Page 86 of Enchanted Kisses
I released a breath too, and my muscles unclenched. Then I shivered, suddenly cold, and hugged myself, thinking it had to do with my powers or my overactive hormones. “Did I hurt you?” My teeth chattered.
Caiden removed his jacket and placed it over my shoulders. “It was a lot at one time is all. The energy and your actions. Had you not tried to tear off your dress, I would have been all right.”
Warmer beneath his jacket, I bit my lip and averted my gaze. “Right. Sorry. I might have gotten a little carried away.”
He put a finger under my chin and lifted. “You’re full of surprises.” He smiled. “But now isn’t the time for that.”
I nodded, my cheeks burning with humiliation. If I had the ability to cross to my room, I would have. Ever since Caiden and I had hooked up, I’d thrown myself at him, desperate for him to de-flower me. No wonder he was a wreck.
“Don’t be embarrassed.” He stroked a long tendril. “It’s one of the things I love most about you. I never know what you’re going to do.”
23
Change Of Plans
In my room at the manor, I lifted my hair and turned around for Caiden. “I broke the zipper, didn’t I? Dammit, do you think Raysa will be upset? Oh, gosh! How do I explain how it happened? I can’t tell her I attacked you and tried to tear my clothes off.”
He responded with a chuckle while working the zipper.
I looked over my shoulder. “It’s not funny. I can’t tell her that. Where is she, anyway?”
Worried that Raysa might be wondering the same about me, I dropped my hair and stepped away from Caiden. The dress fell to my feet, leaving me in a blush lace corset and matching panties. I’d forgotten the white set she’d bought for me and this was the backup.
Suddenly shy, I yanked the dress up. In the gazebo, it had been dark, and the mood was right. Here, beneath the bright chandelier, not so much.
“You got the zipper down? You didn’t tell me.”
“I didn’t get the chance.” He hadn’t moved an inch. His hand was still lifted as if he were working the zipper, and his eyes were focused on my dress, as if he had X-ray vision and could see beneath it.
Could he? And if so, did he like what he saw? My heart pounded.
“That was better than the dress.” His gaze remained fixed on my body, one corner of his mouth lifting.
“Are you okay?” He had an I-could-pounce-at-any-second glint in his eyes. I pulled the dress higher. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you to help me undress. I just…the zipper was broke and—”Stop rambling and focus. “Remember our plan, Caiden.” I spoke calmly, noticing the quick rise and fall of his chest. “Before we crossed here, you said you would unzip me then leave to find Raysa so we can tell her everything. So she can help us.”
He closed the distance between us and brushed a finger down my cheek. “You are so beautiful.”
I held still.
He drew in a long breath and released it slowly. Hooking a finger in the top of the dress, he pulled it out a few inches and stared for a few seconds. “I will want to see that later.” He let out a frustrated groan and then disappeared in a swirl of gold.
I exhaled too, as if I’d been holding my breath. Had I? Although I was relieved he wasn’t wigging out like he had before, I couldn’t deny I was a little disappointed. He did the right thing, though, by leaving. We had bigger concerns.
I let the dress fall to the ground, reached for my robe, and was about to pull it on when the bedroom door swung open.
Bianca stepped into the room, wearing a low-cut red gown that clung to her model figure. She eyed my body, then lifted a hand to smooth her hair. Pulled high in an elaborate bun, it looked like a glossy black sculpture on the top of her head. Everything about her screamed temptress, from the way she walked to the mischievous gleam in her blue eyes.
“Ever heard of knocking?” I pulled on my robe and tied the belt.
“My apologies. I thought Caiden was with you.” She sauntered to the canopy bed and ran her fingers over the satin comforter. “This would have made a great honeymoon suite for Caiden and I.”
My stomach twisted. “He’s out looking for Raysa. Why don’t you go find her?”
Raysa would put Bianca in her place. I turned away and rummaged through my bag for something to wear. At least I didn’t have to repack my things before leaving. I wished I knew where Caiden planned to take me.
Bianca appeared at my side.
I flinched.
