“Can we use it as an excuse to eavesdrop?” she asks, gradually sliding her hand into mine. “I’m embarrassingly invested at this point.”
Lifting her knuckles to my lips, I murmur, “You and me both.”
Leading her to the small dance floor, I stop on the edge. Logic has its place, and I know from experience that, unfortunately, it’s far removed from emotion. Even knowing that it’s safe won’t combat the wave of anxiety being surrounded by bodies will incite, especially for someone that’s spent a lifetime avoiding people. Fuck, it took me decades to work past the worst of my hang ups, and I did it with far less grace, and a shit ton of mistakes I’d like to save her from.
“Eyes on me,solas mo shaol.”
Slowly, I loop her arms around the back of my neck. Hands on her hips, I guide her movements, helping her match the bass to find her rhythm. She picks it up quickly, but I selfishly keep my hands where they are. This; this feels right. My mate in my arms, rolling her hips against mine and shedding the fears that cover her like storm clouds.
Maybe her block is as easy as that. A lifetime locked away, taught to be afraid of everyone waiting to steal her away and hurt her. If she didn’t give a sign that she was a dragon, subconsciously, she might have thought she was safer.
“That’s my girl,” I murmur in encouragement, spinning so that she’s facing away from the center of the crowd.
As the heavy bass of the song pulses through the floor and up through the soles of my feet, I gradually work our way deeper into the crowd. Whenever she tenses, I pivot slightly to give her a clear view of the exit, and the reminder does miracles for her nerves. I never want Amara to think that she’s trapped with me. I want her to see every option in front of her, and choose me anyway.
The strangers’ conversation filters our way between the music as we work our way within earshot. “-pregnant.”
Amara straight up beams, the sun hidden behind her golden irises. “Called it,” she mouths.
Silence is met as the man is left dumbstruck, and I pay close attention at this point. They might be human, but if Amara and I were both wrong and this guy flies off the handle, I’ll intervene.
Her chair screeches back against the tile and I wince, but keep her in my sights as she rushes away. She makes it all of five steps before the man is tripping over himself in his haste to catch up, palming both of her cheeks and kissing her breathless. Relieved, I turn my attention back to my own date with a victorious grin.
“Pay up, buttercup.”
Grumbling, she fishes out a five dollar bill, but surprises the shit out of me when she’s bold enough to stuff it into my front pocket. “Worth it. I’m happy to be wrong.”
“Can I get you to write that down? I feel like it’ll come in handy in the future.”
She takes a playful swat at my chest, looping her arms back around my neck and rising up on her toes to be heard over the music. “And incriminate myself? I think the fuck not. Rule number one, Kodiak. Don’t give anyone anything they can use against you.”
My grip on her tightens, and I have to consciously remind myself to ease up so I don’t leave bruises on her hips. The downside? As soon asthatthought crosses my mind, my animalistic half gives his full-fucking support and sends image after image of a writhing, naked Amara.
“I think we passed that point several secrets ago, don’t you?”
Something indecipherable flashes across her eyes. “Fair.”
Sliding my hand to her lower back, I urge her impossibly closer, each roll of my hips encouraging hers. With every step I take she matches me, trusting me to guide her body through the process implicitly. It’s clear the moment she forgets about everyone else surrounding herself and loses herself to the music; her freedom is palpable on my tongue.
For weeks, I’ve tasted Amara’s anxiety as she navigated a world that doesn’t deserve her. But her acceptance that she doesn’t need to fear it with me by her side? Absolutely intoxicating.
“Care to dance?” some rando asks.
I don’t say a damn word as our movements come to a standstill. The raising of my eyebrow as I silently ask if he really has the balls to try and steal my date right in front of me is more than enough to send him scurrying away. I sigh, more than a little annoyed, and pull Amara against me again as if we’d never been interrupted.
“You know, one of these times it’d be nice if they’d at least take a swing before running off with their tails between their legs.”
“Do youwantto get punched in the face?” she asks in confusion.
My gaze darts down to her mouth and back quickly. “How am I supposed to prove that I can keep you safe if they don’t give me the opportunity?”
She chuckles, following my lead as the song changes into something slower. “So you want to show off?”
I shrug a single shoulder. “I’m a guy in the company of a beautiful woman, what do you expect? It’s practically engraved in my testicles that I need to beat someone up so you’ll want to kiss me.”
She barks out a laugh. “That’s a little extreme just for a kiss.”
“Oh? Then what do I need to do?”
