“Uh, sorry. I’m not the best dancer.”
“That’s alright.” He returned to a simple slow circle. “I assumed you’d know the dance to this song.”
I blushed and shook my head.
Eldwulf glanced behind me. “You’re sure you’re just friends with Vander?”
“Yes, why?”
“I don’t know if he thinks that. He doesn’t look very happy right now.”
“He doesn’t look happy a lot of the time,” I said with a giggle. “Very serious, that one.” I sort of hoped he was upset I was dancing with someone else. He could have asked me. I peeked athim and our eyes met for a moment. His mouth tightened, but he turned back to Scout on the stool next to him.
“How do you know him? There’s rumors Vander is an assassin, and you all came in as a group. Everyone knows you don’t talk about it, but most of us know assassins when we see them, and the serpent dagger was kind of a tip-off. Viper?”
I stopped and pulled back. I wasn’t supposed to talk about being an assassin to anyone, no matter how charming and handsome they were. “How about another drink, Eldwulf? Shot of whisky?”
He chuckled and gestured toward the bar. I wiggled in at the open spot at the end, and Eldwulf ordered four shots of whisky. “Two for me, two for you.”
I was already feeling the Dragon’s Breath, but smiled as the barkeep set the shots in front of us. I grimaced at the taste as I downed them both. He laughed and took them without making a face. He must do this more often than me. It wasn’t but a minute or so later that my head was swimming, and my legs felt like pudding, but I was on top of the world. I had to remember there could be magic in these drinks to enhance them.
One moment we were chatting at the bar, and the next I was spinning around the dance floor again. Eldwulf was funny, witty, and liked to talk close to my ear and keep his hands on my hips. I couldn’t help but wish it was Vander’s hands on my body, but I avoided looking at him even as I felt his eyes on me again. I could sense him, and how on edge he was.
My body was heavy and light at once. I leaned my head on Eldwulf’s shoulder and wrapped my arms around his neck. “You’re fun,” I said.
“We could have more fun at my house. I have a natural hot spring that runs through the back property. We could take a dip under the moonlight.”
I blinked a few times. That would be impossible at home, and it intrigued me. “I don’t have anything to wear for that.”
He smiled. “You can wear whatever you want. Clothes... no clothes.”
I might be getting myself into more trouble than I bargained for if I did that. I only wanted to go if Vander did. “I probably can’t. It’s up to Vander.”
“Why?”
I pressed my lips together. I glanced up at him, hoping I hadn’t said too much. The swirling white mist moved among the purple lights above us in fascinating ways.
“Ah, I think I understand,” he said with a charming smile. “It’s all making sense now. You should tell Vander you want to come to my house. He knows where I live and can get you in the morning.”
“I don’t know. I came to dance and have a couple drinks. I think I want another.” I turned and stumbled over his foot. I squealed, saw the floor coming fast, but was caught around the middle before I hit the ground. I felt Vander like a cool night wind, sending a chill down my spine. I knew his touch and his presence well.
Vander pulled me up and held my waist. “I’ll take her from here.”
I lifted my chin and smiled at him. Damn it, he was so sexy. It was criminal to look that good and tease me, only to keep me at a distance. He wouldn’t even dance with me in front of anyone, but he would sleep next to me.
Eldwulf glanced between us but didn’t step away.
Vander deadpanned and sharpened his tone ever so slightly. “Have a good night, Eldwulf.”
His throat bobbed, and he stepped back with a dip of his chin. “You as well, Vander.”
“Bye, maybe I’ll see you again soon.” I waved at him, and Vander pushed my hand down.
“You’re not jealous, are you?” I asked with a giggle and then pressed my lips together. Why did I say that? I had to get a handle on myself.
He narrowed his eyes and slid his palm up my arm until he gripped mine, then with the other he placed my hand on his shoulder. “Clearly you need someone to teach you to dance. You’re stumbling all over the place and stepping on toes.”
“And who better than my illustrious trainer?”
