Page 61 of A Forbidden Arrangement

Just like that, the spell breaks. The room stirs back to life, voices and laughter blending with the clink of glass.

“I did that.” The words slip out in a whisper.

Xander hears. He makes a low, pleased sound and spins me into his arms.

“Dance with me, Dahlia.”

This time, I say yes.

Chapter 28

Xander

I swallow hard,breathing in the sweet scent of honey and jasmine. Satisfaction curls through me, knowing she’s using the shampoo I bought her.

She fits perfectly in my arms as I move us across the floor, holding her closer than I should.

I can’t bring myself to care. Not when she’s melted against me like this. Finally, she’s here because she wants to be.

Every small movement drives me insane. The curl of her fingers, nails pressing through my shirt. Her breath against my neck, coming faster with each step. It’s like she’s lit a match and dropped it straight into my chest.

Her nose brushes the bottom of my chin, and my entire body shudders. Her nails press in harder, and I want more. I want them to dig in, leaving crescent marks along my skin. She presses in close, like any space between us might kill her. I slide my hand down the back of her neck, feel goose bumps rise beneath my fingers, and the quiet sound that escapes her nearly undoes me.

I stumble a step, barely keeping us upright. She looks up at me through lowered lashes, want mirroring mine.

For the first time since the hospital, I can breathe.

I’ve always taken what I wanted. But seeing her afraid of me gutted me more than I’ll ever admit. I’ve thought about getting on my knees and begging her to forgive me. I would have, if I thought it would work.

But I knew she needed to come to me on her own. That if I wanted all of her, she had to choose to trust me.

And now, with her in my arms, I know we’ll get there.

If she needs coaxing, I’ll coax her. If she wants something, I’ll get it. If she needs me to kneel, I’ll kneel. Whatever she needs, she’ll have.

I’ll never let her go. But I’ll make it so she never wants to leave.

The thought of her owning me tightens something low in my gut. My cock hardens, and she gasps when it presses against her stomach.

Has she noticed we’ve stopped dancing? That she’s standing on her toes, lips almost brushing mine?

Fuck. I’m not a good man, but whatever she’s doing to me should be illegal.

“Are you ready to go home?” My voice comes out rough, thick.

“Yes.”

Wide eyes meet mine, bright and soft. There’s a hint of play there that makes my teeth grind as I hold myself back. I breathe in slowly. Out slower. Baby steps. I can’t fuck this up.

With the restraint of a saint, I let her go and lead her off the floor. I tell myself I’ll kiss her the second we’re in the car.

The crowd parts easily, but her faint squeeze on my fingers makes me stop.

She’s standing behind me, chest rising fast, her free hand gripping her dress. Her movements are too sharp, too tight.

I need to slow down. If I push too hard, she’ll run.

“Do you want a drink?”