Page 27 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim
As we move together, he tips my chin back and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
The gestures are meant to appear intimate for our guests.
And yet… They feel that way to me as well. I’m sure I’m being ridiculous, and the contrast confuses me.
He adjusts our positions so that we’re close, very close, but not scandalously so. Just like when he took me down the hallway earlier, I don’t hate the way he touches me, which only adds to my confusion.
His voice is low against my ear. “Earlier, I told your father it’s your choice whether you dance with him or not.” He studies me.
This is the first decision we’re making together. One of millions to come.
“Have you made a choice?”
“I have.”
“And?”
Continuing the rebellion that started when I moved out of the house, I shake my head. “No. Not after…” I struggle for a way to articulate my thoughts. The vile, unnecessary words he hurled at me, when I was doing what I had to in order to save my family.
“After what he said,” Dorian suggests.
“Yes.”
Dorian nods. “That’s my good girl.”
My good girl?
Why does his approval send skitters of warmth through me? His opinion doesn’t matter in the least.
Still, his support is important to me.
“He’s lucky I didn’t rearrange his face.”
“You wouldn’t!”
When he doesn’t immediately respond, I study him, unsure whether he’s serious. Maybe he is, I realize when he doesn’t reply at all.
Startling me, Brennan appears at our side, and he bows alittle. “If you don’t mind,” he says to Dorian. “I’d like to finish out this dance.”
I gape.
With as ultrapossessive as Dorian is, I can’t imagine him being okay with this.
Making me reel, he nods. “Of course.”
What kind of man allows his best man to cut in on the traditional husband-and-wife dance? And why doesn’t he seem surprised?
“Behave yourself,” Dorian warns, but he’s said it to me, not to the man who’s his shadow.
Brennan can be trusted, but I can’t?
“He’s afraid you’ll run.”
I blink. I’m not sure what I’d expected him to say—most likely some kind of small talk. But to come out and say something like that? I’m more than a little intrigued.
From the corner of my eye, I catch Dorian striding toward the stage and Jaxon.
“Can you blame him?” He brings me in closer. “After all, one bride has already run away from him today.” Brennan’s smile is unexpected and dangerously charming, catching me off guard.
