Page 399 of Axis of Fire

Or overly persistent.

There was something strangely comforting about that kind of honesty.

"So," Miloran said, "judging by that look in your eyes..."

"You've been dying to join me."

Before I could react, he took my hand and gently pulled me toward him.

"Hey," I protested with a grin.

"I was perfectly happy just watching you embarrass yourself."

"Too late."

A rare smile crossed his face.

He drew me into a waltz.

Completely ignoring the lively folk melody the flutist was actually playing.

I burst into laughter again.

The contrast was so ridiculous that I could only imagine how absurd we looked to everyone around us.

"Don't you think this dance is just a little out of place?" I asked between laughs as he spun me around once more.

"They can adjust."

He shrugged as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Tonight, Miloran had become a complete surprise.

Every assumption I'd made about him kept falling apart.

He was fun.

Comfortable to be around.

And...

Safe.

"I'm sorry to interrupt."

The familiar voice cut through the music.

I stopped instantly.

My eyes found Tarven.

His expression was serious.

And beneath that calm...

There was unmistakable irritation.

"I don't know if I can forgive you for that," Miloran replied with a grin, still refusing to let go of my hand.