I put my lips to Grace’s ear.
“I have an idea,” I murmured.
She made an inquisitive little noise. “Hm?”
“If we wait near the door to the kitchens, we’ll be the first people to snag the hors d’oeuvres.”
“Smart thinking,” she said. “Which way is it?”
“This way.” I hid a smile. I had no fucking clue where the kitchens were. But I did know where we could find a secluded spot.
I led Grace across the large hall then down a short corridor. We turned a corner and found ourselves in an adjacent ballroom, empty and vast.
“I don’t think this is the way,” she said.
“It’s not.”
I turned around and backed her up against the wall, placing my palms flat against it and trapping her between my arms. She let out a small sound of surprise, eyes growing round.
“Did you really think I was taking you to the kitchens?” I asked slyly.
She peeked up at me through her lashes.
“I thought you promised me you’d be good,” she said.
“I am being good,” I said. “I haven’t done a single thing.”
I lowered my head until my lips were a hairsbreadth from hers. Her pupils blew wide open.
“In fact,” I continued, “I’m not even touching you right now, am I?”
Her breathing sped up.
“If anything, you’re the one who’s been having naughty thoughts all night,” I said.
“And what makes you think that?” Her voice wavered slightly.
“You keep checking the time,” I said. “And you keep doing this sexy little squirm. I’ve barely done more than put a hand on your back and yet, here you are.”
“Here I am what?” The words were breathy.
“Your eyes are practically begging me.” I shifted until there was barely an inch of space between us, and tipped her chin up with a finger. “You want this just as much as I do.”
“You’re so sure of that, are you?” She feigned a haughty tone, but her eyes were zeroed in on my lips.
“Fine, then.” I shrugged and made a motion to straighten up. “I guess I read this all wrong. I’ll just—”
“Zain.” She surged forward and wrapped her arms around my neck, latching herself onto me.
“Yes, love?” I teased. “Did you want something?”
“Kiss me,” she whispered.
I buried my hands in her hair and captured her lips with mine. She groaned and melted against me.
Fuck, she tasted so good. Some kind of berry flavored lip gloss exploded over my tongue, and the scent of vanilla shampoo clouded my head. The little sounds leaving her mouth were enough to drive me crazy as I ravished her.
I cradled the back of her head with one hand, tangling in her hair, and caressed her ass with the other, using my grip to pull her closer.
