Page 128 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

“I’m not a great dancer,” Brynleigh admitted, shouting to be heard over the blaring music.

“You don’t have to be!” River threw back her head and laughed. “Let the music speak to you.”

Brynleigh was pretty certain that wasn’t how it worked. However, she didn’t want to say no to River. Not when the water fae reminded Brynleigh of her sister. Sarai would’ve spent all night on the dance floor, shaking her hips and letting the music move her.

For her sister, Brynleigh would dance. “Alright, I’ll give it a try.”

And she did.

The music blared, the beats were low, and the lights dim as they danced. Neither Brynleigh nor River spoke, letting the music guide their movements.

It surprised Brynleigh to realize she started enjoying herself sometime around the third song. Dancing to the pop music was a far cry from when she and Ryker had spun around the ballroom. It was easy. No one was looking at her.

For the first time in years, Brynleigh felt free. She was clumsy, but that didn’t seem prohibitive with this style of music. Soon, she swayed her hips, her eyes hooded as she let the rhythm run through her. Her shadows danced in her veins, echoing the song.

This was… nice.

Several songs later, River looked behind Brynleigh and smiled. She nodded, then slipped away into the crowd of bodies.

Confused, Brynleigh went to turn around. Before she could, a pair of large, warm hands settled on her hips. The vampire tilted up her head, and a grin stretched across her features.

Ryker stood behind her, all broody and beautiful in his fae way.

“River said you didn’t want to dance,” Brynleigh murmured.

Ryker drew her against him, her back lining up with his front. He held her hips, and they swayed to the music as it slowed.

The captain’s breath ghosted over Brynleigh’s ear. “Sweetheart, it seems I’m breaking all my rules for you.”

The shiver running through Brynleigh had nothing to do with the chill in the air and everything to do with the hardness pressed against the swell of her ass.

“Oh?” She twisted in his arms and gazed up at him.

Strobing lights cast Ryker in alternating blue and white, giving him an ethereal aura. His hands slipped around her and pressed against her bottom. “Yes.” His head dipped, and he kissed the corner of her mouth. “I would do anything for you, Brynleigh de la Point.”

Her heart pounded at his concession. Gods, how was it possible to care so much about someone in such a short period of time? Now that she knew the truth, Brynleigh could admit her true feelings to herself. She really liked Ryker, and there was nothing wrong with that.

Maybe she more than liked him. She would explore that thought when she was on her own. Either way, emboldened by her feelings, Brynleigh didn’t wait for Ryker to kiss her properly. She threaded her hands behind his neck and pulled him towards her.

Their mouths slammed together in a passionate embrace. They remained like that for several minutes. Kissing. Swaying. Touching. Being together.

This was a moment Brynleigh would never forget. Right now, there were no more rules or games. No one watching or judging them. They were alone, and she allowed all the emotions rising within her to remain. She was… happy, and she loved it.

Eventually, the music shifted. The beat picked up, and the new song demanded they move their bodies.

So, they did.

Ryker’s grip tightened around her hips.

Brynleigh ground herself against him, wishing there were no more barriers between them.

They kissed again and again and again. Hands explored. Her fangs ached. Her shadows throbbed.

They moved as one, dancing the night away until the sun was about to rise.

There were no rules, and it was good.

CHAPTER 32

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