Page 48 of Master
“Would you like to dance?” It was the only intelligible thing I could think to say.
Tarook’s eyes flickered over the surrounding couples.
“I do not know this dance.”
“It’s called slow dancing,” I giggled.
“It looks... nice.”
“It is nice.” I’m sure there were plenty of better adjectives to describe the feeling of stepping into his arms... my brain was just too giddy to conjure any at the moment.
I fanned my hands over the muscular wall of his chest. His heartbeat heavily between my fingertips, and for a moment, I would have sworn it kept perfect rhythm with mine.
“Put your hands on my hips.”
Tarook complied, fingertips flexing in the silk of my dress.
Good," I breathed, trying to keep my hormones in check. "Now we just sway to the music."
Tarook began swaying tentatively back and forth. His movement held no real rhythm, but I couldn't care less. Really, what was slow dancing other than an excuse to hold each other?
With a soft sound that was something between a growl and a moan, he pulled me closer, linking his hands at the small of my back.
I let myself go. Honestly, there wasn't much choice in the matter.
Oh hell.
I like Tarook.
The feeling of his body moving against mine... how safe he makes me feel. I haven’t felt this way since before Curtis got sick.
I even liked having sex with him...reallyliked it. I'm not even mad about how it came about anymore.
All I can think of is how good it felt to be held and have my body worshipped by him.
If it happened again... it wouldn't be the worst thing.
I wouldn't hate it.
"You're a wonderful dancer, darlin’," Tarook murmured, his breath tickling the strands of hair near my ear. The hands on my back moved up and down my spine in a slow massage.
He made me feel beautiful and sexy and wanted. The beat of the music caused a sensual throb in my bloodstream. When the tempo changed, becoming more upbeat, I forced myself tostep back. Tarook's eyes surveyed the dance floor, and his hands slid from my back to grasp my own.
It wasn't the electro throb reminiscent of strip club music, but the song had a fun upbeat. I swiveled my hips, laughing at Tarook's shocked grin. I twirled and gyrated around him, loving how he held tight to my fingers, his touch keeping me grounded... safe. I whirled again, shimming my ass with a devious grin, causing Tarook to throw back his head and laugh loudly.
Turning my head to smile flirtatiously at Tarook, something else caught my eye, the playful music morphing into a dull roar inside my brain.
With bravado spurred by knowing Tarook couldn't see them, a group of men leered boldly in my direction. A couple licked their lips. One even grabbed his crotch. The worst, however, was the mayor. Catching my gaze, he closed one eye in a wink, lips puckering in a kissing motion.
Assholes. I should tattle and let Tarook kick their asses.
Atkins' thick pink tongue appeared, making a slow circle on his lips and jerking me into the past. Back to night after night of letting men ogle me because it was the only way I could get by. Night after night of men who saw me only as a body... an object. A hot, clammy sensation crept over my skin... making the silk I wore feel like sandpaper.
I felt dirty.
Too dirty for Tarook.
“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, wrenching my hands from Tarook’s grasp.
