Page 205 of The Call of Crimson
“They must be taking a break. Have a drink, darling, then we’ll dance,” Ayden says, seemingly reading my mind.
Not a minute later, Rowina and Darian return, their arms holding mugs for each of us. As I lift the drink to my lips, I realize it’s not ale but mead. The strong, semi-sweet honey liquor slides down my throat smoothly, filling me with a heat that leaves me grinning.
We sip in companionable quiet until Darian breaks the silence. “Mykel is playing tonight,” he says. “He always chooses the best melodies for dancing.”
I should know better when it comes to him, but I can’t help the question that slips from my lips. “You dance?” I scoff disbelievingly. “You are the antithesis of fun.”
His fingers curl around his mug at my words. “It’s notfunI dislike.”
I bristle at his insinuation. “Yes,General, you’ve made your distaste for me abundantly clear.”
Sensing the rising tension, Ayden cuts in smoothly. “You’ll find that Darian is actually quite the skilled dancer.”
I consider his words for a moment before shrugging. “Doubtful.”
Darian stands abruptly, and I expect him to storm away from the table in irritation. When he holds his hand out to me, I lift a brow.
He rolls his eyes. “Dance with me, General.”
I stare at his hand. “Is that a request or a command?”
“Why are you always this obstinate?” He sighs, thoroughly exasperated.
Elijah snickers beside me, and both Aurelius and Ayden stifle a chuckle. Cillian doesn’t even bother; his laugh bursts out unrestrained.
“Some find that my most endearing trait,” I say sweetly.
“I assure you, they don’t. Now dance with me so I can wipe that smug look off your face.”
“He really is a talented dancer,” Rowina assures me.
“Fine,” I grumble, standing from the table.
I place my hand in his, letting him lead me to the dance floor. He leans down to the male, whom I assume is Mykel. The male nods and chuckles.
Returning to me, Darian smirks and says, “Try to keep up, General.”
His large hand finds my hip, pulling me close while still keeping space between our bodies.
A moment later, the music begins, and a moderate-paced melody fills the tavern. Several couples join us on the floor, but not nearly as many as still stand along the fringes.
“Why aren’t more joining us?” I ask as we spin across the floor.
This isn’t some ballroom dance, and it isn’t one I’m familiar with, but I’m an adept learner.
His grin turns sinister. “You’ll see why shortly.”
I must admit, he is a skilled partner, leading me effortlessly through an unfamiliar dance. He spins me out and back under his arm in a twirl that has my hair whipping around my face.
The song increases its tempo suddenly, our pace increasing with it. He continues gracefully guiding me through the spins and twirls as we move across the dance floor.
I give up the fight, letting a wide smile grace my face from the pure joy I feel in this moment. A laugh bubbles up my throat as our tempo increases once more, the rest of the tavern blurring around us.
“You ready for this next part, General?” Darian asks.
“Bring it, General.”
“Keep your hands on mine and trust me,” he commands.
