Page 68 of A Duchess to Unravel
“I am finding it quite enjoyable to do so,” she purred.
Alistair’s predatory stare was steady and unblinking as he slowly smirked, baring a hint of his sharp, white canine tooth. He said nothing, but the smile felt like a threat. One she wanted to test.
“Pleasseee?”She purred, tracing her lips over his.
A low growl rumbled from Alistair’s lips, sending a shot of desire straight to Theo’s core.
Oh, I like this game,she mused silently.
“Do not move,” he instructed, rising to his full height. “And do not speak to anyone else. I will be right back.”
Her smile was wide as she leaned back into the chair, satisfied that she had succeeded in her mission. The moment she saw him disappear, Theo shot out of her chair and searched for a familiar aquatic themed mask. She found Poseidon lounging on a chaise in the common room, drinking a glass of wine as he casually stroked the hair of another masked man lying contently in his lap.
Theo reached for Poseidon’s chin and tilted his face up to hers and with a mischievous smile asked, “Did you miss me, darling?”
Poseidon cocked his head, as if confused as to who she might be, then his eyes widened with recognition, and he gently pushed the man out of his lap.
“Calypso? Is that you, darling?” he asked, rising to his feet.
A thrill climbed up Theo’s spine, and she struck a pose as she offered her hand to him, wiggling her fingers.
“Dance with me, Poseidon,” she practically purred, feeling more confident than ever.
Poseidon flashed her a wide smile as he rose and took her hand. He bowed to her deeply, and the next second he had her twirling into a dramatic start to a dance. Laughter, loud and gleeful, rang from Theo’s mouth as she was spun.
“You look different,” Poseidon praised, his voice filled with awe as they danced. “What has changed in you?”
“I found a husband,” Theo answered truthfully, “And he has … had an effect on me.”
“Ahhh,” Poseidon sang, grinning from ear to ear, “Shall we make him green with envy?”
“Do, lets,” Theo cheekily replied.
Poseidon spun her again, away from his body this time, and she twirled with a freeing elegance. The red lamps illuminating the room swayed and spun as she twirled, the masked faces of those watching her with fascination and curiosity swirling around her. She dipped her back, throwing herself fully into the motion, and spun until she landed fully into Alistair’s solid chest.
Theo giggled madly as she braced herself against him, boldly letting her arms slip around his waist and cling. One of his arms locked like a vice around her waist, and she felt a rumble in his chest. She looked up and saw that Alistair’s dark blue eyes had once more turned that obsidian black as they glittered down at her. His chiseled lips were set into the most wicked of smiles she’d ever seen on him. A smile that promised payback.
“Wicked little rule breaker,” he mused, keeping her pinned against his chest.
Theo was in trouble, she knew it. Yet she could not wipe her giddy smile from her face.
“Your Grace,” she sighed, delighted to see him. She smoothed her hands down his chest, loving the feel of the solid muscles that laid beneath his clothing.
“Did you fetch me another drink?”
Alistair’s black eyes glittered with something cynical, but he said nothing as brought the small glass to her lips. Theo did not reach for the glass but instead let him tip the rim to her bottom lip and as he poured the liquid into her mouth. The contents were sweet and thick, almost like honey. Heat poured into her as soon as it touched her tongue, and she knew it was something much stronger.
“Apologies, my lord,” Poseidon offered, coming up to Alistair’s side, “We are old friends, nothing more. Rest assured, I was not trying to seduce your lady away.”
“Of course not,” Alistair mused, keeping his eyes on Theo the entire time. A shiver ran down Theo’s spine as she took in his penetrative smile; a combination of excitement and danger, seeping into her very veins.
“However, I will be taking her back now.”
Poseidon bowed lowly to them both, thanked Theo for the dance, and walked back to the chaise where his lover patiently waited. Theo waved a hand in farewell toward her friend, but she did not look away from Alistair’s intense stare. Could not even if she wanted to. She was falling into his thrall again--and wanted to.
“You disobeyed me,” Alistair stated, his deep voice sinking her deeper into his spell. “On purpose.”
“I am afraid I did,” Theo sighed, lifting her chin defiantly as she let herself melt further into his chest. “Whatever are you going to do about it?”
