Page 80 of Kiss of Fire

His voice was like velvet and Raya found herself gazing into his deep blue stare.

“Yes.”

“Then let us dance.”

He led her to a clear space of floor in front of the band. Raya’s neck prickled, conscious that everyone was turning to look.

“Just lean into me,” he instructed.

Hesitantly, she put her hands on his shoulders. He was so tall, she had to reach right up. This isn’t going to work, she thought cynically. But incredibly, it did.

He pulled her close, one arm around her back, the other at her waist. As one, they moved across the floor, her body melting into his as he controlled the pace and direction. The rhythm of the music seemed to pulse in waves right through her body.

She laid her head against his chest. Maybe it was the wine or maybe it was the shared experience of the past couple of hours, but suddenly she was glad he was there. And perhaps he felt the same, because his hand travelled to the nape of her neck where it rested, his thumb stroking the skin.

“Nearly over, halfling,” he murmured. “You have acquitted yourself well.”

“Promise me we never have to do this again.”

“Not until our wedding day.”

Startled, her head shot up and she found him laughing at her.

“Very funny,” she grumbled. Other couples had taken to the floor and she spotted Halitosis Man making a beeline towards her.

“I think that guy wants to cut in.”

“Should I make way?”

“Not if you want to keep your teeth.”

“Then let us make our farewells.”

Smoothly, Shade twirled her past the salt merchant and off the dance floor. He led her through the banqueting hall, stopping to speak briefly with Pasha. Then they were climbing the stairs.

“What did you say to Pasha?”

“I told him we could contain ourselves no longer and were retiring to have some passionate alone-time.”

Raya spluttered.

“You didwhat?”

Shade roared with laughter, the vibration of his mirth making the lights along the staircase flicker.

“Relax. I told him our obligations were complete. We dined, we talked, we danced. Everyone can now get drunk without the Lord of Nurhan watching them, and we can escape. Thank the skies.”

They reached their chambers. In the living area, Shade held up a bottle of amber liquid.

“Nightcap?”

“Sure. A small one.”

He poured them both a glass.

“The next big hurdle is the Vulcani test. Do you feel ready?”

“Actually, I do. I’d show you but I’m too drunk and I might burn the castle down.”

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