Page 20 of Stars in Umbra
Then he smirked as if daring her.
Rina almost melted in her chair, her smart mouth and military bravado disintegrating under the furnace of that look.
Sheba was beside her again in an instant, whispering against her ear like a demon on her shoulder. ‘You’re welcome. Go get it, Colonel.’
‘You witch.’
‘What are friends for?’
Rina had no chance to retort, as the massive man in question came up behind Sheba.
He came to a stop before her and reached a hand.
He stared up at her, then he jerked his chin.
‘Would you like to dance?’ he rasped.
She jolted at his growl. His voice was a deep, raspy sound, like gravel dragged across stone.
It vibrated through the air, hitting every one of Rina’s nerves. The sound crawled over her skin in a slow, deliberate caress, leaving a trail of heat in its wake.
It set her blood ablaze, a wildfire roaring through her.
She took an inhale to control her wild fire reaction. ‘Is that an order?’
‘It’s an offer. Not the kind I make twice.’
Rina gazed at his outstretched hand for a beat longer than necessary.
With an exhale of surrender, she knocked back the rest of her wine.
Then she rose, smoothed her dress over her hips, and placed her palm in his heated clasp.
With a shake of disbelief, she let him lead her forth.
5
Moon Devil’s Delight
MOLAN
Mo pulled Rina onto the dance floor, where they found an open spot.
He turned her and banded one arm behind her waist as she placed one hand on his shoulder, the other on his forearm.
The music washed over them, and she moved against him in a natural rhythm.
Their steps fell into perfect sync, as if they’d always been in lockstep, their body awareness of each other heightened.
At one point, she flicked her head up, and their gazes locked.
The electric arc that went through him was enough to give him a jolt.
It came from the mostfokkin’beautiful eyes he’d ever seen.
They were hazel shot with brown highlights; fawn pools he could lose himself in forever, framed by the longest lashes imaginable.
They were also hella familiar.
