Page 450 of Axis of Fire

"I don't."

His voice softened.

"I don't want you worrying about every step."

I let out a quiet breath.

Little by little, my body relaxed.

I deliberately kept my eyes away from the other couples.

"Whose idea was it to change the tradition this year?" I asked.

"I didn't want to watch you dance with someone else."

My traitorous heart melted instantly.

Unfortunately...

my brain was still trying to be reasonable.

Even though it desperately wanted to surrender.

"Well," I said lightly, "I imagine the blonde wasn't very happy."

His thumb traced a slow circle against the bare skin of my back.

A distraction.

A very effective one.

Still...

I refused to let him change the subject that easily.

"She'll survive."

Before I could answer, I felt the softest brush of his lips against my temple.

"You look beautiful."

"I'd rather spend this dance admiring you..."

"...than thinking about anyone else."

A smile spread across my face before I could stop it.

The rest of me followed.

Our movements became effortless.

Natural.

Completely different from dancing with Seris.

My body responded differently to Airis.

Everything felt...