Page 13 of Taken By the Storm King

“You asked if I ever returned to dance. I do, every year now.” His expression remained impassive, though something flickered in the depths of his gaze. “Let me teach you.”

I shouldn’t. I had more important things to worry about. But his hand stayed extended, waiting, and I found myself reaching for it.

His fingers closed around mine, pulling me to my feet. “It’s simple,” he said, drawing me close. “Just follow my lead.”

One of his hands settled on my waist, the other still holding mine. Heat radiated from his touch, even through the silk of my dress. He guided me through the steps, our bodies moving together in the pearl-lit room.

“Like this?” I asked, trying to match his movements.

“Perfect.” His breath brushed my ear. “Now turn.”

He spun me out, then pulled me back against his chest. I gasped at the feel of him pressed against me, solid and warm. A flush of desire spread across my skin.

“Thalassar...”

“Shhh.” His fingers tightened on my waist. “Just dance.”

So I did. We moved together through the steps, and for a little while, I let myself forget about everything else. The missing team, the weight of galactic consequence, all of it faded away until there was nothing but the dance, the music in my head, and the feel of Thalassar’s hands on my body.

When the dance ended, we stood close, both breathing harder than the simple steps warranted. His black eyes searched my face, and I knew he was going to kiss me again.

I wanted him to.

But a sudden knock shattered the moment. We jumped apart like guilty teenagers as a servant entered with a message for Thalassar.

He read it quickly, his expression giving nothing away. “The scouts will return in two days,” he said. “You should rest more. You were nearly badly injured.”

I tilted my head in confusion. “Two days? But you brought me here in just a few hours.”

A slow grin spread across Thalassar’s face, his black eyes gleaming with pride. “None of my warriors can match my speed or strength. The old blood runs strong in my veins.” He flexed his scaled fingers. “The scouts must take the long way through the safer currents.”

“So you’re not just the boss, you’re actually...special?”

“In more ways than one,” he replied with suggestive quietness.

I swallowed hard, remembering how easily he’d carried me through the water. The raw power in his movements, even now as he stood so controlled before me.

He walked me to my room in silence, but at the door, he caught my hand.

“Lucy.” His thumb stroked across my knuckles. “Sleep well.”

Then he was gone, leaving me alone with the memory of his touch and the lingering warmth of his hands on my skin.

I pressed my heated face to the cool door, struggling to calm my breathing. What was wrong with me? My team could be in danger, and here I was, dancing with the man who was basically holding me captive.

“Never again will I watch someone I love slip away,” I whispered to the empty room, the memory of previous losses making my hands tremble. The dance had been a momentary escape, but reality crashed back now. My team was missing. And after today’s attack, the danger felt more immediate than ever.

When Thalassar tapped softly at my door an hour later, I was sitting by the window, staring out at the night-darkened sea.

“May I come in?” he asked.

I nodded, too exhausted for pretense.

He sat beside me, his warmth a comfort I didn’t want to need. “You’re troubled.”

“I keep thinking about them. My team. And...” I swallowed hard. “And Sarah.”

“Your sister?” His voice was gentle.

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