“I did before I came.”
“I’m sure you weren’t expecting to meet me.” I concentrate on my food.
“No, but it’s a welcome surprise,” he says, stealing a fry from my plate.
“The way you speak…” I look at him. “I didn’t expect it. I’ve never met anyone like you.”
“Good.” He grins, and I shove more food in my mouth, ignoring how he makes me feel.
“Ezra,” Sally calls, and he looks at her. “Where do you live?”
“Everywhere.” He leans back. “I travel. I don’t have a permanent home.”
“So, you don’t have anything tying you to any particular place,” she says, and I stare at her, my eyes wide. She just smiles sweetly.
“I do not. My mom lives down south, but she loves to travel. My sister is in a band. She moves around frequently.” He smirks. “She’s a free spirit.”
“No way,” Daisy says. “What does she sing?”
“Country,” he replies.
“Would we recognize the band?” Sally asks.
“Feral Fusion.”
“Are you kidding?” Serenity asks, leaning forward.
“No.”
“I’ve seen her videos online. She’s amazing,” she says.
Who knew the vampire was a country music fan?
“I’ll pass along the compliment,” he says.
I finish eating, and Ezra takes the plate. How can he concentrate on my family and know my every move?
“Pull up her video,” Sally demands. “I need to see.” She jumps up, moving closer to Serenity, and squeezes next to her.
“Me too,” Daisy says.
The women all move to where Serenity is sitting.
“Dance with me,” Ezra says, standing up. He holds his hand out, and I look at it. His fingers are long, and he wears several rings. Without thinking, I place my hand in his, and he pulls me up. Before we can take a step, Heath is blocking the way.
“Where are you going?” he demands.
“Heath, it’s just a dance,” I assure him, and nod.
“I appreciate your concern,” Ezra says, tilting his head. “But the only permission I need to dance with my mate is hers.” I bite my lip. Not many people have the guts to speak to Heath that way.
“Mmm…” Heath studies him, and I think he liked his response.
Ezra moves forward, and shockingly, Heath backs away. I look over my shoulder as my mate guides me out of the room and see Sally trying to hide her laughter. Glancing at Haven, we share a wide-eyed look before I focus on putting one foot in front of the other. He leads me across the balcony and to the stairs. I’m shocked at myself as I follow behind, willingly going into the crowd of people. He moves slowly, confidently, and I stare at my hand clasped in his.
The music is fast and loud. We step onto the dance floor and round the corner. He reaches back with his other hand, holding his arm beside me, protecting me from the side, and I melt. The dancers move out of his way, and he stops at the edge of theroom, under the staircase. The lights are dim, and there aren’t as many people. He positions his body with his back to the crowd, and presses on my hip so I’m facing him. The wall is behind me, and there isn’t enough room for anyone to walk behind me. I’m contemplating how I’m going to dance with him to a fast song when the music changes. A slow, sexy song starts, and I narrow my eyes. I wonder if he orchestrated the scene. It wouldn’t surprise me.
The thought evaporates as he pulls me close, holding our clasped hands to his chest, and his arm slides across my waist. He smells delicious, and the heat from his chest seeps through my dress. I gaze at him helplessly. The things I’m feeling are new to me.
