Page 32 of A Hunter for Luna

"I think every one of you meant it, without considering the logical conclusion." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "That, perhaps, I am unique."

I felt a thrill run through me. This woman, whoever she was, was no ordinary court flower. She wasn’t afraid of me in the slightest.

"Then we have something in common," I said, offering my arm. "Dance with me."

CHAPTER TEN

LUNA

"Dance with me."

As his hand closed on mine, the other touching my waist lightly, it was clearly not a request. I permitted him to draw me closer, my instincts warring with the role I had to play.

Why does he make my heart race? This might make bedding him easier, or infinitely more dangerous?

The warm, calloused hand on mine sent a jolt of electricity up my arm, as he led me onto the dance floor. As the music swelled around us and we moved, I sensed others watching and speculating. Many of them, unlike Benedetto, knew who I was.

Let them watch.For now, I had to focus on the man before me, the husband I had to beguile. The dance had begun, and I could not afford a single misstep.

Rumor had it my husband was a wary man, preferring the chase to a woman who was openly interested.

He drew me close as we spun across the floor, his hand burning against the small of my back. The heat of his body, the powercoiled in his muscles as he held me created an intoxicating and infuriating aura that drew me in, despite me knowing better.

"You dance well," he said, his breath tickling my ear. "But you’re stiff. Relax and stop fighting me to lead."

I bristled internally at the amusement in his tone. Following his lead in the steps of the dance, I glanced up at him through my lashes. "Perhaps you should lead with more…authority, my lord. A firm hand might be needed."

Not for nothing had I listened to others flirting at functions I attended as Vala’s proxy. For some reason, that comment seemed to work very well on men.

His grip tightened, pulling me flush against him. "Is that so?" His gaze raked over me, lingering on the curve of my lips, the challenge in my eyes. "I’ve been told I have an excellent hand on the reins."

He’s taking the bait.I gave him a knowing smile, one I’d practiced in the mirror after watching another woman use it successfully. "Perhaps someday we can ride together. I’d love a demonstration."

He chuckled, a dark, rich sound. "Indeed. And I do so love to teach."

We moved together, our bodies perfectly attuned. It was like what I imagined flying would be like, thrilling with a pinch of danger.

Our eyes locked. His were a very dark brown, and the heat in his glance scalded me. It was a battle of wills to match his stare, a silent duel where I kept my expression steady and a littlecool. Despite my best intentions, I wanted to lose myself in the moment, in him.

His hands tightened on my waist, keeping me close, and another frisson of heat ran through me.Focus. Remember why you're here.Even if there’s no love between us, this time he wants me.

It was hard, so hard, to keep my expression distant and amused with his body pressed against mine, with him staring at me like he could see straight into my soul. I wanted to lose myself in him, to forget everything but the feel of his skin on mine.

No. I couldn't afford to yield to the moment. Not now. Not ever. People I loved depended on me.

"You're quite forward, aren't you?" With a light and airy laugh, I traced a finger through the air, along his jawline, close enough I could feel the warmth his skin radiated. "Pulling a lady in so close, in front of all these people. As if I’ve granted you any right."

His lips quirked with a flash of amusement. "And will you give me that right, little vixen?"

On my terms. "Perhaps. If you play the game well."

"The game?" He spun me out and back in, my heavy silk skirts swirling around my legs.

"The game of power," I said. "Of control. Of knowing when to push..." I leaned in, my lips a hairsbreadth from his, "...and when to hold back."

His pupils dilated, desire warring with wariness in his gaze. "And which is this? A push or a pull?"

I smiled, slow and enigmatic. "That depends."

---