Ever After by Candace Sams Page A

changed, and all in the span of a few moments. To add to his shame over having spied, he realized he was like a lot of other men. He’d seen Keira as just another innocuous embassy employee, mostly because of how she looked. She’d been intelligent and extremely adept, but not anyone who would capture a man’s immediate sexual attention. That had changed in a heartbeat.
    I’m as shallow as some of those women chasing after me—the same ones I’ve accused of only wanting me for sex, power, or my title.
    The taste of hypocrisy was bitter. For the second time in just a few days, Lieutenant Keira Foley had made him feel less than worthy of his vaunted position, less than a noble Mythrealian, and more like a scoundrel.
    As he stared at her, she’d occasionally glance his way. Only a few more guests in the receiving line and she’d be done with that formal duty.
    Eventually, with everyone seated or finding beverages of their choice—and with several of Immy’s cronies now ensconced at the table, keeping her amused—Dillon politely excused himself. He didn’t miss the telltale smile on his grandmother’s face as she nodded toward Keira, as if to express not only pleasure but approval.
    The first formal dance of the ball was about to be announced, as was custom. In a rather unexpected rush of possessiveness, he vowed no one was having that dance with Keira—no one but him.

Chapter Four
    If there was any personification of magnificence, Dillon Greenleaf matched and then gold-plated it.
    As he strode toward her, his gleaming eyes filled with something she hadn’t seen before, Keira felt stirrings in her breast. So strong were the sensations that they riveted her to the spot. She couldn’t have moved if commanded to.
    Seven feet of muscular, black-uniformed Mythrealian meant to take the first dance with her. From the top of his almost blond head—with a long braid flowing over his left shoulder—to his black tunic, decorated with numerous service awards from what she’d heard were no less than five campaigns against pirate hoards, the man was a vision of heroic splendor. The black leather of his belt and tall boots shimmered in the light of a hundred chandeliers, and stood out against the white, polished marble floor and walls. The music must surely start soon. If not, she’d embarrass herself by standing there in a pool of drool.
    His square jaw was set. His full lips turned up at the corners. She knew he meant to have some answers about her appearance. Nothing would suffice but the truth, however simplistic that truth turned out to be.
    Finally, after making his way through the hundreds of partiers, all of whom seemed intent on speaking to him, he found his path to the edge of the crowd and moved more swiftly in her direction. And though it appeared he’d spoken amiably with those who’d queried him, his eyes were on her the entire time. His sparkling green gaze never once wavered.
    Surely, others must see his persistent journey to her side. But the gossip his adamant path toward her might cause just didn’t matter. Because of her godfather’s retirement, things were going to be different from now on. She’d already made that personal vow.
    After swallowing hard, her feet finally lost the leaded feeling keeping her in place during Dillon’s journey. She lifted the edge of her floor-length gown and took the last steps that put them only a foot apart.
    He slowly looked her over. Curiosity in his face turned to something else. If she had to put a name to it, passion would do.
    Part of her was sad that he’d never looked so raptly at the dull little lieutenant whose oversized uniform wouldn’t draw comment. But another part of her felt utter joy at the demanding, even possessive-like gaze he now bestowed.
    “Why the disguise? Why did you hide the way you looked for the entire time you’ve been on Mythreal?” he asked, without any hesitation.
    She had to look way, way up to respond. “I-I suppose you think