Page 168 of Midnights
The compliment should feel harmless. Except…it doesn't.
"I wonder," he continues, lowering his voice, "if anyone else here realizes how special you are. I can, just by looking at you."
My breath stills as his fingers press lightly against mine. "Don't forget to wait for the signal."
The words slip between us and my mind scrambles to keep up, but before I can form a single question, I'm suddenly spinning. I don't even have time to register the switch before I land in someone else's arms.
My head whips around with the movement, and my balance slips. Seriously, how's a girl supposed to know when it's switching time? They need a damn warning system.
My new partner's grip tightens as he moves us around, unhurried. His energy is…different. Cooler. It feels more laid-back, like he's entirely at ease with the chaos around him.
His eyes meet mine, flashing with curiosity, and something about the look makes my skin prickle.
"You've done well."
"Thanks?" My brows lift as I try to ignore the strange feeling creeping up my spine. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you talking about my dancing skills or my questionable taste in partners?"
He laughs.
"All of the above," he admits, spinning me effortlessly before pulling me back in. "I'll give you a solid seven out of ten for form, but your habit of following mysterious men onto the dance floor? Bit reckless, even for you, beautiful."
I roll my eyes but can't fight the grin that tugs at my lips. "Says the guy who jumped in mid-spin like it was second nature."
"Fair point." He grins. "How's your night going?"
"Well, I haven't been propositioned or kidnapped yet, so I'd say things are looking good."
"Ah, a woman with high standards," he teases, his amusement written all over his face. "Tell me, have you felt anything… unusual tonight?"
I look up at him, confused. "What do you mean?" My voice stays light, but my pulse starts to pick up.Why is every conversation I've had tonight so strange? "Not really," I add after a beat, forcing a casual shrug. "Should I have?"
"Aye, probably," he whispers. "These are the Highlands, after all. A land of mystery, especially if they have any magic in their veins."
He leans in, dropping his voice like he's telling me a secret. "And…tonight is a full moon, and the solstice. So it's the perfect condition for the unexpected."
I huff out a laugh, shaking my head.Who is this guy?"Yeah, I've heard that before," I flash him a grin. "But honestly? It just makes me love this place even more."
"Of course it does," he chuckles, spinning me again with an effortless precision. "You're one of those hopeless romantics, aren't you? Always dreaming of castles, magic, and your prince charming with a white horse and a sword."
I scoff. "Castles, obviously. Magic? I wish. As for the prince…That's optional. The sword, however, is a non-negotiable. You know…just in case the prince needs to be stabbed and put in his place."
A laugh bursts from him, vibrating through the space between us.
"Shit," he chuckles, "remind me to stay on your good side."
Before I can reply, he spins me again and my breath catches when I see Kane dancing with someone else. I can tell she's beautiful even from here. She's a tall blonde, and so polished she might as well have stepped off the cover of a magazine and I can't help but stare.
His hand is resting on her back and the way they move together tells me they for sure know each other.
She leans in, says something, and he actually laughs. Not the sharp-edged sound he saves for me, or the half-smirk I've been pretending doesn't get under my skin. No—this is different. He looks…relaxed.
It's almost likethe constant tension he drags around finally cracked, letting something softer slip through. My chest tightens as she runs her hand up his arm, tilting her head like she's savoring every damn smile.
And he obviously doesn't seem to mind.
A foreign pang slices through me and I refuse to call it jealousy.Why the hell should I care?
Clearly, I hate myself—because my eyes won't listen when I tell them to move on.
