Page 4 of Wrapped Up

Before I can make a decision, the song changes. The spell is broken, and I'm left standing alone on the dance floor, breathless and unsure. I need some fresh air. And some time to think things through.

I pivot to leave and collide with a solid chest. My breath catches as I look up into the face that has captivated me all night, now just inches away, his eyes blazing with something that makes my skin tingle.

His warm breath brushes against my face invitingly. "Well hello there, Princess. What a coincidence running into you like this."

My heart skips a beat at the sound of his voice—deep, smooth with a hint of playfulness. Normally I would be bristling at being called Princess," but instead, I lean into it and him.

“Hello yourself, Prince Charming,” I retort, surprising even myself. “Here to sweep me off my feet?”

A smile spreads across his face as his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Only if you want to be swept off your feet."

A new song, with a lively beat floats through the air, and without a word being exchanged, we begin to move in perfect harmony. His large hands confidently find their place on my hips, while mine settle onto his broad shoulders. It's as if our bodies know a dance that our minds haven't quite learned yet.

We sway together, the electric heat between us intensifying. I'm taken aback by how easily we fall into sync and how deeply our exchange affects me. His touch is strong yet gentle, guiding without being controlling.

“So, Princess,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. “What's your story?”

I burst out laughing, tilting my head back in amusement. “Wouldn't you love to know?”

“I actually would,” he admits, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Let me guess... corporate lawyer by day, undercover superhero by night?”

I snort, unable to contain my amusement. “Close. Replace 'superhero' with 'binge-watcher of Netflix' and you've got it.”

He chuckles, the deep sound reverberating through his chest. “A woman after my own heart. What's your favorite show?”

“It depends." I raise an eyebrow. "Are you going to judge me based on my answer?”

“Always," he teases. “but I'll be fair.”

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the smile tugging at my lips. “Fine. It's a toss-up between 'The Great British Bake Off' and 'True Crime Documentaries'. Judge away, Your Highness.”

“Interesting combination,” he muses, his hand splaying across my lower back. “Sweet and deadly. I like it.”

The music swells, and we move closer, our bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. I should feel uncomfortable with this level of intimacy with a stranger, but instead, I feel... safe. Seen.

“And you, Prince Charming?” I ask. “What's your poison?”

He grins wickedly. “Oh, I'm more of a 'Bridgerton' man myself. I live for the drama and the corsets.”

I laugh, feeling light and carefree for the first time in ages. “I knew there was something regal about you.”

His laughter fills me, warm and inviting. It's been so long since I've felt this playful and carefree. It's almost intoxicating, and I find myself wanting more.

“Alright, Your Highness,” I say, quirking an eyebrow. “If we're playing twenty questions, it's my turn. What's your day job when you're not ruling your kingdom?”

He grins, spinning me out and pulling me back in with effortless grace. “I'm a professional cat herder. It's a niche market, but someone's got to do it.”

I snort, unable to contain my amusement. “Oh really? And how does one get into such a prestigious field?”

“Years of rigorous training,” he replies solemnly. “You have to master the art of looking aloof while secretly craving attention. Cats respect that.”

Our banter continues, each question more ridiculous than the last.

As our laughter subsides, he leans in close, his breath tickling my ear. “What do you say we continue this riveting conversation over another drink, Princess?”

For a moment, I hesitate, feeling the same doubts I had before creeping back into my mind. But then he smiles at me, with that mischievous twinkle in his eye, and I find myself nodding without thinking.

My skin feels like it's humming with anticipation as he leads me through the packed bar with a light touch on my back. I can sense him behind me, his body heat radiating towards mine through the small space between us.

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