“But what if I can make you scream it?” I whisper into the shell of her ear, and before she can answer, just to play with her a bit and keep her off guard, I use the hand I’m holding and spin her out onto the dance floor before I snap her back into me. She gives me a dismayed head shake for that move, especially as there’s applause around us, but I catch the hint of a smile on the corner of her lips. It’s there underneath all the red and sass.
“You’re the worst sort of flirt, aren’t you?”
“You’re the only woman in the room I want to flirt with.”
I get an eye roll that makes my lips twitch. I don’t think a woman has ever rolled her eyes at me. I’m starting to understand why Sebastian found Bellamy’s back talk and cheek so appealing.
“You just proved my point,” she says. “I have a feeling we were photographed.”
Ah. So that explains her sour expression.
“Maybe one or two photos,” I agree, shifting my hand so I can use her lower back to press her back into me. “Phones aren’t allowed in here tonight, as you know, but there is the royal photographer.”
“Lovely. I’ll be sure to use it on next year’s holiday card.”
“You’ll have to send me one then. Maybe we should smile and pose to make it extra special.” I move us between the other dancers, looping us back to the edge of the dance floor so we’re not the center of attention.
Her head tilts. “Is that why you’re dancing with me? For the fans?”
I chuckle lightly. “Not even close.” I bring my mouth to her ear. “You don’t have to worry. I won’t let any photographs get published. I’ve got you. Try enjoying yourself with me. A wedding party is meant to be fun, and I want to have fun with you.”
Her eyes sparkle up at me, twin pools of midnight, and her hand finally comes up to my neck. It’s different than holding her hand. Hotter. Sharper. Like static electricity. It makes me wish I could touch more of her, but her dress goes up her back practically to her neck.
“What do you say?” I press when she doesn’t respond. “Can we have some fun with each other tonight?”
“Tonight?” she questions, and my insides quicken. It’s an odd feeling. Like excitement when I haven’t been excited about anyone in a very long time.
“Tonight,” I confirm, my eyes on her lips before I slowlytrail up to her eyes. I can’t kiss her here, and I have to keep reminding myself to maintain boundaries. “All night. Tomorrow morning. Through the weekend. Honestly, I might not want to let you go.”
Her fingers tickle the ends of my hair. “I don’t plan to give you the choice. But I can have fun with you for now. I don’t very often, so let’s give it a try.”
I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles when I spot our waiter on the outskirts of the dance floor holding our drinks.
“Perfect timing.” I move us that way, thanking him as I release her hand so I can pass her one of them. She takes it, patiently waiting for me to take mine. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.”
Our glasses clink, and we each take hearty sips, our eyes holding because I can’t seem to look away from her. Hardly even for a moment. She winces slightly and gently coughs.
“Not what you wanted?”
She clears her throat. “A bit stronger than I’m used to.”
“I don’t particularly like dirty martinis. I’m more of a whiskey man. Where are you from, Ella?”
“Messalina,” she deadpans.
My brows bounce in feigned surprise, and I point at my chest. “No kidding? Me too.”
“Har, har, Your Highness.”
I wink, but she’s a tough one to soften up. “You’re not going to give me any details about yourself, are you? You’ll make me work for everything I get.”
She shifts her weight in her heels but stands up straighter, the stiff fabric of her gown rustling against me as she turns serious. “You could have any woman in this room, Your Highness. Why are you bothering with the one who doesn’t want any part of the world you come with?”
“Probably because that’s what I like most about you,” I tellher honestly. “If I wanted those other women, I’d be with them instead of with you.”
“Except I shouldn’t be here with you,” she states bluntly. “I should turn around and walk away and leave this place behind.”
