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“I’ve seen plenty of people with the crap beat out of them, but you had it the worst. And you just continued on with your day like it was nobody’s business.”

“I couldn’t let Earwyn think she won, could I?”

The right side of his mouth curves up. “You’re not at all what I expected. Want to dance?”

It takes me a moment to realize what he asked. He wants to dance with me. Me. “Uh, um … I guess. I mean, yeah. Okay.”

So smooth. Could I possibly be any more awkward?

Bash holds out his hand, and I take it. He leads me to the dance floor, which is already full of couples spinning around, having a great time.

People are staring. Whispering. Pointing.

No matter what I do, everyone notices. Lucky me, heir to the throne. Celebrity of the Dark Sea Academy.

I can’t change it, so I look away from the gawkers and focus on Bash. My insides melt as he loosens his tie and does that eye thing again.

I’m so glad I don’t have legs. No way I’d be able to get around him.

He pulls me close as a slow song starts. I can feel every muscle. His scent envelops me. He leans closer. “You have really beautiful eyes, you know that?”

“I … I …” My mind races for something to say. Anything. He’s going to think I’m a total loser before long. “I prefer yours.”

Bash tilts his head. “Really?”

My heart jumps into my throat. I nod. “They’re so …” Deep. Mysterious. Enchanting. Sexy. “… blue.”

He laughs. “That wasn’t what I expected.”

My face flames. “I—it’s just that they’re indescribable. Words fail me. That’s how amazing they are.”

Why did I just admit that?

His expression softens. “I didn’t expect that either.”

“I’m not like most people think.”

“Apparently not.”

The music changes to a fast song. I breathe a sigh of relief as he pulls back and we move to the new beat. We exchange smiles as we spin around, but my mind is racing.

I’m dancing with Bash, and he seems to be genuinely enjoying himself. I’m having the time of my life despite the stares and whispers I’m trying to ignore. Every time I look into his eyes, I get lost. Forget about everything else.

It makes me want to stay here forever.