Drake looks reluctant, but he steps back with a small bow. “Don’t keep her too long.”
“No promises,” Soren says with a wink, taking my hand and pulling me against him with a swiftness that leaves me slightly breathless.
Soren dances with a reckless sensuality that borders on inappropriate for a school function. His hand slides lower on my back than is strictly necessary, and he holds me close enough that I can feel things I shouldn’t be able to feel.
“Professor.”
“Miss Smith,” he replies, spinning me out and pulling me back with a flourish. “Enjoying yourself?”
“I was.”
He laughs. “Liar. You love dancing with me.”
“You’re terrible.”
“And you’re beautiful.” His tone shifts, becoming unexpectedly sincere. “Green suits you.”
“Thank you.”
Soren’s hand moves to my hip, guiding me through a turn. “Though I maintain that you look even better in absolutely nothing at all.”
I feel heat rising to my cheeks. “We’re in public, Soren.”
He leans closer, his lips brushing my ear. “After this, why don’t we slip away? I have a bottle of champagne chilling in my quarters. Bring your ghost boy. Lucien, too.”
Before I can respond, I feel a tingle at the back of my neck, a sensation that has nothing to do with Soren’s suggestion. My blood mark singes, and I know before I turn around that Ash is here.
I spot him across the room. He’s dressed in an impeccable black suit, hair slightly tousled as if he couldn’t be bothered to tame it completely. His green eyes find mine immediately.
“Oh,” Soren says, following my gaze. He grins wickedly. “Shall we make this evening even more interesting?”
Before I can stop him, he’s steering me through the crowd toward Ash. We come to a stop directly in front of him, and Soren offers a bow.
“Ash. What a surprise. Care to dance with our little witch?”
Ash’s eyes narrow slightly, moving from Soren to me. “I didn’t come here to dance.”
“Didn’t you?” Soren’s smile is knowing. “Then why are you here dressed to the nines, watching Rose so intently?”
I should say something, but words seem to have abandoned me completely. Ash looks impossibly handsome in his suit, and the memory of what happened between us in the woods floods back with vivid clarity, making my skin flush.
“The lady needs a new partner, and I’ve had my turn. For now.” With that, Soren takes my hand and places it in Ash’s, then steps back with a smirk. “Play nice, children.”
And just like that, I’m standing with Ash’s hand holding mine. Both of us look horrified.
“You don’t have to dance with me,” I say at last.
“I know.” His other hand settles on my waist, firm and possessive.
The orchestra begins a new piece, something with a darker, more sensual undertone. Ash pulls me closer, and we begin to move together. He’s an excellent dancer, which shouldn’t surprise me but somehow does. Each step is sure and strong.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” I say.
“Neither did I.” His thumb brushes against my lower back, a small gesture that sends shivers up my spine. “But I felt you through the mark. Your excitement. Your happiness. It was... compelling.”
I don’t know what to say to that. The idea that Ash came here because he felt my emotions, because he wanted to be part of my joy, is both unsettling and deeply touching.
“The dress is stunning,” he says after a moment.
