Page 52 of Heart of a Witch
“Are we going back inside?”
“If you’ll have me.”
She pressed a hand against my chest. “We can go, but you better find some more of that scotch.”
“I think we’ve had enough.” I leaned down, but she danced away before I could do what I’d thought about the whole time we were sitting there.
“Come on then.”
The chandelier flickered the light of a hundred diamonds onto every surface. Lamps lit up the alcoves, while candles melted down at tables lining the back wall, bringing the tapestries above them to life. I took Victoria’s hand and pulled us past a pale-blue pillar and into the main dancing area. She gazed at the curved ceiling made of sprawling art, then lowered her eyes to meet mine.
I looked over her shoulder, nodding at the quartet at the side of the room. James caught it, and a new melody slipped between the strings of the violin, cello, and harp. The pianist to their left fell into the tune as if she had expected to come.
“A new song,” Victoria said with a surprised smile. “It’s perfect timing.”
“That it is,” I replied, not wanting to ruin the magic of the night. My head may have been swirling from the scotch, but I kept myself straight, unwavering when I slipped a leg forward, nudging hers back. She smiled when our knees touched, and the music grew louder, resonating throughout the hall.
Tentatively, her fingers danced down my arm and stopped at my bicep. “You’re a good dancer.”
My heart palpated. It must have been the music or the liquor. Every worry and fear coiled inside me was untangled, loose. My inhibitions shot to the wind as I carried her with each step. Placing my hand on her side, I lowered my fingers an inch. Her gaze swallowed me, her cupid-bow lips parting. I’d never seen anyone with such big eyes or such kissable lips. Her bronzed skin glowed under the low lights.
I swallowed thickly, then pulled her closer until there was no distance between us. She closed her eyes, and I inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent of jasmine and rosewater. Flickers of touch ran between us, a brush of an arm, a hazy touch of fingers against my neck, a carefully timed lean inward on my part. Her hand moved over my chest, splaying over where my heart raced. I didn’t care to think, to feel anything, but I allowed myself to be swallowed by the moment. The music slowed. I thumbed her chin, lifting her face. Her lips were inches from mine. I could almost taste how they would feel. I leaned down when I caught my breath. She pulled away, turning out under my arm and curling herself back into me. It was either poorly timed or well timed.
Was I wrong to assume she liked me? She had searched me out, although I had invited her twice.
She laughed, and everything else melted away. “Everyone’s looking.”
I blinked twice, glancing around. For a moment, I’d forgotten we weren’t the only ones in the room. “They’re envious of your dance moves.”
She pressed her lips together, suppressing a smirk as she tugged my hand. “I think I’m all danced out.”
I wasn’t. I hadn’t felt so present in… well, for a long time. It was a welcome break from reality. I wanted to live in it for as long as I could before I had to wake up. I guessed balls did that. It was a night promised of magic and stars, of moments and possibilities. Everyone loved a party; I’d just never experienced what others had gushed about until now.
“Would you like a drink?” I asked as she looked at me with raised eyebrows.
“Yes, I’m rather parched.”
Charles found me from across the room, shooting me a knowing smirk. I glanced at him, shaking my head. I was mad he was buying my club, but I figured I’d talk to him another day about it. Right now, I only wanted her. I slipped my arm under hers, taking her at my side toward the back of the room. I walked us past the drinks table and to the grand staircase. She brushed her thumb along the back of my arm, which she held as we walked. An accident? Maybe.
“I thought we were going to get a drink?” she asked.
“We are.” I licked my dry lips. “Not from in there. That lemonade is for the guests. I have the good stuff in my study.”
She bit her bottom lip, bringing my attention to them. “I shouldn’t be unaccompanied with a man for too long,” she said, but there was a slight tease in her tone.
“I think it’s a little late for that.”
She smiled in response, and I led her toward the study. When we reached the door, I paused. “I have something that will surprise you.”
“Top shelf liquor, I assume.”
I grinned and pushed open the door. “Not quite. As much as I enjoy you for a drinking partner, I believe we’ve both had enough to last us the night.”
She followed me inside, and I walked her to my coffee station. “Now you’re just showing off.”
“Only the best for my finest lady.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I’myourlady now, am I?”
