No, I need a short spell, maybe only two words that will pause him for long enough that I can remove the rubies from his ring without him realizing or retaliating.
Unless, of course, I’m bold enough to steal them while he’s alert…
I gasp as he drops to his knees in front of me, lightly cupping his hand around my exposed ankle.
His eyes meet mine. “May I?”
I’m not sure what he’s asking permission to do, but I nod, my stomach fluttering as he rubs my calf in slow circular motions, his fingertips warm and firm as he works his way down to my ankle and up to my knee.
I smother another sigh, this time of contentment and… something else I’m not familiar with… a deep need for more.
He brushes the material of my skirt aside and drops a kiss on my knee, his lips warm against my skin.
Raising his eyes to mine, he keeps his voice low as he asks again, “Why are we here, Tansy?”
My ulterior motives suddenly disappear, consumed by what I want. I’m here to steal the rubies and get the revival spell. I wish I could tell him about it, maybe even ask his permission to take the stones, but he would never allow me to tamper with the ring, not even for his own benefit.
But now, more is possible. It would be so easy to slide forward, curve my leg around his hip, and draw him close. It would be so easy to lean my head forward and brush my lips across his, to finally taste his mouth and know what it’s like to explore his body.
My lips part, and a response pours out of me, more honest than I planned. “I haven’t seen you in a long time—and I might not see you again. I don’t want to waste this chance…”
A faint smile curves his lips, but he doesn’t make it easy for me. “Chance for what?”
I search his eyes, telling myself I won’t see what I want to see, that the heat in his eyes and the way he strokes my calf aren’t because he wants me. Well, maybe logically he wants me, but it’s physical, not emotional.
My heart demands answers, but not from him. From myself:Why can’t I give in to this?
Even if he doesn’t feel anything for me, even if he can’t love me, why can’t I take what I can?
I plan on getting the revival spell tonight, but I have no guarantees. All that’s certain is what’s right in front of me.
The touch of his hand on my leg is more than I can bear, promising pleasure that I’ve never allowed myself to indulge in.
Why can’t I give in to what my body wants even if it will leave my heart aching?
Without allowing myself to think any further about it, I reach out and curl my palm around the back of his neck, sliding forward at the same time so that my free leg hooks around his hips.
I balance there for a moment until his hand finds the small of my back, his fingers splaying against my spine, supporting me.
His body heat burns through my thin dress, but he’s not as close as I want him to be. He has to let go of my other leg—bent at the knee and pressed up between us—to allow that to happen.
The question in his eyes is unbearable. I’ve never made a move like this toward him, other than kissing his cheek once, which was an impulsive gesture that led to revelations about his curse.
His lips are inches from mine, his breathing in control. Unlike mine.
“A chance to be with you,” I say.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Ibrush my lips against Alexei’s, a light, unassuming touch. I move with caution, knowing that he may not choose to return my kiss.
The moment our lips touch, my heart kicks inside my chest. I gasp at the tingles that shoot through me, my inner power rising in response to the contact.
Just moments before, he calmed my power with his touch. Now… it’s igniting.
One brief touch is not enough. I press my lips to his again, drinking in the contact for a moment before I pull away.
I want more, so much more, but I force myself to stop.
