Frost (Frost and Nectar #1)(58)

The wine had heated me up now, making my muscles feel lithe and supple. I dropped my champagne flute on a little marble table.

Tuning out the rest of the world, I crossed to Torin. Normally, I hated being the center of attention, but the wine had relaxed me, and I was focused on him alone. And maybe I hated being in the spotlight a little less when I felt sexy as hell in this dress that he’d picked out for me. The violet gown had a plunging neckline and a dramatic slit, seductive and perfect for a tango-style dance. The king had also given me a silver necklace that looked like blackthorn leaves and berries twining around my neck.

I took his hand, my gaze locked on his. In time to the music, we circled each other for a few steps.

His gaze was taking me apart. He locked his hand on my waist and pulled me in closer—one sharp, possessive movement. My hips were tight against him, which wasn’t at all how he’d danced with the others…but I wasn’t exactly complaining. Even if I could never let myself fall for him, there was no point in pretending I didn’t like being near him.

Our right hands clasped, and his left hand slid around my lower back, holding me in tight. My left hand rested on his shoulder, and I savored the iron feel of his bicep and shoulder muscles under his velvety jacket.

Despite the cold blue of his eyes, the look he was giving me smoldered, lighting a forbidden flame in my body.

Expertly leading me, he slid his hand a little lower down to the small of my back and guided me in a twist. My right leg slid behind me as he dipped me slightly, and I felt the cool air kiss my bare thigh as my foot shifted forward on the flagstones.

When he brought me back up, he dropped my right hand, clasping my lower back. With a sensual smile, he held me against him in a way that was slightly more indecent than the tango I’d learned in class…

All eyes were on us, but I no longer cared.

Torin guided my back in an arch as he dipped me, his body leaning over mine, lips hovering over my neck. In the oak grove, all it had taken was one brush of his mouth against mine to light me on fire.

Just the memory was enough to make my pulse race, to make me acutely aware of every point where our bodies met, and the feel of his heart beating under his clothes. If we were alone here—if this were real—I’m not sure I would have had an ounce of willpower left.

He guided me up again, and I melted into him as he took complete control.

As I arched my back in another dip, my head fell back, and I closed my eyes. He lowered his head, and I felt his breath heating the top of my breasts. When Torin lifted me, my cheek brushed slowly against his, and I found myself wrapping my arms over his shoulders, nestling my head into the crook of his neck. The music swelled, and the deep throbbing of a drum echoed through the hall.

The king leaned down, nuzzling my throat. I heard him sigh, then breathe in, inhaling my scent. In a slow caress, the backs of his knuckles brushed my ribs, the idle stroke of a man who had everything he wanted right in his hands. Heat raced over my body in the wake of his touch, and I knew he could hear the racing of my heart, my breath speeding up…

He could tell I was turned on. Were we even dancing anymore?

With a sigh, he brushed his hands along my arms, clasping my hands in his again. He raised them above my head, and our bodies pressed together. Dazed, my head tilted back, and I met his gaze.

This was the same exhilarating thrill I’d felt when sparring with Torin in the forest, but with an intoxicating, sensual feel to each movement. Never in my life had I been more desperate to kiss someone. He seemed to be able to communicate and guide me through his movements, like he understood how every muscle in my body worked, and how to get the exact result he wanted…

He could have me begging if he wanted.

I was pretty sure I had the answer to Shalini’s question. Yes, fae men were undoubtedly better than their human counterparts in bed. At least, I was almost certain this one was. And of course he was, because he was nowhere near relationship material.

With a nearly imperceptible growl, his hands moved to my hips. He crouched slightly, then lifted me up above his head. Holy shit.

When Torin lowered me, I was close against him once more, sliding slowly down his body. As my left foot hit the ground, I found my right leg wrapped around his upper thigh. He leaned into me, arching my spine as he pressed over me, holding me firmly in the small of my back. Desire darkened his eyes, and his lips parted.

Maybe it was all for show—but I wasn’t so sure anymore. The cameras couldn’t see the look in his eyes, but I could. And that look said he wanted me as much as I wanted him. His fingers tightened on me possessively.

With what felt like a supreme act of will, Torin straightened, and I unhooked my leg from him, stepping away. Torin dropped my hand, though his eyes lingered on me.

I stepped back—he had other dances tonight, after all. But my heart was pounding in my chest like I’d just returned from battle.

I stayed, sipping a bit more of Faerie wine, watching as he danced with Alice not once, but twice.

Despite her worries, she danced gracefully, and the king was genuinely smiling at her.

Did I have to stay here and watch him dance with one woman after another? I’d already put on the show required of me. It was all caught on camera.

So, as Moria grabbed him for another dance, I slipped out the dark entrance and headed back to my room.

THE CASTLE WAS HUGE. TWENTY MINUTES LATER, AS I MADE MY WAY DOWN THE EMPTY HALL, I WAS