My lips parted as I stared at the stunning dress. It was a cream color and there were jewels the color of amber and garnet in swirling patterns on the tight bodice, the skirt draped softly in flowing panels.
“I can’t accept this.” Even as I said it, I wondered what the glistening fabric would feel like.
“In vorpyr culture, it is rude to reject a gift.”
“But it’s…it’s too much, Arrazyl.”
He looked it up and down. “I think it’s just enough.” His gaze sought me out again. “I had it made just for you.”
I held his gaze, wholly aware that he was mere inches from me. I could feel the heat of his body, the spicy scent that was his alone swirling around me. “Aren’t we just your captives?” I asked softly.
His gaze became hooded and he gripped my chin gently, tilting my head as he stepped until our bodies were flush. The hard length of him pressed into my belly and sent a pulse of excitement to my core.
“You are no longerjustmy captive.” He tilted his head toward the dress. “Put it on. I will be waiting to take you to the final celebration outside.” And just like that, he was gone.
The dress was the softest I’d ever felt, curving along my body perfectly. I added the jewelry Arrazyl had gotten me before and slid the door open.
His eyes heated when he saw me, and he slid his gaze languidly over me, taking in my legs and hips, the deep v of the neckline that showed the skin between my breasts, and up to my face. “Do you have any idea what you do to a male?” His words were soft, dangerous almost, as he reached for me.
I stepped into his arms and he growled as he pulled me forward, leaning down to rest his face against my head, breathing deeply. His lips pressed against me, then he was gone, straightening and stepping away. “I’m afraid if I keep holding you against me, we’ll never make it to the party.”
I flushed at the insinuation. A part of me wanted to know what he would do.
He slid the door closed behind me and paused.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, let’s go.” he took me in his arms and I rested my cheek against his chest as he flew us up to the rooftop of his home.
I’d been told there were three locations for the final event of the festival, the rooftop of the Vorazyr’s house the only one that was invite-only, hosted specifically for his advisors, warriors, and industry leaders.
To say it was beautiful was an understatement. Orb lights in elegant shapes floated around the area and just like the elevated parks I’d seen in the city, the rooftop jutting from the cliff several feet had trees rising from it, along with bushes of flowers and other flora. A raised dance floor of dark wood that glistened in the low light took up a large middle area and instruments I’d never seen were being played off to the side on another raised dais.
I looked around in wonder at the elaborate fountains and sculptures, the vorpyr in stunning outfits, and took in the laughing and smells of sweet food. Even the males were dressed in brilliant colors, instead of the black that I’d seen men wear to any nice events I’d been to on Earth.
Arrazyl came up behind me and I closed my eyes, enjoying the heat of his body as he leaned down. His breath tickled my ear deliciously and bumps spread across my bare arms and chest. “Dance with me.”
Chapter 24
Arrazyl’s smile was brilliant, and I relaxed into his arms when he guided me to the dance floor and slid them around me.
The realization that I only knew ballroom dance and a little samba hit me and my stomach tightened with nerves. I’d seen vorpyr dancing, but I hadn’t paid attention to their movements.
As though he read my mind, Arrazyl leaned close. “I’m a very good lead. Just hold on.”
I was happy to cling to him as he moved us around the dance floor expertly.
The night passed in a swirl of dancing, delectable treats, and fireworks that hung in the night sky twinkling for great periods of time, allowing others to be shot off and the images to change from intricate battle scenes to parties and groups of animals flying or running.
After a while, I had to get away from the crowd and went for a walk, thinking about things I had no right to. Arrazyl chief among them. He’d even started to translate and tell me different vorikaan words as vorpyr conversed around us.
The stars in the sky were unfamiliar, and I traced what I could imagine were constellations with my gaze. The sounds of laughter and chatter had faded and now I could clearly hear the sounds of the jungle. Calls of those huge birds, along with sounds I couldn’t possibly decipher, floated to me. There was so much life in this place.
I looked around and realized I hadn’t paid attention to the path I’d taken. Great, I was lost. Crossing a walkway, I walked further into a floating courtyard, around lattices covered in what I’d dubbed purple ivy. Groaning sounds made me turn. Was someone hurt? I strode in the direction of the sound, wondering who I could get if someone was injured. They may be able to fly, but Earth had them beat on communication with wrist phones.
I rounded a massive tree that grew out of the cliff and around which the platform had been built. On the other side, I skidded to a stop, shocked at the scene in front of me. Tatiana was straddling Kyvar, and they were kissing and exploring each other, hands moving under clothes.
I turned and fled. I was so occupied by my discomfort from seeing that, that I ran straight into a solid chest. Hands gripped my arms to steady me, and I gazed up into Arrazyl’s gleaming emerald eyes. I was glad for the darkness that hid my flush.
