Page 151 of Vicious Temptation

She bites the corner of her lip and shakes her head.

“Dance with me, fera?” I ask, extending my hand.

“You dance?”

“Let me guess. I don’t look like the type?”

Remi slips her hand into mine, and I tug her forward.

“I never said that.”

“Sure,” I murmur against her hair as I slide a hand around her waist and guide her into the rhythm. “Besides, I didn’t have a choice. My aunt practically forced me to learn.”

Her laughter vibrates against my chest. “Poor Thiago.”

I tilt her chin and brush my lips against hers. “Yeah. Poor, poor me.”

The kiss is brief, but neither of us pulls away. I want to deepen it, yet I know exactly where that will lead. Tonight, I don’t want this to become about sex.

I want this instead.

I want her body warm against mine as we move together, her cheek resting against my chest and her hand tucked into mine. I want the way she relaxes in my arms as the music fills the room, making everything waiting for me outside these walls easier to ignore.

For the first time all day, I feel something dangerously close to peace.

“Remi...”

She tips her head back to look at me, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“What is it?”

“In a couple of weeks, the precinct is holding a costume charity ball.”

“Costume? In July?”

I laugh. “Well, I figure if we can have Christmas in July, why not Halloween?”

“Why not?” she says with a grin. “You’re dressing up?”

“Sort of. Does a Batman mask count as a costume?”

Her smile widens. “How fitting of you. And I guess so. Just wear a tux and you’ll be good to go.”

I lean closer and whisper, “Come with me.”

Her steps falter. “Go with you?” she asks. “As in your date?”

“Exactly. We’re allowed to bring a guest, and I thought⁠—”

“You’re joking, right?”

I stop moving, but the music continues around us. The amusement drains from her face, taking mine with it.

“No.”

“You’re serious?”

“Yeah.”