retreats.
Abruptly, Dupree’s head came up like a hound testing the wind. As I moved closer to him, the guests between us cleared away, leaving him vulnerable to my approach. His eyes widened as he became aware of my changed attire. I stopped a few feet from him, letting my eyes flash like a promise of death. Then, changing tactics, I smiled warmly, conceiving of greater retribution as a new dance began.
I held my hand out for him to claim. “My Lord Count, it was naughty of you not to invite me to your party. Come dance with me.”
“Dance? You wish to … dance?” He looked thoroughly confused at my offer.
I stepped closer to him. He cautiously took my hand, and I went willingly into his arms.
“You do know how to dance?” I inquired with a guileless innocence, noting his startled face. “Just move your feet and try not to fall down—or tread on my toes.”
He smiled, ensnared by his own desire. “I shall do my best, Amelia.”
We moved together smoothly as if gliding across a cloud. Everyone else shied away, opening up the floor to the matched precision of our steps. The count knew how to dance after all. He guided me with a gentle pressure on my shoulder blade, steering a twirling, winding course across the ballroom floor.
With the gay music, the festive crowd watching us, and shining crystal chandeliers generously reflecting the candlelight, all elements of romance were in place among high society. I had always longed for, and hidden from, this pretty dream. Everyone admires the butterfly, but the caterpillar dies to make fragile wings possible.
For the moment, I gave myself to the dance, offering Dupree the willing companion he burned to possess. He dared not trust me, and he didn’t. I knew this from the subtle tension in his posture.
I moved even closer, setting my head against his shoulder with a soft pleased sigh.
He murmured lovingly into my ear, “Should you become violent, my dear, my men can be upon you in an instant.”
We reached the doors to the balcony. They stood open, and out against the stone rail, I saw Azrael. His eyes were bright stars and the black mist of his face had parted to reveal a mischievous smile. Something about the expression tore at my heartstrings.
The music still played, but I stopped moving, wrapping my arms firmly around Dupree. I stretched up, turning my lips to his in an invitation he was not slow to accept. I poured passion into the kiss, as though surrendering my soul, wanting to forever sear this moment into his memory —a flaming brand against his wicked heart. His arms tightened possessively. His lips drank hungrily. I felt his manhood pressing hard against me. Were we alone, I had no doubt he would have already ripped my clothes away. Only the good opinions of the crowd daunted him from doing so now.
At last, the kiss ended , as they all must. I opened my gaze to his, offering a final smile. “I know you are surprised by this change in me. Shall I tell you what lies behind it?”
“Please, do ,” he answered warily.
“Join me on the balcony. There’s no moonlight, but we will manage quite well .”
Keeping an arm locked around my waist, he escorted me through open doors. I moved in front of him, turning, drawing him along, as if for a better view of the estate and the morose city beyond the high walls. Showing no alarm, Dupree remained unaware of the dark angel I pulled him toward.
I jerked free of the Count’s hold, making him stand still by touching hand to blade. I pinned him with my stare as well. “I gave you this time so you would appreciate much better all that will never be yours, especially by force.” Spinning, I launched myself into Azrael, falling into his cold, dark infinity, and left a freshly tattered heart behind.
I felt no guilt. Dupree had known of my thorns when he tried to p luck me. He should have been more
Abruptly, Dupree’s head came up like a hound testing the wind. As I moved closer to him, the guests between us cleared away, leaving him vulnerable to my approach. His eyes widened as he became aware of my changed attire. I stopped a few feet from him, letting my eyes flash like a promise of death. Then, changing tactics, I smiled warmly, conceiving of greater retribution as a new dance began.
I held my hand out for him to claim. “My Lord Count, it was naughty of you not to invite me to your party. Come dance with me.”
“Dance? You wish to … dance?” He looked thoroughly confused at my offer.
I stepped closer to him. He cautiously took my hand, and I went willingly into his arms.
“You do know how to dance?” I inquired with a guileless innocence, noting his startled face. “Just move your feet and try not to fall down—or tread on my toes.”
He smiled, ensnared by his own desire. “I shall do my best, Amelia.”
We moved together smoothly as if gliding across a cloud. Everyone else shied away, opening up the floor to the matched precision of our steps. The count knew how to dance after all. He guided me with a gentle pressure on my shoulder blade, steering a twirling, winding course across the ballroom floor.
With the gay music, the festive crowd watching us, and shining crystal chandeliers generously reflecting the candlelight, all elements of romance were in place among high society. I had always longed for, and hidden from, this pretty dream. Everyone admires the butterfly, but the caterpillar dies to make fragile wings possible.
For the moment, I gave myself to the dance, offering Dupree the willing companion he burned to possess. He dared not trust me, and he didn’t. I knew this from the subtle tension in his posture.
I moved even closer, setting my head against his shoulder with a soft pleased sigh.
He murmured lovingly into my ear, “Should you become violent, my dear, my men can be upon you in an instant.”
We reached the doors to the balcony. They stood open, and out against the stone rail, I saw Azrael. His eyes were bright stars and the black mist of his face had parted to reveal a mischievous smile. Something about the expression tore at my heartstrings.
The music still played, but I stopped moving, wrapping my arms firmly around Dupree. I stretched up, turning my lips to his in an invitation he was not slow to accept. I poured passion into the kiss, as though surrendering my soul, wanting to forever sear this moment into his memory —a flaming brand against his wicked heart. His arms tightened possessively. His lips drank hungrily. I felt his manhood pressing hard against me. Were we alone, I had no doubt he would have already ripped my clothes away. Only the good opinions of the crowd daunted him from doing so now.
At last, the kiss ended , as they all must. I opened my gaze to his, offering a final smile. “I know you are surprised by this change in me. Shall I tell you what lies behind it?”
“Please, do ,” he answered warily.
“Join me on the balcony. There’s no moonlight, but we will manage quite well .”
Keeping an arm locked around my waist, he escorted me through open doors. I moved in front of him, turning, drawing him along, as if for a better view of the estate and the morose city beyond the high walls. Showing no alarm, Dupree remained unaware of the dark angel I pulled him toward.
I jerked free of the Count’s hold, making him stand still by touching hand to blade. I pinned him with my stare as well. “I gave you this time so you would appreciate much better all that will never be yours, especially by force.” Spinning, I launched myself into Azrael, falling into his cold, dark infinity, and left a freshly tattered heart behind.
I felt no guilt. Dupree had known of my thorns when he tried to p luck me. He should have been more
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