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Ahem. Okay, then. “Yeah, but I don’t have to take anyone else into account when I’m dancing on stage.”
“You’re overthinking it. Take a deep breath.”
I did.
“And another.”
I did.
“Now, just keep your eyes on me and follow my lead.”
He started slowly and I don’t know, I kind of lost myself in the movement, so I wasn’t as self-conscious. We were gliding around the room and just for a moment; I pictured us in a grand ballroom, all elegant and dressed up.
I was really getting into it now and maybe Grayson sensed that, because he sped up, spinning me around fast enough that I stumbled, falling against his chest. I burst out laughing as he caught me up by my waist, holding me close against him. We both went completely still, our lips a whisper apart. His scent wafted over me, making me giddy.
Grayson tensed and pulled back a little, and I felt a flash of disappointment. “What is it?”
Okay, so I guess it showed on my face. Or he was just that damn perceptive. “Nothing.”
“Stefania.”
So adding insult to lack of kissing injury, he just had to go and say my name like that. “I just…I thought for a second there you were going to kiss me.”
Something flared in his eyes. “The thought crossed my mind.”
“What stopped you?”
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to come on to you while you’re stuck here with me.”
“So it’s not because you don’t want to kiss me?”
“No, it’s not that at all.”
“Youwantto kiss me, is what you’re saying. Right?”
“Yes. Very much.”
“Even though I’m skinny now, and pale, and haggard, and worn out from being sick.”
“Yes, Stefania. I still want to kiss you, even though you are so terribly hideous.”
The light in his eyes had my blood humming, even as I smiled at his teasing.
“In fact, I want to do a lot more than just kiss you.”
“Oh. Well, maybe you could start with kissing me and we can go from there.”
“Alright.”
The breath whooshed from my lungs as he gently cupped my face and slowly lowered his head, brushing his lips against mine. It was soft and light, but I felt heat pool in my belly just the same. Slipping my arms around his neck, I opened my lips, sighing with pleasure when he tangled his tongue with mine. The feel of my body coming alive, of my blood heating, thrilled me.
Grayson broke the kiss, raising his head slightly.
I smiled dreamily, blinking at him a few times as I came back to my senses. “Hmm. Lame.”
Amusement flashed in his eyes, and he raised a brow. I looked him square in the eye, giving him a challenge. He took it wordlessly, sliding his hand into my hair and tugging hard enough to make my core clench. Then, without warning, he slipped his other arm around my waist and crushed his lips to mine. Hooooly fuck. His arm was a steel band around me, his body hard and muscular against mine. It was nothing short of an onslaught and I washerefor it.
I whimpered softly and maybe Grayson took it for the surrender it was, because he finally showed me mercy, loosening his hold and lifting his head.