Chapter 0034
“Impressive,” he commented as I executed a particularly tricky turn.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” I replied lightly.
“Not surprised, just… delighted.”
My heart fluttered at his words, but I focused on the rhythm, allowing myself to be fully present in the moment. The fabric of his shirt brushed against my cheek, the faint scent of his cologne enveloping me.
As the song progressed, Elijah loosened his hold slightly, no longer needing to keep the feather pinned between us. Our movements became more fluid, more natural, as if drawn together by an invisible force. Like our bodies were magnetized to nothing but one another.
The music swelled, and he led me into a graceful spin. I followed effortlessly without even thinking.
“Did you dance a lot growing up?” Elijah asked.
My cheeks heated a little at the memories of countless dancing lessons as a child, but I nodded. “Yes. I actually quite enjoyed it.”
“It shows,” he replied, sounding a little surprised. And maybe a little something else, too, although I couldn’t quite put my finger
on it.
As we continued, the world outside seemed to fade away. Even Rosa’s presence seemed to slip into the distance. There was only the music, the subtle warmth of Elijah’s hands seeping through my dress, and the steady rhythm of our steps.
I felt.. safe in his arms. Safer than I had ever felt
Finally, the song began to draw to a close, and as we slowed, I became acutely aware of how close we were now. I couldn’t even feel the feather between us now, although I could feel his heart beating against mine.
Slowly, his hand moved from my waist, his fingertips grazing my cheek. My breath caught, the touch sending a tingling sensation across my skin.
“Elijah…”
He gently untied the scarf, the fabric slipping away to reveal that his face was mere inches from mine. Our eyes met, and for a moment, everything else fell away.
But before either of us could speak, a small whirlwind burst into the room.
“Mommy!” Thea called out, rushing toward us with boundless energy. She grabbed my hand eagerly, tugging on me. “Please, I’m sooo hungry!”
I blinked, the spell abruptly broken. “Theal w
are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t find you, and the maids said you were here,” she explained, still tugging on my hand. “Can you please make me a
+15 BONUS
sandwich? Pleeease? You always cut the bunny shape just right!”
Thesitated, glancing at Elijah and Rosa. Rosa nodded and checked her watch. “Yes, I think we’ve had enough practice for today.”
I looked at Elijah, but he had already taken a step back. Whatever chemistry I’d felt between us was abruptly gone, and I felt suddenly cold without his body pressed against mine. The feather now lay on the floor, forgotten.
“Us… Yes,” I said, letting Thea tug me away.
With that, I let Thea lead me out of the ballroom, her excited chatter filling the air as we headed toward the kitchen. The last thing I saw before the large doors closed behind us was Elijah staring at me with that same intense gaze he always had.
And beside him, Rosa was smirking, leaning close to him as if whispering something. The sight made my face turn crimson as I wondered what she was saying, but then the doors shut and Thea pulled me along with a strength I didn’t know she had.
“I told the maids that I prefer your sandwiches,” she chattered as she tugged me behind her, nearly making me trip over my dress. “They said they could make me something but I want yours!”
“That’s… that’s okay,” I said, managing a smile. Maybe Thea’s sudden appearance was ideal, since the energy between me and Elijah was becoming too electric for comfort at the end of our dance.
But at the same time, I couldn’t decide if I was grateful for the distraction… or maybe a little disappointed.
Perhaps it was both.
