Page 267 of Mayhem and Minnie

I can’t say no to her, of course.

Instead, I try to find a roomier spot so no one accidentally touches her. But that’s rather hard when everyone bumps into each other.

I grind my jaw in annoyance.

But then I spot her hopeful expression and sigh.

I won’t ruin it for her.

So I swoop her into my arms. She wraps her legs around my waist while hugging my neck with her arms.

Her face is so close to mine, I can smell the particles of sugar still on her lips.

“We can dance like this,” I murmur softly.

Her lips curve up, and she threads her fingers through my hair.

I sway from side to side with her in my arms. I’m sure I’m not doing justice to the rhythm, but I don’t care about that when my attention is wholly focused on her.

I sweep her veil to the side so I can see her face better, and not for the first time, I beat myself for not realizing what a beauty she was from the start.

Gazing into her big black eyes, I can’t help myself from telling her, “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

She smiles at me indulgently.

“That’s nice of you to say, but I know there are other women far more beautiful than me.”

“There are?” My brows go up. “Where? I don’t see anyone else.”

She shakes her head at me.

“You’re such a flatterer.”

“You know I’m not. I’d never tell you falsehoods, Minnie. You’re the only woman I see.”

Her cheeks are tinged with red, and her lashes flutter in embarrassment.

I cup her jaw, tracing my thumb over her lips before I lean in to kiss her.

Her lips are pump and soft, and oh so inviting. I nibble on her lower lip before I dive deeper, exploring her mouth and tasting all the sweetness she has to offer.

We sway to the music and kiss.

The world fades away until nothing else matters but me, her, and this kiss.

She’s the first to pull back, her eyes glistening with unfulfilled desire. But there’s also restraint. Her body is trembling with want, but she keeps herself still, putting an invisible barrier between us.

“I hope you’re not going to regret every kiss we share from now on.”

She swallows, then musters up a smile.

“We can kiss. As long as kissing is all we’ll do,” she whispers. “I just pray the Primordial Goddess will understand.”

“If she won’t, then we’ll make her. I’m not going to let anyone stand in our way, Minnie,” I tell her firmly.

“I appreciate the thought but?—”

“No buts.” I press my finger against her lips. “You’re stuck with me forever now, Minnie.”

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