Page 163 of Midnights
Her brows furrow, like she’s trying to catch up.
I bite back a smile, dragging a hand through my hair. “Aye,” I say, keeping my voice steady despite how hard my dick is right now. “We should head back inside.”
I don’t look back as I step away, grabbing her hand to head back to the estate.
Her hand's in mine, but something feels off. Her hands are more than just warm, they’re hot.
I look over, about to ask if she’s alright, but she jerks her hand away, eyes going wide with something I can’t quite place.
CRASH.
Instinct kicks in and I move, pulling her against me, shielding her as glass from the nearest light fixture shatters above us. Shards scatter across the stone path, plunging everything around us into darkness.
She covers her head, even though we’re clear of the worst of it. Adrenaline surges, and my grip on her is tight as I press my earpiece twice, a silent call for backup. I scan every shadow, but I don’t let her go.
“What was that?”
“Not sure,” I say, nodding toward the darkness. “But I could go ask that ghost over there.”
She sucks in a breath and goes still, looking around at the trees as if something is hiding in the shadows.
The subtle glow of her necklace catches my attention. It looks like it's pulsing faintly, but it could just be from the moon.
She recovers fast, rolling her eyes like she wasn’t just looking at something that wasn’t there. “Of course something weird happens, and all you can do is crack jokes and stare at my tits. Real helpful, Kane.”
Challenge accepted, Princess.
“Actually,” I murmur, stepping closer, “I was admiring your necklace. Again.” My fingers brush along the delicate chain at her throat, trailing down just enough to let my knuckles graze against her collarbone. I can feel her pulse thrum beneath my touch. “But since I've been accused twice now, I suppose I might as well take a moment to appreciate the view.”
I let my gaze drag deliberately down her body, mapping every curve, every inch of her that’s wrapped in that sinfully perfect dress.
I let her feel it.
Her chest rises, and the fabric of her dress hugs her and when my eyes find hers again, her lips are parted.
I take my time, knowing she won’t move.
“You’re right.” I smirk, “your necklace is stunning.” I let the silence stretch, watching the anticipation in her eyes. “But your body is a much better view to occupy my thoughts.”
Her eyes darken and she sways slightly. I bet she doesn’t even realize it. Fuck. It would be so easy to pull her in. To drag my hands over every inch of her and see just how well she fits against me.
She catches herself and the shift is instant. Her mask slides right back into place.
“Flattery and ogling?” She muses, crossing her arms. “I’m surprised you didn’t trip over your ego on the way here. Should I be concerned or flattered?”
There she is.
“Flattered,” I reply, holding her gaze. “Definitely flattered.”
Before she can fire back, I grab her hand and pull her along, looking at the shattered light fixtures. They should be here any second to check things out, and I don't want to be here when that happens.
“This place is ancient,” I keep my tone easy. “Something probably just got too hot and blew out. They’ve got minds of their own.”
She makes a sound that’s half disbelief, half annoyance, but I don’t let her linger.
I feel her eyes on me, though.
Stealing a glance, I catch the annoyed little look she’s trying to hide. The kind of irritation that’s masking something else entirely.Feisty little thing.
