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We continue this sensual sway, our bodies rubbing together in a way that makes me want to finish what we started in that arena.
“I-I can’t.” I look down, regretting my response already, but I know I can’t stay because that was never the plan. It won’t work. This wasn't supposed to happen.
He spins me again, then pulls me back to him. His fingers faintly glide up my forearm as the other rakes up my spine.
I shudder, my breath catching. We look at each other again. “What can I do to convince you?”
I blink, wordless again. My breast flush against him, our heart beats combined making a rhythm of its own. I glance at his lips, and the scar residing on it. The memory of my tongue gliding up the mark before kissing me.
“Have you ever seen a Datura plant grow?” His breath skims across my cheek, sure to be near my ear to get my attention.
“No.” I finally found my voice. I dart around the ball, hoping to concentrate on other things than the simple touch of his hand caressing my lower back.
“But it’s on your dagger?”
My head cocks, narrowing my gaze into his. He knows. Then that means...
“How symbolic.” He smirks. “It’s a beautiful thing to witness. As beautiful as watching you become so weak for me. Then denying to yourself that you’re not.”
My heart drops to my stomach. He squeezes lightly between our entwined fingers. “I’m not—”
“Don’t,” he coaxes. “You of all people know this plant is known for being toxic. It reeks of poison. Poisoning anyone in its path, destroying their cells, and eventually leading them to death.”
I continue to peer around, although my ears are perked, listening to his madness.
“How can something so beautiful under the brightest of the moonlight destroy you in the process of healing you?” he asks me softly in my ear.
A shiver slithers down my spine. I lick over my lips before answering. “Maybe they shouldn’t have been near it. Even when they were warned to stay away from something so harmful.”
He hums deep in his throat, almost like a low growl. “People are naturally drawn to danger, even when they know it’ll ruin them in the end. You can have all the warnings signs and red flags, but it’ll always be difficult to stay away from something so beautiful, so alluring. So dangerously tempting.”
I stay quiet as my insides flutter from his deep voice and captivating words.
He continues, “No one knows, but this plant in particular is more poisonous and lethal than any other night growing plant. But...when combined with another deadly species, its essence is so potent that it can still take away all of one’s emotional, mental, and physical pain.” His large hand skims up my back, cupping my nape, and giving it a squeeze. My heart beats faster. “How is that possible, my little snake?”
I shake my head, my knees becoming weaker. “I don’t know. What are you saying?”
He brushes his fingers across my knuckles, before pulling me away with a whirly spin and this time, my back lands against his hard chest.
His places his palm on my belly and my hands fly to the spot, and it's so warm that it feels like it's burning into my dress. Ronan dips to my ear and whispers. “Poison cures poison, my sweet venom.”
My breath escapes, and I search for air, words, a language. Anything to get my body back into circulation. Why would he tell me that? How can something so dangerous and toxic and create something beautifully chaotic?
“Sorry to interrupt your steamy duo dance, but the target is making his way up the steps as I speak. Now or never.” Wicked’s voice interrupts the connection like glass shattering around us.
I reluctantly peel away from his hold, swallowing again as goose flesh runs up my arms and back. I brush them away, diverting my gaze anywhere else but his. Ronan takes my hand to guide us away from the crowd.
“Where to,” he says, our bodies slipping through people.
I spot Wicked atop the balcony, walking in our direction. “Straight and narrow. Hallway.”
“Coming up behind yah.” Boone's deep voice shakes through my earpiece.
“We need to follow him and see where he goes,” I say, finally finding myself back intothisreality.
We arrive at the flight of stairs. “I need you two down here to hold off the guards if need be,” Ronan advises Boone and Mal as he breaks his hand from my own. He takes the grand steps to the left, and I take the ones to the right. I stay behind a few guests, keeping my eyes on Victor until he disappears into the hall. I quicken my steps, making it to the top.
Ronan comes beside me. “It’s time.” Victor walks further down, then rounds a corner.