I almost choke.
Navir chuckles. “Oh my... I think someone needs more wine,” he purrs, drawing closer to her.
I see red. Planting myself between the pair, I shove him against the buffet table. “Get out.”
He shakes his head, smirking. “Come on, Tauren, I only wished to visit?—”
“I said, get out.” My tone must be threatening enough because his smile drops.
“Of course,Your Lordship.” He bows mockingly. “Thank you for giving me everything I needed, my darling.” He winks at Dahlia.
I don’t get a chance to figure out what the hell he’s talking about before he disappears into shadow form and phases through the shrubbery.
“I don’t like him.” Dahlia pulls my attention away.
“Me neither, sweetheart.” I wrap my arm around her. It’s then I notice the glossy look in her eyes and the blush on her cheeks.
I draw closer, studying her. She tries to pull away, only to trip over her feet. “Stupid bumpy grass.” As she speaks, I can smell the wine on her breath.
“Are you drunk?” I tilt her chin up.
“I only had a few glasses in the castle earlier. Liquid courage.” She tries to brush my hand away, but misses. Hell only knows how she was able to dance so well.
“Who was that man?” she grumbles. “Blossom didn’t notice, but he was watching her like he wanted to eat her. It was disgusting.”
I scoop her up, carrying her over to an iron bench so she can sit before she falls. “That was my cousin, Navir, but he goes by Aries now. He’s trouble. Been exiled since my Father’s reign and runs some kind of gang in the forest.”
“Why was he here?” she slurs as I place her onto the bench.
I sit beside her. “He wanted to meet Tamryn, apparently.” I don’t know if it’s true. It’s been years since I’ve seen him, but he and Maeve were close once.
“My sisters and I will need to borrow a carriage once we leave tonight.” Dahlia fidgets with the laces of her bodice. “Can you spare one? I’ll ride Angel alongside it.”
“Your sisters can have a carriage.” I toss her a knowing smile. “Angel will be staying here with you.”
Her brow lowers. “Our deal was that if you didn’t manage to make me say I needed you, then I would get to leave?—”
“At the end of the party,” I finish for her. “I’m well aware, little monster. However, you seem to have not noticed the party has only just begun, and you have now finished your dance.”
Her lips part. “Actually, I-I think I should spend some time with Tamryn.”
“By all means.” I gesture towards my niece, who’s still busy painting at her easel. “I’ll be right behind you. And once you’re ready, it’ll be time for your punishment.”
“Punishment?” she blurts. “What did I do?—”
“You ran away from me after our wedding, remember?” I grasp her thigh, sliding her along the bench towards me. “I haven’t forgotten. I’ve just been waiting for the right time to discipline you. And since you’re so insistent on leaving me soon, it has to be tonight.”
“Tauren,” she pleads. Arousal shoots below my belt.
“I love it when you beg.” I nuzzle into her neck. “Save it for later though, hmm? Unless you’d like me to bend you over this bench? Or perhaps I could strip you and offer you up naked onone of the buffet tables?” I’d never do it, but the fear in her gaze is too damned delicious to resist.
Breathless, she hops off the seat, wobbling a little from the wine. “I’m going to see Tamryn.” She smooths her tutu. “And say goodbye.”
“As you wish, my love.” I swipe up her hand, pressing a kiss against her wrist. “But, Dahlia?”
She shudders. “Yes?”
“No more wine.”
