But it was not enough. I needed more.
Ragnar withdrew his hand and it was like someone dunked my head under water. My eyes popped open and I found his handsome face smiling at me.
“So tell me, Serafina…” He held up a black satin ribbon with a blue crystal in the shape of a heart that threw fractals of firelight. “…are you a sorceress?”
A ball of pure warmth pushed up my throat. “Yes.”
“Get off of her.”
The wall of bronze moved and the sensuous smell of oak and vanilla filled my nose. Derrick stood behind his uncle, dressed in black, and his eyes were on fire behind his dark mask.
General Hyton glared at Derrick and took a breath like he was going to say something.
“What are you doing, Ragnar?”
Even though my insides were practically molten, I looked up. A tall, red-haired man folded his arms and glared at General Hyton beneath his golden mask.
General Hyton’s chiseled face smoothed and he put on a smile. “Merely playing nursemaid, Tyreon.” He tossed Derrick a look and smirked. “But now that the children found each other, we should get some refreshment.”
The red-haired man’s mouth softened and he turned, his purple robes swishing around him. The General followed closely behind.
The burning sensation spread throughout my body, pooling with white-hot intensity in my hips. My skin shivered as Derrick rested his hands on my jaw and lowered his face near mine.
Fury burned in his eyes as they flicked down to the spots of bronze on my glove. “Did he hurt you?”
I savored his breath warming my cheeks as I answered, “No.”
“Did he give you anything to drink?”
“No, Derrick.” His name tastedso goodin my mouth.
“Good, I have not had anything to drink either.” He let out a relieved breath. “Father told me what was happening and let me into the ballroom.”
His shirt was open at the collar, revealing a hint of dark hair on his chest.
“I am so sorry,” he said. “I should have been here sooner.”
My fingers twitched, aching to touch him as my eyes roamed his chest. An embroidered silver star rested on each side of his collar.
Two stars. All black ensemble. His costume was suddenly obvious.
A smile pulled at my flushed lips. “But you are here now, Midnight.”
He smiled. “Midnight was always there for you. I did not want tonight to be any different.”
My mouth watered. I could not take it anymore, I needed to touch him.
I traced one of his stars with my finger. His throat bobbed as I drew a line from his neck to his chest. Heat pulsed between my legs. “Derrick, I want you.”
His chest rose and fell faster. He looked down at me and swallowed. “Serafina, I know what tonight is supposed to be and…I havealwayswanted you, but are you—?”
I raised on my toes and my lips crashed against his as a desperate whimper escaped my throat. Now. I needed him now.
He pulled away and his breath skated against my swollen lips. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into another kiss. He bit my lip and I nearly collapsed. My heart drummed faster and faster.
“Right here,” I breathed between kisses. I wanted him to take me on the floor. Tear off my skirt. Give me everything.
