Page 97 of A Bolt of Magic

I try to focus on the crowd in general, but my eyes keep drifting to where McColl and Blaise move together near the flames. The celebration is heating up around us – the wine flowing more freely, the laughter growing louder, the dancing more intimate. And in the center of it all, Blaise has his hands on McColl’s hips, pulling her closer than any mere friend should.

He leans down to whisper something in her ear, and she throws her head back and laughs. They continue talking, theirheads close together, and McColl laughs again. What could possibly be so damned funny?

I’ve never felt jealous a day in my life, but I recognize the emotion burning through me now with crystal clarity. It’s ugly and possessive and entirely unwelcome. I don’t know what to do to stop it.

“Excuse me?”

I look up to find a woman standing beside my table, her blonde hair pinned up with silver combs. Her dress is long and cinched at the waist.

“I’m Celeste,” she says with a warm smile. “I noticed you sitting alone… I…um… Would you care to dance?”

I glance back toward McColl, who’s laughing at something Blaise is saying again, her hand resting on his chest. The sight makes something twist painfully in my gut.

“I’d love to,” I say, standing and offering Celeste my arm. It’s the last thing I want, but anything is better than sitting here brooding like a lovesick fool.

We go over to the dance floor, which is filling up by the second. But we’ve only danced one or two songs when I feel someone tap my shoulder.

“Mind if I cut in?” Lydia asks, not waiting for an answer before she slides between us.

Celeste looks annoyed but steps back with a polite nod. “Sure. Of course.”

Before I can protest, Lydia has pressed herself against me, her bare breasts against my chest, her hands roaming over my shoulders.

“You should take this off.” She fingers the collar of my shirt.

“I’m good,” I tell her, hoping the song will end soon so that I can make some excuse and leave.

“You need to relax.” She kneads my shoulders. “I know something that will calm you right down.” She presses herself against me again.

I put my hands on her waist, holding her at arm’s length. “Lydia, I think I need to set—”

“Don’t think,” she interrupts, her fingers trailing down my chest. “Just feel, Kian. Let me show you what real pleasure can be.”

I’m about to tell her exactly where she can take her offer when another voice cuts through the music. One I recognize well.

“Excuse me.” McColl’s voice is ice-cold. “I believe you promised me a dance, Kian.”

When I turn and see her, my mouth goes dry. She’s removed her little jacket, and the neckline of her dress shows the creamy swells of her breasts. My balls pull tight.

Lydia’s face twists with displeasure. “You had your chance with him, little McColl. Go find your own dance partner.”

“Actually,” McColl says with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes, “Kian is my guest… He’s mine, full stop, so you can move on. Also, you may need your eyes checked; I’m not little anymore. I haven’t been little in the longest time.”

“He’s yours?” Lydia snaps, choking out a laugh. “I don’t think so. I know a happy, satisfied man when I see one, and Kian is neither of those.”

“This is not something I’m going to argue over, Lydia. I will never fight over a man, king or otherwise.” McColl puts her big, beautiful eyes on me. “Kian, would you care to dance?”

I give her the biggest smile I can muster. “I would be honored,” I say, taking her hand and stepping away from Lydia.

Lydia’s face flushes with anger and embarrassment. “This isn’t over, McColl,” she hisses before stalking away.

McColl doesn’t even watch her go. Instead, she looks up at me as I pull her into my arms, and I can’t help the smirk that crosses my face.

She frowns. “What’s that look for?” she demands, though I can see she’s fighting her own smile. “You’d better wipe it off your face.”

“You’re jealous,” I say, unable to keep the satisfaction out of my voice.

“I’m so not.” She shakes her head. “I could see you were uncomfortable and wanted to help. Lydia infuriates me. She always has. That’s all it is.”

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