood was difficult.”
“Wasn’t yours?” Her smooth shoulders shrugged, beckoning his mouth.
He grimaced to keep his lips where they belonged and not on that delicate skin. “Yes. My mother married Ben when I was six and then died when I was seventeen. I miss her still.”
“I’m sorry.”
Guilt had him nearly coughing, but he wouldn’t let her go right now. Even if that was the best move for his family. “Ben has protected me my entire life. I owe him.”
