Page 125 of When The Night Falls

My heart palpitated painfully. Moving my hands to his jaw, I turned his face toward me.

‘I wasn’t enjoying myself – not really,’ I said as I held his gaze. ‘I’d rather it was you. In fact I’ve been looking for you, but since I was supposed to spend time with Ellie tonight, I didn’t want to leave her side.’

Something bright shone from his eyes. ‘Really?’

‘Really.’

He smiled winsomely and glanced over his shoulder, but when he faced me again, he had knitted his brows. ‘I have to say, though, I’m a bit disappointed. Of all women, I’d expect at least you to escape predators like that.’

I chuckled. ‘Well, I was just about to kick him in the balls when you arrived.’

His lips stretched into another smile. ‘Really?’

‘Yes.’

He looked proud. ‘Good. I’m almost sorry I intervened, then. A kick in the balls is what he deserves, and even that would be merciful.’

Nodding my agreement, I gazed at the crowd. I wanted to dance again, but with William – only him. Biting my lip, I looked back at him with a mischievous smile. His brows twitched faintly, revealing some confusion, but before he could say anything, I pushed him away. As I strode past him on my way to the dance floor, I wondered where Andy had gone.

‘What are you doing?’ William asked.

Eyeing him over my shoulder, I gave him a lascivious smile. ‘Escaping a predator,’ I teased with a wink.

His eyes grew darker as he followed me. I had barely managed to pass a few dancing bodies when he clasped my hand, and I nearly shuddered with desire at his touch. As he entwined our fingers, I took a deep breath to steady my rising pulse.

‘I’m not letting you out of my sight,’ he said. Good. I didn’t want him to, and I let him know by squeezing his hand.

When we were further into the crowd, I turned to face him. ‘Can you dance?’ I asked above the music.

He grinned. ‘With you, I’ll do just about anything.’

A warm wave of colour flushed my cheeks, but I didn’t think he could see it under the dim light. He moved closer and brought his arms around my waist, pulling me against him.

I had never felt so anxious before – not over a man. My blood simmered in my veins as I circled his neck with my arms. He was so fucking hot. All I wanted was to submerge myself in this moment with him.

Lowering his head, he paused by my ear. ‘Stay close,’ he said and began to move along with the carnal music. I followed his movements with my heart in my throat, feeling my arousal drench both my mind and my underwear. All I could think of was my intense yearning for his flesh, how much I wanted him – all of him.

I hadn’t thought that a man like William could dance, but he was indeed proving me wrong. Then again, considering his skills in the bedroom, it shouldn’t have surprised me. He practised perfect control over his body, and he seemed determined to make mine come undone.

And it was working. My hands were all over him, exploring and caressing.

We had danced for a while when he gripped my hips and whirled me around so that my back was facing him. Smoothing his hands down my arms, he didn’t stop until they covered the back of mine. There, he entwined our fingers and brought our arms around me to form an embrace. My heart jolted when he hugged me tightly. Our new position was powerfully intimate, and it made me catch my breath. When he moved along with my body now, I could feel his erection straining against my bum.

Oh my God. I was going insane.

Resting my head on his shoulder, I closed my eyes and surrendered to the euphoric moment. He was seduction in the flesh. The longer he held me, the more unbearable my lust for him became. Eventually my desire for him grew so heavy that I knew I would be crushed under its weight if I didn’t act on it.

All at once, lust capsized my good sense. I needed to kiss him. It felt as vital to my existence as oxygen did.

Opening my eyes, I saw an area deep in shadow at the far end of the room, and it became my quest to bring him there. I thrust my hips back to push him away. He let go of me, and I rushed forward immediately, but not before I had cast a lewd smile at him over my shoulder.

‘Cara,’ he called, though it sounded more like an order. He charged after me.

Giggling, I snuck through the crowd, always just barely escaping his grasp. Like a man possessed, he chased after me, eyes resolute.

‘Cara!’

Twirling, I gave him another smile. ‘Catch me if you can, Will!’

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