13. Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Thirteen
Tor pulled me to the dance floor, his lips forming a tight line on his usually carefree face. “Your friend doesn’t like me that much.”
I was one drink into the night and feeling free. All those heavy emotions, the worries were all gone for tonight. Tomorrow, Sapphira could worry about such heavy topics.
“Nyx doesn’t like most men. I wouldn’t take it personally.” I smiled, giving my friend a wink before Tor spun me into the crowd of swirling Fae. Bright colors and beautiful gowns twirled around us which made my tight black dress with lace stand out.
Tor’s mouth gaped like a fish out of water when he first saw me. With raised arms, I gave him a turn around to see the view from all sides.
“Beautiful,” he had complimented, then held my hand all the way to my parents’ thrones.
Father gave another speech then danced with my mother once before she disappeared. While Tor spoke with the king, Nyx grabbed my arm and we danced together with big grins on our faces.
Wine servants walked around and we grabbed a glass before heading back to Tor.
I think Nyx talked with him for a few minutes while I may or may not have been looking around the room for someone I shouldn’t.
Tor asked for a dance, and I told him he could have them all night. I was primed and wanted to let loose.
The prince’s hand pressed against my back, closing the short distance between us. “You’re so alive. Being with you is like being by the sea. So beautiful, wild, and invigorating.”
A rush of warmth ran over me. His words, his smile.
I needed to know.
My hands gripped the material of his shirt over his chest and closed the distance. His mouth was open. Eyes wide. Then his hands splayed across my back, pressing me against his hard body. Tor was muscled, and I liked what I felt.
He kissed me back, his mouth opening again but this time his tongue flicked mine, and I groaned.
His body retreated an inch and I leaned forward, mouth searching for more. Those dark blue eyes of his flared, as did his nostrils when he scented me. I liked kissing him. If he kissed me like this every day, we really could make it work.
Tor backed us behind a column. His hands moved to cup my face and he kissed me.
Yes. This. I needed this.
I gripped his hair, and he hissed. Oops. Too hard.
“You know I don’t expect this, but fuck if I like it. I like you.” Tor moaned into my mouth, freeing a hand to lift my leg against him.
Yes, yes, yes.
“Your kisses are so good.” I nipped at his bottom lip and he flinched. I breathed him in and tried to calm myself. He didn’t like hair pulling or biting. That wild side was trying to claw her way out and I needed her to stay locked inside tonight.
I didn’t want him to go.
He made me feel wanted, and I needed that.
“Fuck.” He groaned then pulled away. My hands clenched his shirt, and my hooded eyes watched him lower my leg.
Was it over? I dropped my hands and pressed them flat against the cool column behind me. His fingers ran over his face as he stepped back a foot. “That was… wow.”
My breaths hadn’t caught up, neither did my thoughts. I needed more wine.
Tor’s kiss-glistened lips parted and dashed my hopes of more. “I just. I don’t want to rush this,” he breathed.
I nodded, completely agreeing despite the clenching in my stomach. I wanted to kiss Tor because it felt nice, and I got my answer. So far, all signs pointed toward Tor not being my mate, and it wasn’t him I wanted to kiss.
I’m a terrible Fae.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped up to Tor and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I’m gonna get some air. I’ll be back.”
He gave me a soft smile and guided us out from the shadows.
My father gave us a knowing smile while Nyx’s eyes pinched together trying to read our expressions. I’m sure my scents and kiss swollen lips looked every bit like we had a tryst together. But here we were, with me pointing subtly toward the door.
Nyx nodded and stole the attention of both males with questions to get them talking for hours so I could get away.
I’d thank her tomorrow by helping her bake in the morning.
Nyx liked baking as it calmed her nerves.
I didn’t like cooking, or working in the kitchen, but I liked assisting and eating what we created. So, it worked for both of us.
No one cared as I snuck out the main doors and darted outside to the gardens.
“Sapphira. What a mess,” I said to myself once alone. This is why I didn’t drink. Was it a lot? No, but it was enough.
You wanted to have fun and relax.
“Yes, but I don’t want to hurt Tor because I’m struggling to sort myself out.”
To any guards nearby, I probably looked like I’d lost my mind. Out here, makeup all done, hair half piled on top of my head, wearing a sexy dress while pacing amongst the flowers, and talking to herself.
What was I supposed to do?
“Just agree to the arrangement. Be with Tor,” I urged myself. “He’s a great kisser, he’s nice, and honest. If he’s got a bad side, he’s hiding it really well.”
My hands flexed and clenched at my sides. A hot current ran through me. All this pent-up energy from the day wanted out. I needed to fuck or fight someone.
Thoughts drifted back to Tor. He said he didn’t want to rush, and I would respect that.
Truthfully, I wanted to wait with him. So that left fighting.
No one would be in the training area, but that didn’t stop me from shooting some arrows or practicing the sword techniques the general showed me the other day.
Needing the rush, the sizzling current beneath me to diminish, I marched into the small arena and grabbed a sword.