Alina stepped into my arms, watching me with her enchanting eyes.
“I forget how beautiful you are, every time,” I whispered.
“Really?”
I pulled her closer, kissing her lips.
The next hour moved almost in a haze of colors and sounds. The festive music was pouring out of the main hall of the castle where Hanoch was seated at the center of the massive wooden table. It was the first time I ever saw all his family gathered together. His wife turned out to be a petite, light haired woman who looked much younger than him. His children were creating havoc at the table and around it. The noise and all the guests agitated the kids, and the full attention of their parents was on the four of them. Despite all of that, Hanoch looked like he was enjoying himself, even as one of his children, probably not more than three, climbed on top of his chair and another stole food off his plate.
I shifted my attention back to Alina, who was dancingwith other girls. Colorful ribbons flew in the air, and she was laughing, so carefree and endlessly bewitching that something within me gave way, and I could not take my eyes off her. Absent-mindedly, I cupped my goblet, watching Alina’s narrow back and the curve of her hips, her shiny, red curls.
“I see you made the right choice.” Hanoch placed his hand on my shoulder.
In the time I was staring at Alina, he had made his way toward me.
“You as well,” I said.
Hanoch looked back at the table where his family was seated.
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. People don’t talk about it much, but there’s nothing better than having a family. A wife you can go back to, children who wait for you to return home. I am a lucky man. I thank the gods every day for everything I have.” He dropped into a chair beside me.
“Good.”
“I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while, but I didn’t know how you’d take it. I’m sorry about everything. I was a terrible brother and I was not there for you,” he said.
“It’s alright. You had your own problems.”
“No. I should have been there for you.” He looked up at the dancing women. “She really is pretty. If I were you, I would not let anyone steal her.”
I followed his gaze, finding that Denis was dancing with Alina. I clenched my jaw until I felt the pain in my muscles.
“That fucker!” I got up, ignoring Hanoch’s light chuckle.
Alina’s eyes followed me, and she smiled when I approached her.
“Ty,” she whispered and her eyes sparkled.
I loved the way she said my name, and I was so greedy, too greedy. I wanted to hear it over and over.
“Is he bothering you?” I concentrated on her face, ignoring Denis’ sour expression.
“We were just talking,” he sounded irritated.
Alina shifted her weight looking uncomfortable. It was still astonishing that I knew what she was feeling. I reached out and took her hand in mine, pulling her away from her dance partner. From the corner of my eye, I saw that Denis went back to the tables and I could not help smiling.
“You are really mean to him,” Alina said.
“Am I?” I moved closer, inhaling her flowery scent.
My body immediately reacted to her closeness. I wanted her, right now, and if I could not get us out of here, I would do something crazy. The music played louder and the dancing couples laughed, clapping their hands. I did not care to check what was happening, I was pulling Alina toward the exit.
“Where are we going?” She giggled.
“I need to be alone with you. Now.”
“You are so demanding!”
I got her out of the hall and up the set of stars to one of the side balconies.
