Page 5 of BuK
“That was rude, BuK. I’m a grown woman and can decide who I want to dance with, without your help or interference. Do you even know how to dance?”
“Did you want to dance with him?”
“Well, not particularly, no.”
“Then the problem is solved. Politely, I told him you were unavailable, so that you did not have to, and yes, I do believe I understand this dancing concept.”
I should be aggravated, but when BuK bows, offering his hand, I can’t help but laugh at how serious he is. “BuK dancing is supposed to be fun. You know, shake your ass to the music and enjoy yourself!”
“I am aware of the perks of dancing. ANDI has been coaching several of us on proper etiquette, and he made us watch several holo vids of your people enjoying such erratic movements.”
While we’ve been standing here, the music changes to something slightly faster, and I step back when BuK starts demonstrating everything he’s learned.
CHAPTER 3
BRIAR
I’m holding my hand over my mouth, trying not to laugh out loud, but I lose it completely when KyT and MeK join BuK in their version of dancing. They’re bouncing around like some lost tribe from the Amazon rainforest. Their steps, although loud and extremely random are well-coordinated, as if they’ve actually been practicing.
BuK’s huge smile and KyT’s random yells have everyone clapping and cheering them on, while I’m holding my sides because I’ve laughed so hard I’m hurting. Just when I think it can’t get any sillier, Ricky and James come to join in. Before long, everyone is on the dance floor bouncing around like we’ve all lost our minds! I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun, even if this dress isn’t exactly made for all this movement.
Lacie’s pulled all the excess material of her wedding gown up in her arms and is doing her best to mimic all the guys steps. MeK is dancing around her so intently, it’s like he’s a male in rut, trying to impress his mate. Out of breath, I step off the dance floor, grabbing the drink BuK had gotten me earlier, practically gulping it down. BuK motions for me to come danceagain and I wave him off until the music changes and everyone starts heading back to their seats. There’s nothing but smiles and laughter all around as everyone is thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Just as I start to sit down, a slow song begins to play. Before I realize it, BuK picks me up off my feet, swinging me back around to him. I swear he only gets by with this because of those dimples. Thankfully, he does seem to understand the meaning of a slow song as he takes my hand in his before placing his other one on my side as he slowly leads me around the floor.
“Are you impressed with my dancing skills?”
“I am. Not many guys would get out there in front of everyone and act a fool. I will say I enjoyed it tremendously.”
“Well then, it was well worth it, even though I prefer this type of dance as you are within my arms.”
I just shake my head and relax as he maneuvers us easily around all the other dancers. MeK and Lacie are so wrapped up in each other’s arms you almost can’t see one for the other, but it’s DaR and Kira that really catch my attention. Even with their extreme height difference, they float together like they’ve danced for years. Tyberius and Victoria’s feet don’t even appear to be touching the ground as he moves them in intricate steps across the floor. Victoria’s eyes never look away from his, as if he is the sole reason she breathes.
BuK’s next words get my attention when he sees me watching all of them. “Their many rotations together have taught them much about each other. One rising, I will know you better than I do myself.”
“Those are bold words coming from someone who hasn’t even kissed me, let alone test drove the merchandise.”
“Those words do not make sense, and I have not earned the right to experience the human kiss with you.”
“I didn’t know you thought you had to earn it. We need to work on our communication, Mister.”
“I have never witnessed you giving this human kiss to another. Why would I think I had the right to ask for one? I receive your hugs freely, as well as most others. I simply have not figured out as yet what it takes to earn your kiss, even though I crave it so.”
“Oh, my sweet alien, bless your little heart. I don’t know who’s more lost sometimes, you or me. We will discuss this more later; for now, let’s boogie the night away, my crazy dancing fool.”
BuK flashes that smile that always lets him get away with murder, and around and around we go until once again I’m laughing so hard I can barely catch my breath. When Kiki almost trips me as she darts between us, Lacie and MeK, I suddenly find myself plastered against BuK’s chest, his arms holding me up by my butt as my hands rest on his broad shoulders.
“My hero!” I kiss the top of his head between his horns. I swear I feel his entire body stiffen below me, before he slowly slides me down his long frame, setting me gently back on my feet. We both kind of stand there in a trance for a second before Keida bumps my hip playfully with hers.
“Hey, you two have been tearing up the floor out here. Danny’s being a sourpuss as usual and won’t dance with me, but I’m not letting that ruin my evening, as there are always other options. She points at Owen, who’s standing at her side. Owen has proven to be quite the dancing partner this evening, even with Dannyfrowning from the sidelines. You guys better hurry up and kiss or step aside; I think they’re about to cut the cake.”
For some reason, mentioning Danny makes me glance over at where Raven has been laying all this time. There he stands with his arms crossed, his muscles pushing at the seams of that form-fitting suit he has on. You would have to be blind not to see how well built he is for a human. Even though I peg him to be close to my own age, he seems to have an old-world vibe about him, and I would say that’s because of who raised him.
I mean, if your parents are hundreds of years old, something is going to rub off. However, what really catches my attention is his eyes. They pulse as if there’s a massive fluorescent blue light bulb behind them as he watches Owen and Keida together. Raven stands next to him, her head almost to his shoulders and her eyes reflecting that same eerie blue. I wonder what happened to make man and animal similar, yet so different. They move as if they’re one, and it shows that this bond didn’t just start; it’s been there for years.
BuK leans down, whispering in my ear, “If I were Owen, I would keep my hands to myself. Danny is not one to be trifled with. I have seen him sparring with others that should have destroyed him, only for him to come out the victor. He is unnaturally fast, and the power residing in him is more than muscle; it is a living force.”
“But he’s human?”
