Page 89 of The Magic of Betrayal
Ignoring him, I took a bite of the cheesecake in front of me and a moan left my mouth. Chocolate and caramel deliciousness. Reaching for my wine, I realized once again that nobody was speaking at our end of the table, so I looked around to see what the hell was going on now. Bram was staring at me like he wanted to drag me back to his bed, and when I braved a look at Thane, I was more than a little sickened to see the same look on his face. My stomach dropped and I pushed the dessert away from myself, what a travesty. It was no secret that I was a vocal eater, or whatever you call it. A moaner. I just enjoyed my food, gods dammit.Men.
"Right, let us begin the fun part of the evening," the king announced to us, standing up and clapping his hands three times. The chatter ceased, all attention on Thane.
"I hope dinner was enjoyed, our chefs really outdid themselves tonight. Our guest of honor was impressed!"
Clapping and cheering erupted and my cheeks flamed. I really did not like this attention.
"We'll take a fifteen minute break between dinner and the opening dances, you're all excused."
Bram stood, walking around his father to my seat, pulling it back and taking my hand as I stood.
"Be ready in ten minutes, Bram," Thane ordered, turning his back and walking away. I took a deep breath, feeling like I was able to breathe for the first time since I'd sat down beside that man.
Khol took up my other side once again and the two of them guided me back toward the throne room where the center of the room had been cleared while we ate, leaving ample space for dancing.
"So, what kind of dancing are we doing?" I asked, nervousness fluttering in my chest.
"It's a waltz. Just follow my lead, princess. You'll do great," Bram assured me, but my nerves only slightly dissipated.
"The dance is not a hard one, you have nothing to worry about," Khol whispered in his calming tone. It was bizarre because I didn't know this man, but for some reason, I trusted him not to bullshit me. If there was ever going to be some hard truths, he'd be the one to give them to me straight, even if it hurt me or painted him in a bad light. His confession about what he'd ordered Sloane to do... while that had hurt, a lot, the fact that he'd told me when he didn't need to yet... well, it went a long way toward how I viewed him.
A small group of women were in our direct path and the way their eyes lit up when they landed on Bram and Khol, I had to bite my tongue. The four of them curtsied when we got close enough, they looked young, maybe a couple of years younger than me. Then again, they were demons so they could've easily been hundreds of years old and I wouldn't know.
"Ladies, thank you for coming this evening," Bram addressed them, nodding his head.
A few giggled and I tried really hard not to roll my eyes, but maybe if I did, then I wouldn't have to look at the fuck me stares they were giving him.
"It's our pleasure to be here to celebrate with you tonight," one of the demon girls said, innuendo clear.
"And we're so happy you're back too, Khol," another one gushed.
Okay, so they're just going to act like I don't exist?
"Maybe you two can come find us after?"
My eyes widened at the brazen balls on this bitch. And when she reached forward and touched Bram's arm, I didn't think. I reacted.
A snarl that I didn't even know I was capable of burst from my mouth and I felt my wings snap out, fast and angry as I stepped in front of Bram and narrowed my eyes.
"Do not fucking touch him," I growled, the hair on the back of my neck lifting, almost like a wild animal's would when they felt threatened.
The four of them gasped and clutched their non-existent pearls, but it was a little late for the innocent act. They had just been propositioning my man and my father for some kind of orgy.
Bram and Khol both chuckled behind me and I felt Bram's large hand wrap around my waist, tugging me back against him. My heart was thrashing in my chest but the longer he held me, the more I felt like I was able to calm down.
"I’m otherwise engaged. If you'll excuse us, we have a dance to start," Bram announced, pushing us past those women and I glanced back to make sure they kept their distance, but I did see Khol wink at them.Ew.
Bram ushered us to the middle of the large room, staring down at me with amusement.
"What?" I snapped.
"You were jealous," he said all smug like.
"You're mine, Bram Carlisle," I told him firmly. Surprised by how much I meant it, but it was the truth. He cocked his head, studying my face. "I wanted to rip her arm off even after she backed away just to make sure she could never touch you again," I admitted, and I didn't feel guilty about it either. There was just this part of me that felt pleased with my actions because I had defended what was mine.
Bram smiled. "That's our bond, Goldie girl. I've been waiting for you to accept it, feel it, let me in. I told you long ago that you were made for me, princess."
My arms wrapped around his neck as I tugged his face down to mine, capturing his lips in a claiming that everyone in attendance would see. They needed to know their prince was spoken for, and the thirsty bitches needed to back off. He groaned against my lips and people started cheering and applauding our performance, just before the music started playing softly.
