Page 160 of Midnights
I tug her closer, pulling her into the rhythm of the dance, letting the music weave around us like a carefully laid trap. “Enchanted to meet you, by the way.”
She tilts her head, then her lips curve into a wicked grin.
“Why, thank you…” she trails off. Her sultry tone, runs down my spine like a fucking caress. “Sir.”
Fucking hell.
I step back, putting enough space between us to keep my dick from making its presence known. My body has zero intention of behaving tonight. Every move she makes, every teasing flicker of her gaze, has me teetering on the edge of control.
I school my face, trying to stay composed, but I don't miss the way her body reacts. Her hands feel warm against mine, which is proof she's already undone while I haven't even touched her yet.
I lean in, lowering my voice just enough to pull her attention back to me.
“I could say it a thousand times how fucking stunning you are, and it still wouldn't be enough.”
Her eyes snap to mine, her breath catching for a second before she blinks it away.
“Thank you.”
The corner of my mouth lifts. She’s never been good at taking compliments. I don’t miss the way her pulse flutters at her throat, and the way she fights the urge to look away. She swallows and I track the movement, catching the way her necklace shimmers in the light.
She clears her throat, shifting under my stare. “I’m up here.”
I chuckle, shaking my head as I step back, giving her a deliberate once-over. “I've admired your body more times than I'll admit, but that wasn’t one of those times, Princess.”
The blush that rushes up her throat is instant. She stares at me, completely at a loss for words, before looking away.
When the song ends, her eyes flutter shut and she exhales. There’s a contentment in simply watching her like this. A rare moment where she isn’t overthinking or second guessing. But the hum of voices around us pulls me back to reality.
I lean in, my voice low. “Can I show you something?”
Her lashes lift and I can see the curiosity flashing across her face. She nods without hesitation.
Good girl.
I take her hand, threading my fingers through hers, and lead her off the dance floor before she has a chance to second-guess herself. Her fingers tighten around mine, and it's the smallest squeeze, but I feel it like a brand.
Her soft giggle echoes in the quiet hallway, and I glance back at her. A quiet smile tugs at her lips.
I lead her down the familiar path, knowing exactly where I want to take her. Right now, sharing that small, hidden part of my world feels like a good place to start with the truth.
“Are we going to the greenhouse?”
I can't hide the smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. “You’ll see.”
As soon as we hit the greenhouse, the rich scent of earth and blooming jasmine clings to the air, mixing with the warm, familiar scent of her perfume.
She lets out a soft laugh as we weave through the plants.
“What?” I ask, catching the grin she’s failing to hide.
“We’re sneaking through a castle during a masquerade,” her reply is light, almost playful. “Doesn’t that feel a little… ironic to you?”
Her laughter is contagious, and though I don’t fully let it show, I can’t deny the humor in the situation. “When you put it that way...”
We’re nearly at the door that leads outside when her hand goes stiff in mine. I stop instantly.
Her entire posture shifts, her body locking up as soon as her eyes lock on something. I follow her gaze and see a shattered clay pot on the floor. The shards are scattered like someone dropped it in a hurry.
