Page 90 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“I feel as though everyone here knows far more about me than I know about any of them.”

“That’s probably true.”

There is no apology in her voice. Oddly I appreciate that.

She introduces Everett and Griffin, and greetings are exchanged. Then her attention comes back to me.

“You don’t have to understand everything tonight.”

The words reach somewhere inside me that has been clenched all day.

I look at her more carefully. “Do I look that overwhelmed?”

“No.” She smiles. “You look like someone trying very hard not to be.”

For once, I have no answer.

Her husband’s hand settles more firmly at her back. She leans into him without seeming to realize she’s doing it, and I can’t stop looking.

Rylee follows my gaze. “It gets easier.”

“You promise?”

She glances at Lucian and Caleb. “I didn’t say they get easier.”

We share a smile that I appreciate.

After a few more words, the three of them move away.

“You’re doing great,” Lucian tells me as I take a larger drink of champagne. “We’re proud of you.”

Why does that comment make me so happy?

Before I can respond, the music is turned up, and people begin to move toward the dance floor.

Smiling, Lucian says, “I believe this dance is mine.”

There is no reason the gesture should make me nervous. We’ve danced before. The first time, I hated him. Tonight is considerably more complicated.

But aware that Marcella has focused her camera on us, I place my hand in his.

“The next is mine,” Caleb says, moving toward the bar as Lucian leads me onto the floor.

He draws me against him with the same effortless control he displayed at my father’s gala. Only now I know the feel of his hands. His mouth. The low sound of approval he makes when I please him. My body recognizes him in ways my mind still resists.

“You’re thinking.”

“I do that.”

“Excessively.”

“That’s rich coming from a man who planned my entire life like an international acquisition.”

His hand tightens at my waist. Not enough to hurt. Enough that I know the point landed.

We move through a slow turn.

“I didn’t plan your entire life.”