Page 206 of The Call of Crimson
His blue eyes sparkle just before he circles one arm around my head, his hand coming to rest on my throat. Effortlessly, he lifts me from the ground above his head and holds me there a moment before letting my body swing back into his. Instinctively, I wrap my legs around his hips as he dips us both until my hair brushes the floor. I keep my eyes on his as he brings us upright. He slowly releases the hand around my neck but keeps his eyes on mine.
Holy. Shit.
I’ve danced with many talented partners in my life. All the males currently sitting at our table are fantastic dancers, but then there is Darian. I was absolutely going to eat my words about his ability.
As my legs slide back to the floor, the song comes to an end. Our chests heave, heartbeats erratic as we come down from the high of the dance.
“How did you learn to dance like that?” I ask, still stunned.
He grins triumphantly at me. “How did you?”
“My father encouraged it when I started showing interest in swordplay. He said it would make me more fluid and graceful in fights.”
“Your father is a wise male, and of a similar mind to my own.”
I’m not sure how I feel about sharing something so unexpectedly... personal with him.
“Can we do that again?” I ask, grinning despite myself.
“Maybe later.” His gaze darts behind me. “I believe you have another hoping for a dance right now.”
Darian releases me, turning to Rowina, waiting for her turn to dance. A bright smile creeps across his face as he pulls her into his arms.
I turn around to find Elijah waiting patiently for me. Behind him are three sets of heated eyes. Aurelius, Cillian, and even Ayden stare as if they wish they were Darian right now. I throwthem all a wink as I step into Elijah’s arms and tease, “Are you sure you want to dance with me? My last partner is a lot to live up to.”
“I would never say no to dancing with my best friend.”
We fall into step alongside the other dancing couples, many more for this dance than the last.
“Do you remember our first dance lesson?” Elijah asks after a few beats.
I groan. “How could I forget? I insisted on leading because I thought it made me weak to follow. I stepped all over your feet.”
He chuckles at the memory. “You also got so caught up in watching your steps that you led us into a wall.”
“I have no idea why you would continue being my partner after that. I would have quit if I were you.”
“I considered it,” he admits. “But I also realized that even though you clearly were not meant to lead in a waltz, you would one day be an incredible leader. I recognized that you needed me then, but you wouldn’t always. So I made a decision to always be what you needed for as long as you still needed me.”
“Elijah, I willalwaysneed you. There will never be a time when my soul does not need yours. I love you, Eli.”
“I love you, too, B.” He smiles before spinning me out. As I return to him, he continues, “But you’re wrong. You’re stronger than you believe. And one day, you’ll trust your own strength.”
I open my mouth to tell him he’s wrong, but he cuts me off. “Do you remember being afraid of thunderstorms?”
“Of course,” I say, a memory bubbling up like a dream I hadn’t realized I’d forgotten.
“Eli, wake up,” I said impatiently.
His snoring continued, clearly not having heard my pleas. I shoved his shoulder, trying to rouse him, just as lightning struck and thunder sounded through his room.
I let out a startled scream, jumping slightly.
Elijah’s eyes flew open as he sat straight up in bed. His eyes settled on me, mind piecing together why I’m standing in his chambers.
“Again, B?”
“I can’t sleep, Eli. Please, let me sleep with you,” I begged. Tears welled in my eyes as another round of thunder shook the walls.
