He keeps my vine-bound hand clasped in his and slides the other around my waist, his fingers pressing against the small of my back. He glides smoothly between steps, not once looking at our feet. His eyes stay locked on mine.
My heart swells as our bodies sway in time to the music—I never imagined he’d be such a wonderful dancer. While I’d attended the occasional formal party with my parents, learning all the required dances, I’ve never been so comfortable with anyone else. It hardly matters that I don’t know the steps.
I’m practically yelling so he can hear. “What’s this called?”
Caeo winces, then shrugs. “No idea. She never told me the name.”
It’s similar enough to the Grace that we don’t conflict with the couples dancing around us, though he keeps surprising me with a sudden shift in the pattern. I give in, letting him lead me where he will, my eyes only leaving his when he spins me around, laughter tumbling from my lips.
A few songs later, sweat is condensing on my skin, especially where Caeo’s hands press against me. When the music fades beneath the murmur of the crowd, I lift myself to my toes, close to his ear.
“Let’s take a break.”
Caeo sneaks in a kiss before I pull away, then guides me off the dance floor. But as we approach the refreshment tables, an uncomfortable weight hovers over my shoulders.
I peek at the crowd. Multiple sets of eyes are fixed on us, none of them friendly. Narrowed, burning glares. Judgmental brows tilting up with whispered words.
My grip on Caeo’s hand tightens.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“Why’s everyone staring?” From everything I’ve heard about tonight, we haven’t done anything they should consider improper.
Caeo scans the room. Almost all the offenders are women, many with dates of their own, seeking their attention.
He sighs, running his hand through his hair. “Ignore them. They’re just jealous.”
I glance between them and Caeo. As handsome as he is, no one’s good-looking enough to merit this kind of vitriol. It doesn’t make any sense.
But he sees only me. He barely touches any of the food, only taking a few sips of lemonade as he watches me eat, his eyes devouring my every bite. The tips of his fingers, cold from holding his icy beverage, tickle my side as they trace along the edge of my dress.
He really doesn’t care about anyone else.
Unfortunately, I can’t ignore them as easily. The weight of their stares presses against me, as if I’m at the edge of a cliff.
I ground myself, focusing on Caeo’s touch. “Should we dance again?”
He pulls me closer. “Whatever you want.”
What is that, really?Do I want to dance, or move on to something else? Something with only us.
I bite my lip as my pulse quickens, outpacing the tapping of dancing feet. “I want…”
Deep breath.
“I want you to take me to my room.”
Caeo dips his head, his eyes fixed on mine. “You’re sure?”
I answer with a kiss, wrapping my unbound hand around his neck and gliding my fingers through his soft, raven locks.
“Absolutely.”
With a grin, he pulls me to the doors, weaving through the crowd. Seconds later, we burst out of the Great Hall and into the chilly night air. He envelops me with another kiss, smothering me with his warmth.
I gasp as I break for air. “There’s still people around.”
He doesn’t spare a glance at our fellow students lingering nearby. “I don’t care.”
