Page 3 of Midnight Whispers

I’ve interrupted something. “Shit, sorry for interrupting.”

“What is it?” he says with irritation.

“I need to know what you think of Maude. I’m nervous as hell, and I need to know you have no real objections.”

My brother’s shoulders relax. “Do whatever you think is right. You’re a grown man. Make the decision yourself.”

Does Anabelle have some potion she’s drugging him with? I’m shocked but pleased.

“I’m going to run to the ladies’ room and let you two talk,” Anabelle says. “I’ll meet you back at the table?”

Asher places a chaste kiss on her lips before his face runs along her cheek to her ear, whispering something that makes her blush. Could he be in love? Asher in love? I never would have thought.

“I promise you this is the right decision.” I clamp his shoulder. I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince him or me.

“Do you know how you’re going to do it?”

I grin. “I booked a room for us at a nearby hotel. I’ve arranged for the suite to be filled with flowers and desserts. I’m going to run a bubble bath for us and ask her to marry me.”

“You’re a regular Prince Charming.”

I roll my eyes. Out of my four brothers, I’m the most in tune with my emotions. Maybe because I’m the youngest, and they all protected me. They all have these hard exteriors that I don’t, but I know my brothers. When they meet the love of their lives, they’ll be running bubble baths and sprinkling rose petals on beds too. “You’d do the same for Anabelle.”

He ignores my statement and instead sticks one hand between us and the other clamps onto my shoulder. “Good luck.”

“Thanks, big brother. Listen, if you don’t mind, I’m going to take off. I just want it over.”

“The rest of us will handle things here.”

“Awesome.” I make my way off the dance floor, but something catches my eye before I do.

Or rather someone.

A blonde with her hair pulled back, wearing a light blue dress that shows off an amazing pair of legs, is trying to free herself from a man who’s clearly had too much to drink. I don’t recognize him, but then again, the masks don’t help any. I turn in their direction, walking toward them. The guy pulls her into him.

What the fuck?

I don’t want to cause a scene, but this guy needs to keep his hands to himself before I break them. I fucking hate men who are physically aggressive with women. It hits too close to home with how my father treated my mother. I was so young when my mother died, but my most vivid memories are the ones where my father was physically abusive to her.

I walk up to them, not pausing for a beat, and place my hand on the small of her back, standing as close as I can to her. “There you are. Ready for that dance you promised me?” I glare at the man who is twenty or thirty years her senior.

Through her silver mask, her blue eyes widen. I stare into the depths, lost for a moment.

She’s much better at recovering herself from whatever just passed between us. “I… yes, yes, sorry I was held up.”

The man mumbles something and reluctantly steps back.

“Shall we?” I gesture to the dance floor.

Her eyes scan the area as if she’s here with someone else whom she’s scared might find her in my arms, but she walks toward the dance floor. She winds around couples dancing until we’re cocooned in the middle of the wooden floor. I place my hand around her waist and hold her hand between our bodies. As I guide her around the dance floor, I’m surprised it doesn’t feel awkward.

Her perfume of jasmine and sandalwood assaults me as her feet easily move with mine. She’s a natural dancer, allowing me to lead effortlessly. I’m distracted by her tits pressing against my chest. Hers are bigger than average, and it’s impossible for me not to notice. I shouldn’t compare her to Maude, but I can’t help it.

“Thank you for saving me. I was trying to be polite, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Usually I have no trouble dealing with men like him, but he was more persistent than most.”

“Happy to help.”

Again, she scours the crowd.

---