Page 28 of Caged By Dance and Desire

I turned and stopped.

Andrei leaned against the door, arms crossed in his typical relaxed pose. He was dressed all in black except for the drape of emeralds at his ears, his hair slicked back and stark against eyes lined in black kohl, shadowed subtly with grey. High necked shirt, flowing lace sleeves, pants so tight they were molded to his body, and high heeled boots.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“You’re beautiful.” Then I blinked, because he’d meant the dress. He gave me a slow, knowing smile as I blushed. “The dress, I meant.Stoplooking at me like that, Andrei. It’s beautiful too.”

Beautiful, and a shade of jade green suspiciously close to the green of the warriors who served him.

I frowned. “I don't know if I should?—”

He tilted his head, giving me a different look. Equal parts amusement, annoyance, and warning. Hedidn’tlike having his provisions rejected.

“If you tell me you can't accept it because it's too. . .whatever your flimsy objection is, I will be displeased with you.”

Those last six words were said in such a deep, affectionate purr that I shivered, wondering what would happen if I insisted that I couldn't accept it.

The look in his eyes, the subtle curve of his lips, was a dare to say it.

A dare to find out.

I combed my hair over my shoulder instead, choosing the wiser course. “Thank you. It's perfect for tonight. The color is a little. . .political, though.” I couldn't help but add that pointed comment.

His subtle smile broadened into something entirely feline, and entirely satisfied. “Yes. It is.”

“Andrei. . .”

“Hasannah.” He uncurled from the wall and stalked towards me, cupping my chin in his hand. “Do you trust me?”

“Can you be more specific?”

Andrei laughed, lowering his head to give me a chaste kiss. “Really. Are we already at that point in the relationship? Where you require specifics before you answer a straightforward question?”

“You're Fae. A High Lord.”

“I am. I am indeed.” Humor deepened the amber flecks in his eyes. “Well, try it on then, sati faha.”

Excitement surged. Despite my misgivings, I loved the dress, the feminine but not girly drape of the fabric.

“Are you coming with me tonight?” I asked, stalling.

“Of course.”

“Technically I'm not allowed to bring a guest.”

“Hmm. I’m invited.”

I inhaled. If he had an invitation. . .we hadn't broached the topic we'd been dancing around. Mostly because I didn't want to.

He had an invitation.

“All that black will look good next to my dress,” I said instead. “I think our sleeves are the same.” I wouldn’t put it past him. He wassomatchy-matchy.

“I'll look good on your arm then.”

I laughed. “No one will be looking at me if you're at my side.”

Andrei gave me a strange look. “Is that what you think? And there is no if. There will neverbean if.” He nodded to the bed. “Try it on.”

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