Conor raises a brow with a cheeky grin. “Racking up the favors, are you, Donovan?”
I lean in, matching his grin. “What is the going rate for saving your ass?”
“Unlimited until I repay the favor,” he says, tone light. “What else do you need, my lad?”
I just smile. “I need a plus one while laying low.”
His fingers stop drumming, surprise lifting his brows. “Color me intrigued. Extended relative from the Emerald Isle? Call girl on retainer?”
I fold my hands on the table. “You’ll never guess, O’Connell.”
He laughs. “Alright, alright. Keep your secrets. Just don’t burn down my manor.”
“Oh, I’ll be lightin’ a few fires. But not like that.” I wink.
“More intrigued,” he says.
“Soon.”
I’ll introduce him to Lexie after the ball. By then, I’ll have informed her of my little surprise. Consider this…a holiday stay.
I finish my drink, then stand. “Thanks, Conor.”
“Anytime, Liam. Now go. Enjoy the party.”
The ballroom is a sight to behold.
Frescoes of angels and demons locked in eternal battle paint the ceiling. Massive chandeliers drip with crystal, which refracts the candlelight into a thousand tiny rainbows. Mirrors line the walls, making the room feel even larger, and the polished marble floor reflects the dancers like a still lake.
Conor hired a DJ, a professional, and the music is dark and electronic, a techno of sonic brutality and mystique. Instant recognition. Gesaffelstein.
In the center of it all, I find Lexie and River, dancing together and laughing.
I move through the crowd to the DJ, prepared to submit a fitting request for the night. Offer a slower song.
I watch her the whole time. Oblivious to anything but the pleasure of the dance, Lexie moves with a surprising grace. River spins her. Lexie laughs, the sound cutting through the music and straight into my chest.
Finished with the DJ, I stand against one of the pillars, content to watch.
She’s beautiful. Radiant. And for a moment, I let myself…enjoy it. Enjoy her. How she’s here, safe, happy. My heart stirs in my chest. I’ve danced with many a woman. But I’ve never cared to watch one…until Elexia Carter. Never cared to search for a girl like her. A woman with such inner grace and passion.
I didn’t think a man like me was allowed a soul. She’s my inconceivablegravity.I never saw her coming, but now I’m caught in her orbit with no way out.
The current song begins to slow to its end. I push off the pillar and make my way through the crowd.
River sees me first and nods, stepping back. “She’s all yours, Donovan.”
I slide an arm around Lexie’s waist, pulling her close. Her body collides with mine, and she whimpers, parting her lips.
“Liam—”
“Dance with me, Darlin’,” I murmur.
She nods, breathless, and I lead her into the dance.
It isn’t a waltz. No, Sleep Token’s “Provider” is something darker, a heavy, atmospheric pulse, vibrating through the marble floor. Possessive and rhythmic, the song haunts with themes of protection and the lengths a man will go to for what’s his.
I may have snooped through her Spotify for her top music selections.
