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“Is everything alright, Moon Lily...?”
She cuts me off impatiently. “It’s just Lily.”
“Okay, just Lily.” My voice softens, and I have the overwhelming urge to hold her close and protect her. I placate myself with a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Are you here alone?”
She’s still not looking at me, but I see a tear run down her cheek before she dabs it with a napkin. “My father canceled at the last minute.” Finally, she turns to me. “It’s so silly. I’m a grown woman. I have a successful business. Why am I still trying to earn his approval?” Another tear escapes, voice cracking as she admits, “I wouldn’t even be here except I promised my friend Dot I’d come.”
My heart breaks watching this strong, beautiful woman break down in front of me. Every part of me wants to fix this. I want to find her father and beat his face in for making Lily hurt like this. But that’s not what she needs right now.
“I asked you before, and the offer is still open. Would you be my date for the masquerade?” I offer my hand, hoping she’ll accept. Her gaze searches my face. I have no idea what she sees, but it seems to satisfy her.
She places her palm in mine. “Thank you, I will.”
“How about a dance?”
She follows me to the dance floor. Finally. Finally I get to touch her. Feel the softness of her skin. Appreciate her sensuality and curves. Holding her feels like coming home.
It also feels like standing too close to a burning flame. Each place we touch sets my body on fire. When she rests her head on my chest, I know she’s seeking comfort. And I want to give it to her. But she’s engaged my protective instincts. It’s difficult to be gentle when I’m fighting a growing urge to claim her. I want to mark her as mine. I need to make sure that every man who tries to touch her has to go through me first. That every man who thinks about hurting her will feel my fist in his face.
But now is not the time for that. We’re both quiet, our bodies doing the talking, each dance getting closer and more intimate. After some time passes, I take her hand and lead her out to a courtyard for some fresh air and privacy. We find a bench away from the party.
“How are you feel—?”
Her lips, soft on my mouth, halt my question. I freeze for a moment, but shock is quickly overtaken by a burning desire. Deepening the kiss, I guide her hand to my chest, desperate to feel her touch on my body. Groaning, I pull her closer. Her cinnamon scent fills my head, heating me from the inside out. I plunge a hand into her hair, luxuriating in the silky curls. God, I want this woman.
She accepts my passion and returns it ten-fold. The fire between us blazes through any resistance. Her back arches and she whimpers as she presses her ample breasts against me. Logical thought disappears as my primal self surfaces, urging me to claim the woman in my arms. Sheer will-power keeps me from tearing off her dress and taking her right here. And I thank god for my restraint a moment later when I hear my brother calling to me through the doorway to the courtyard.
“Grayson, I saw you come out here a few minutes ago. Where are you, brother?”
Lily pulls back, full lips swollen and glistening in the moonlight. A fierce feeling of pride fills me—I did that. And if we weren’t in a public place, I’d certainly be doing more.
“I’ll give you some time with your brother. I need to use the powder room anyway.” She walks away, decadent in her ruby gown. I adjust my throbbing length, wishing my brother would disappear and Lily would return.
Alas, a moment later Max sees me and joins me on the bench.
