Page 51 of Kiss of Ice

Her feet tangled and she stumbled against a hard chest. Kam steadied her.

“I… I was just taking some air,” she mumbled, thanking the gods he couldn’t see her crimson face. Or maybe he could. Maybe it was glowing brighter than the palace.

“I came to check on you. I didn’t mean to leave you alone for so long, I was talking to Shade and lost track of time.”

“That’s okay.” She realised she still had hold of his arm and stepped back hurriedly. “Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.”

“Are you?”

“Oh, I’m having a great time. The wine’s very good.”

“Yes, I noticed you sampling rather a lot of it.”

She was stung.

“It’s a party, isn’t it? And I did my bit. I was charming and elegant and… and…” she couldn’t think of any more adjectives. “…charming.”

He tilted his head to one side.

“Have you had any food?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“I see. I think you may need to eat something.”

She rolled her eyes and dropped into a deep curtsy.

“Yes, my lord and master. At once, sire.”

Kam sighed and put his hands on her waist, raising her back up.

“Not everything’s a battle, Ren. And you’re right. You were charming and elegant.”

“I was?”

“You were. And I should have said it earlier, but you look amazing.”

“I do?”

“Yes. You’re breath-taking.”

“I am?”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Seriously, how much have you had to drink?”

“More than I thought, because it sounds like you’re beingniceto me.”

His hands were still on her waist. He knew he ought to remove them but he wasn’t entirely sure of her balance.

“I can be nice. Sometimes.”

“That’s what Raya said. I’m not sure I believe her.”

“Let me prove it to you, then. Dance with me.” The words came out of Kam’s mouth before he knew what he was going to say. He saw the stricken look on her face. “What’s the matter? Don’t you like dancing?”

“I do, but I’m not very good at it.”

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