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Though I kept getting swept up in her atmosphere.

The woman a magnet.

Every fucking thing in the world that enthralled me.

Brody sent her spinning across the floor, her black hair whipping as she came in my direction. She took my hand and playfully spun me around, though those hazel eyes were full of knowing.

Gold flecks glinted through the muted, babbling glow of candlelight.

I had to physically restrain myself from looping an arm around her waist and pulling her against me.

Flush and tight so I could feel the ravaging of her heart.

It wasn’t like I’d never danced with her that way before. But after yesterday? Even that move had become forbidden.

“Woowee,” Meems finally drawled over the music. She fanned herself. “This old gal is pooped.”

Why did she eye me when she said it? Scheming all over her face?

She gave Silas a pat to his shoulder. “I think it’s time we headed home. It’s gettin’ late.”

“Yeah,” Brinley agreed. “It’s way past Kai’s bedtime.”

“I not tired.” The baby gave a ferocious shake of his head.

His mom dipped him all the way upside down, and he howled with laughter.

“What? Are you fibbing to your momma? It’s two whole hours after you normally go to bed. I’m pretty sure you’ve got to be the sleepiest boy around.”

“No way. What I got to do is party.”

Every Crow in the place busted up. A round of cheers going around for the future prez.

Silas cut all of us a warning glance, going all papa bear. He made it clear he didn’t want his son following in the Crimson Crows’ footsteps. Didn’t want this life for him.

I fully got it. Didn’t blame him. Didn’t consider it hypocrisy.

You wanted the good things in life for the people you loved.

Not the shame and disgrace.

Not the danger or the truth that death was always lying in wait.

“I think you’re all partied out,” Brinley said as she lifted him upright. “Besides, I think your Lena is probably exhausted.”

Brinley sent her an affectionate look.

Elena’s cheeks were already red and heated. Her skin slicked in a soft sheen of sweat from the exertion. “I’m on cloud nine, honestly.”

“See, Wena no tired.”

Elena laughed, quick to add, “Oh, but I am. I think I’ll take a nap on this big, poofy cloud.”

Interest brightened Kai’s eyes and he bobbed his head. “I take nap with you.”

“Maybe next time,” she promised, and she pulled him out of Brinley’s arms to hug him tight. “You have to take your meems home and get her tucked into bed. And I think you’re going to want to show your dragon his new home.”

“I sweep with my dragon. Roar.” Kai lifted both hands and screwed up what was supposed to be a terrifying face.