“Yes,” I answer truthfully.
There’s a quick jerk of surprise in his body. He expected me to deny it.
“Then I shall enjoy catching you,” he purrs.
The words sound so damn sinful in that accent of his.
A gentle hum vibrates under my skin at the truth of his words.
Spinning to face him, I lean my head back to peer up into his face. A partial skeleton face covers the top half, leaving the bottom half bare. His luscious lips framed by that beard and mustache tempt me like none has ever before.
Konstantin reaches out to grasp the lock of my strawberry-blonde hair that rests against my neck. The knuckles of his tatted hand caress my skin, and I inhale sharply at the little zing of electricity that follows. The hue of his eyes darkens, reminding me of when the sun fades from the sky and night surrounds us. It’s always been my favorite part of the day.
Something is alluring about being surrounded by so much darkness with only hints of light to guide your way.
I place my empty Champagne glass on the tray of a passing server, then I reach out and grasp the lapels of Konstantin’s suit. Using them as an anchor, I pull until I’m on my tiptoes and our lips are only a breath apart.
“Darling, haven’t you realized that you’ll only catch me if I allow myself to be caught?” I whisper.
It’s so tempting to close that small gap and settle my mouth over his, but I’m not ready to give in to the pull. So, I drop back to my heels, give him a wink, and slide out from between his arms.
Maybe this marriage won’t be so boring after all.
two
Konstantin
There’ssomethingetherealaboutCressida Blackwell.
I didn’t expect to be so fascinated by her since we collided last year. Our upcoming marriage was merely a convenience. A way to gain the abilities I so desperately seek. They’re there under my skin, a constant hum that teases me with what can be when they’re fully unleashed.
My obsession with her is a weakness, but it’s one I’m not sure I can let go of.
Each time she’s in the same vicinity as I am, there are little zings of carnal delight that edge along my skin. Our bodies were created to fit each other to near perfection, and the hunger to feel her against me sits at the back of my throat.
The Blackwell Masquerade is a neutral zone, but it does not mean an attack will not happen here. My eyes may be tracking my little fox through the area, but I am also keeping a watch for threats. Misha Volkovitch, mySovietnik, stands at my side, his eyes constantly moving around the large ballroom. He is the only person in this room whom I trust implicitly with my life.Misha is also the only person outside Venatori Nocturnus who knows all my truths.
“I do not like this. We are too vulnerable,” Misha says.
“They have reassured me it’s as secure as possible. Someone would be stupid to attack with so many families present, yeah?”
We keep our conversation to our native language, using it as a barrier to any ears that may be paying too close attention.
“Every day, people are stupid.”
I laugh. “True. Loosen up, brat. We are as safe as we can be here. Let us celebrate my engagement.”
Misha glances at me and his lips twitch. “Excited?”
From across the room, Cressida catches my attention again. Heat rises in my body and my dick kicks under my slacks. That burn in my veins when our eyes clash sails through me, and I poke out my tongue and run it along my bottom lip. “Da.”
I believe I surprised us both with my answer. I can’t decipher which part I am more excited about—the rise in my abilities, or that I will soon get to bury myself between her deliciously thick thighs.
The overwhelming floral perfume burns my nose just as a warm hand lands against my chest.
“Konstantin. It’s so nice to see you here. We should sneak away later,” Cherice purrs.
My eyes stay glued to the alluring woman across the room, ignoring the one desperately seeking my attention.
