Page 74 of Scars and Burns

“Come on, King Elio, let them dance!” King Charon says from his side of the table. I lean forward slightly to see him holding hands with Queen Ayla. Both smiling at us.

King Charon seems to counter King Elio in every way. Wanting things to take place that are not ideal. Perhaps to see how peaceful this gathering truly is. How far the alliance will go now that the guests of honors are together.

“It is a time of peace and celebration.” Queen Ayla adds on.

King Elio smiles, “But of course. You two enjoy.”

I stand. Taking Aeron’s hand, allowing him to guide me to the dance floor. Not before I glance over to King Elio. Who has a warning look in his eye. I remember our deal. Remember his threat.

Before I can think on it any longer I am consumed by Aeron.

His hand is rough. Pulling me into him. Our bodies flushed together. I place a hand on his shoulder. He’s stronger than I remember. Even through his clothes I can feel every muscle.

My breathing is shallow. I have to crane my neck just to get a clear view of his chin. So instead I stare forward. Looking at his broad chest. Focusing on his tattoos. Far more elaborate than I remember from before. But there is something else there. Something that lies underneath.

“You look exquisite.” He says to me.

“Thank you. Aeron is it?” I spit out.

Doing my best to focus on our conversation. Not doing a very good job as I feel his hand on the small of my back. It’s huge. Covering the entire width of it. Strong and secure.

Yet gentle.

He clears his throat and stiffens. “Yes, I suppose I should apologize for our last interaction.”

I huff, “Which part? Lying to me or invading my space and taking liberties?”

We move around the dance floor. Dodging others. Him leading me gracefully. I easily follow. It’s not hard with his size and stature. We fall in step with one another seamlessly.

Naturally.

“Liberties? Hardly.”

“You don’t believe you took your own liberties with me.”

“You didn’t seem to object. Sure you moved but was it really against… or with me?”

My breath falters. As does his. I feel the tips of his fingers caress up my spine. I don’t know why but I lean into it.

“Why did you never return?” This time, I do crane my head up to meet his eyes.

“Did you miss me? Wait for me?”

“No, just curious. You pursued me. You offered to get to know one another and against my better judgment I considered it.”

He flattens his hand against my back. Pulling me even closer to him. His body is hard as stone. Built to decimate.

Looking into my eyes with what I can’t say. Sorrow? Want? Regret? Perhaps all of the above.

“It wasn’t easy for me to stay away. I wanted to come to you every single day. Wanted to get lost in your eyes, those black dahlia eyes of yours. While I wrap you in my arms. Never to let you go. But there is more afoot here than you realize. I cannot allow myself to be distracted or swayed by my own desires.”

I stare at him in confusion. What could be afoot?

A distraction? What desires?

The music ends. We freeze, not taking our eyes off of one another,

He pulls himself away. I’m instantly cold. The warmth is fading from my body once again. Not realizing how isolating my own cavern had become without him. He takes my hand into his. Bows and kisses the top of it. I stare at him all the way down. His eyes meet mine as he stands back up.

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