“He would. We each have our specialties. I hear you like blades.”
“Oh, gosh. Yes, I carry mine with me everywhere I go.”
“Everywhere? Does that mean you are hiding it somewhere right this moment?” His eyes flicked down my body, checking me out.
I flushed, and my heart raced. “This dress isn’t made for that, so you’re safe here on the dance floor. However, back at the table in my clutch is a custom Sam Eddleman Weehawk Balisong.”
“Blade size?” he asked smugly.
“Four and a quarter inches,” I answered, relaxing into him.
“That’s a baby blade,” he scoffed.
“Gets the job done, and it has polished titanium handles with purple and black inlays. It’s so pretty.”
“Like you?”
I flushed under the compliment and said, “As I was saying, it gets the job done. Size isn’t everything, you know. Some girls like a smaller blade. It fits better.”
He roared with laughter, and I groaned as I realized how that sounded. He took my hand and put it around his waist, placing it on the holster holding his blade on the belt loops. Allowing my hands to roam the entire length of it, I caressed it lovingly. With wide eyes, I sighed. It was an enormous blade.
“Then you wouldn’t like mine. Fifteen and a quarter from handle to blade tip. It has both a plain and serrated edge.” He continued to grin.
The song was ending, and I realized I was enjoying his company. I could probably talk knives with him all night.
“Dual purposes, then. The fine edge for slicing and cutting, and the jagged edge for sawing through things,” I said, smiling.
I shivered as his words painted a picture. My imagination went wild, and I envisioned him in a fight stance, the massive blade on his belt being drawn. I could see him in my mind, poised and ready for battle.
The thought sent a rush of adrenaline through my veins, quickening the beat of my heart. It was the strangest sensation, this overwhelming urge to see him in action, to see him unleash the full extent of his power.
The intensity of the feelings took me by complete surprise, and it stirred something primal and exhilarating in me. Amid the music and laughter in the ballroom, I found myself with a deep longing to witness the true power of this giant.
Would it be weird of me to ask to see him wield his weapon? Yeah, even Summer would think that was weird.I shook my head.
His next comment snapped me out of my fantasy land.
“You know your edges. That’s good to know. However, you should carry your blade on you at all times. Even if the dress isn’t ideal, you have to find a way to make it work. Your baby blade does you no good with me when it’s over there.” He gestured toward the table with his head, and his voice turned firm.
I nodded in agreement.
“They have these things called garter holsters. You can wear it around one of those pretty thighs of yours. You should get one.” His brow furrowed, and Alek sauntered over to us.
“We need to talk,” Ivan barked at Alek, who raised an eyebrow.
“Kinsley, will you excuse me and Ivan for a moment?”
“Yes, of course. I’d like to freshen up anyway,” I murmured, getting ready to walk toward the bathroom.
“Grab your clutch first, young lady,” Ivan bellowed, making me suck in my breath.
I nodded quickly and rushed over to get it. I looked up from the table, and his eyes were watching to ensure I had listened. He was so mellow and easy to talk to, but now he seemed upset. What was that about? We were having a lovely discussion. What happened?
I made my way to the bathroom, feeling chided. Did he just scold me like a father or like a lover? It stung. His words carried a hint of disappointment, no matter how well-intentioned.
Clearly, he had a protective nature, and in my heart, I believed his intentions were rooted in a desire to keep me safe. A pang of sadness washed over me, accompanied by the realization that I’d let him down.
I grappled with my thoughts as my footsteps echoed down the hall. The music dimmed into the background. What was happening? I didn’t even know the guy and certainly didn’t owe him anything, so why did I feel so horrible? The more time I spent with the King brothers, the more confusing emotions seemed to surface.
