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I couldn't be happier.
Happy. When had I ever used that word to describe myself? I couldn’t remember.
I held her close, my fingertips buzzing at the contact, and, taking a brief minute to appreciate the moment, I pressed my face into her hair. Inhaling deep. Breathing in the woman who made me feel alive again.
"Excuse me, may I borrow Miss Duvall for a dance?”
I opened my eyes to see Tucker standing there.
“Tucker!" Summer stopped dancing and smiled at him, her face lighting up. “How are you?”
I scowled, growling out low and angry. “No.”
Tucker gave me a roguish, lopsided grin. "Looks like you've acquired some taste since we last spoke." He was staring at the tie Summer had gotten me. It was a dark plum, paisley color, and it matched her dress.
"Isn't it awesome?" Summer preened, happy that someone had noticed I was wearing something other than my usual black or silver. She ran her fingers down it, smoothing it over, making a tingle spread out my chest and into my fingers.
My scowl grew deeper. I didn't tingle. And yet, Summer made me feel like a little kid again. And Tucker standing here was ruining my vibe.
"My darling," Tucker took her hand, kissing the tips of her knuckles. "Would you please ignore the grumpy man and honor me with a dance? If not, I'll be so devastated, I'll jump off a cliff." His tone turned pleading, blinking with large puppy dog eyes.
"Awww," Summer sighed, a hand to her chest, making me want to strangle the guy. She looked at me, asking for permission and, even though I was itching to throw him off a cliff myself, Summer could choose for herself.
Hadn't I taught her that—she was in charge of her own destiny.
How could I teach her to control her own life, while withholding something she seemed to be excited about, all because I was being a caveman and hated Tucker with every fiber of my being.
"Yes, of course," I forced the words through gritted teach. “It’s your decision.”
"Well, I do declare," Tucker effected a heavy, southern accent, his hand squeezing my arm, "Rook Craven, if someone special hasn't gotten your panties in a twist and turned you into a gentleman." He led Summer off with a wink at me and a cocky smirk.
I slid my hands into my pockets, watching them the whole time with a glower, making sure he wasn't going to do anything nefarious, like hurt her, try to kidnap her…
…or possibly kiss her…
They danced through one song, then started another, with her glancing shyly at me as the second one began. I nodded, trying to school my face, and ignored the other women in the room giving me not so subtle hints for their attention.
Suddenly, she laughed at something he said and my chest tightened with jealousy. I couldn’t stop the low growl in my throat. My fingers itched to wrap around his neck. Or maybe I could break his jaw. I should be the only man to make her laugh.
There was a subtle shift of movement from out of the corner of my eye.
I turned, my instincts on high alert.
Olivia and the Maidens had disappeared. I couldn’t see Saul or Maxon, though they must be here somewhere. Couples were still dancing, the orchestra still playing, people laughing. And yet…there was something off.
Keeping half my attention on Tucker and Summer, I roamed the large ballroom, my sharp gaze taking everything in…until, I saw her.
She stood at the edge of the dance floor, all in white, her veil keeping her identity from me.
Surely, she would be punished for staying behind, or her betrothed would be looking for her.
Somehow she'd managed to escape and was staring at me. Even with her eyes hidden behind her lace veil and standing in the shadows as she was, I knew she'd wanted my attention.
I glanced at Tucker, unconvinced that him asking Summer to dance at this precise moment wasn't connected to the Lady in White.
Still keeping a keen eye on the two dancing, I made my way through the shadows of the room towards her.
We stood by each other for a long time, not speaking. I could see that her chest fluttered nervously, and she kept touching her hair.
