Page 72 of Fated for Flames

We joined Adrien and the others, near the dance floor. Ryker and Viper were there too, their usual tough exteriors replaced by polished suits that fit them like second skins. Ryker in a black leather jacket looked like every girl’s bad-boy wet dream.

Across the room, Theo stood alone. He seemed out of place without his usual entourage, his eyes carrying a touch of melancholy. Nearby, Ruby was chatting animatedly with a group of witches. Then there was Lia, resplendent in red, looking every bit the princess she always wanted to be. She wore a tiara atop her blonde curls and held herself with an air of entitlement that made me roll my eyes.

Chad pulled me onto the dance floor, his hands warm against mine. He twirled me around, our laughter ringing out above the music. The world narrowed down to just us, dancing and laughing under the enchanted snowfall.

After a couple of songs, I caught sight of Lucien in a corner of the room, looking like he’d swallowed a lemon. His distaste for the entire event was written all over his face, making me chuckle. I guessed not everyone was having a magical night.

A slow song started to play, pulling me back from my thoughts. Chad’s hand slid from mine to rest on my waist, pulling me closer. His hand glided slowly up and down my back, making me shiver.

He looked at me with such warmth that I felt like the only person in that place.

“You are so perfect,” he said.

“I’m far from perfect, Chad.”

“You’re perfect for me,” he amended.

A soft smile played on my lips as I gazed back at him, our bodies swaying in rhythm with the music. The laughter and chatter around us became a mere whisper as I focused solely on the male in front of me.

“But are you perfect for me?” I asked playfully, a hint of challenge in my voice.

The corner of his mouth tilted up in a teasing grin. “I suppose that’s for you to decide.”

His finger grazed my jaw, slowly, before he leaned in for a kiss. His lips were soft against mine, a contrast to the firm grip of his hand. He growled as our tongues touched, pulling me closer to him. His lips moved languidly, expertly, igniting a fire within me. His hand slipped up my back, fingers tangling in my hair, pulling me closer.

I gasped at the sensation, and he took advantage of the moment to deepen the kiss further. His tongue brushed against mine again, sending waves of heat coursing through my body.

I clung to him, fingers digging into his shoulder as he continued to kiss me with an intensity that left me breathless.

Chad’s scent filled my senses, a mixture of musk and spice that was distinctly him. It wrapped around me like a warm blanket, comforting and familiar. His hands were strong and sure on my body, holding me like I was something precious.

The kiss slowed down gradually, turning sweet and tender. Chad’s lips brushed against mine softly, lovingly, before he pulled away slightly. His forehead rested against mine as we both tried to catch our breath.

“Fuck,” he breathed out, his warm breath fanning over my face.

“Yeah,” I replied softly, still dazed by the intensity of the kiss.

We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other under the falling snowflakes.

I was happy.

* * *

The night blurred into a swirl of color and laughter, the music and the chatter of the crowd fading into a low hum. I felt a lightness in my chest, the heaviness of my thoughts lifting for a brief moment. I let myself enjoy the night, focusing on Chad’s steady heartbeat against mine.

After a while, I excused myself from Chad to get some fresh air. The chill outside was a stark contrast to the warmth inside. The moon hung low in the sky, its glow illuminating the snowy grounds of Arcanum Academy.

“Careful,” a deep, commanding voice called out behind me. “It’s slippery.”

I turned to see Ryker approaching, his hands buried deep in his pockets.

Oh, thank goddess, Ryker does have a tongue!

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, wrapping my arms around myself against the cold.

We stood there in silence for a while, watching our breaths form small clouds in the cold air. There was a comfort in his presence that made me feel at ease and safe.

“Thank you,” I said after a while, turning to face him.

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