Page 56 of The Wedding Pact

‘Yes. I do. Of course I do.’

‘You’re talking in riddles and it’s driving me crazy.’ I’m desperate for him to make a move, but I’m still not sure he’s going to. He’s so controlled.

His laugh sounds frustrated. ‘It’s driving me crazy too.’

There’s a long, heavy pause where we stare at each other, our gazes locked and our expressions saying much more than our words have.

A low, insistent beat is pulsing through me, turning my nerves into crackling lines of need.

I try to swallow, but my throat is parched.

His breathing has picked up and I’m suddenly aware that mine has too. It’s like we’ve just both run a race – or maybe that should be rings around each other – and our bodies are responding accordingly.

His gaze drops to my mouth and I know then for sure that he’s thinking exactly the same thing I am.

Feeling the same way.

We want each other.

Badly.

My lips tingle as the idea of kissing him flits through my mind.

I want to so much.

Would it really be such a disaster? Surely we can handle it if we do succumb to this chemistry between us.

My heart is thumping hard in my chest, like it’s trying to get my attention.

I think I can hear it in my head, the rhythmic beat saying:

Do it.

Go on.

Do it.

Go on.

Do it.

Raffa’s gaze intensifies, his blown pupils making his bright eyes even more striking. There’s a small pinch between his brows again now, as if he’s battling with himself too.

I wonder wildly for a second whether he can read my thoughts in my expression.

It wouldn’t surprise me. We seem to be in tune with each other. We always have been, even when we were just sending each other DMs. We could conduct whole conversations in just a couple of sentences.

I probably should stop this here. Make an excuse about wanting another drink or to get some air or something. But I know he’ll know I’m lying and I definitely don’t want him to think I’d do that.

I want him to be able to trust me.

It’s essential for our friendship that he can.

So, getting even closer to him is my only real option.

Before I can check myself and let the sensible side of my brain intervene, I stand up and hold out my hand to him.

‘Come and dance with me.’