Page 82 of Enchanted Kisses
“Too bad Alliston isn’t here to see it,” he went on. “He’d have loved this one!” He brushed his hand around my ear and retrieved a calla lily. “For the lovely lady.”
I leaned toward him, my hand aimed for his shoulder. “Laken, you are too kind.” I slipped from the chair.
He caught me and set me upright.
“Aye, lightweight.” He raised his glass. “To Lightweight Lily. Let’s make her first celebration a memorable one.”
I laughed and lifted my glass, missing his completely. “Cheers.”
Before I could bring the flute to my lips, Raysa snatched it and set it on the table. Gently, she pulled me to my feet. “I think that’s enough for you.”
“Don’t be like that.” I swayed and patted her arm. Nope. That was her boob. I gave a throaty chuckle. “Sorry, Raysie.”
“Raysie?” she repeated, clearly not liking her new nickname. “Say good night, Lily.”
I turned and dipped, attempting a formal bow, but almost toppled over. Had it not been for Raysa holding my waist, I would have.
“Good night, Lily,” I said to my new beautiful friends.
“Oh, the lovely Raysa, you cannae be meaning to take her from us now,” Laken said. “The fun is just starting.”
Raysa smiled. “I’ll return her after she’s had some lemonade.”
She led me away from the crowd and to the manor. In the kitchen, she helped me sit at a long wood table and placed a cold glass of lemonade in my hand.
I took a long swig.
“You seem to fit in quite well.” She pulled curls of my hair behind my back. “And to think I was worried about leaving you.” She sat beside me and leaned to my ear. “Want to know a secret? I feel I’ll never be able to have fun like you once I accept my position. How would it look if a queen had too much punch?” Her lips turned down.
I finished off the lemony drink and lifted my chin, surprised that I could. Even though the dreamy haze still clouded my vision and thoughts, I had better control over my actions. “I think you could find a happy medium.”
“I see the lemonade’s working.” She smiled and refilled my glass.
A tall, handsome guy with chocolate-brown skin, light hair, and coppery eyes, entered the room. “Sorry to disturb you, Raysa, but we have some disruptive guests.” He spoke with a French accent.
A loud bang thundered outside.
With a delayed response, I turned to it but was too relaxed to be alarmed. “That was loud, right?” Should I be panicking?
Raysa jumped from the table. “Stay with her, Jorhan.” She fled from the room, a mist of shimmer trailing behind her.
Jorhan sat next to me. “So, you’re Lily.” He leaned close. So close, his sweet-scented breath warmed my cheek. “I didn’t know if I’d get the pleasure of meeting you. Laken can be overly protective of people he takes a liking to.”
I blinked slowly and gazed into his copper eyes, finding the metallic color fascinating.
He grinned. “Want to dance?”
“In the kitchen?”
He pulled me from the chair, placed a hand around my waist, and spun us in circles before I could refuse. My head lolled backward from the speed but somehow, it didn’t make me sick.
When he slowed, I laughed, feeling light as a feather. “Again.”
Someone cleared his throat from behind us.
Jorhan halted and stared over my head with wide eyes.
“Having fun?” Caiden asked, his tone harsh.
