Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 129912 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129912 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
“Sometimes this all feels like a dream,” I say as Caz stands at my side. “In my world, it would be nothing more than that.”
“I’m happy you decided to stay,” he says.
“Yeah.” I glance at him. “Me too.”
After a few quiet seconds, he asks, “Do you like it here?”
I nod. “I do. A lot more than I thought I would, actually.”
“Good.” He steals a kiss from me, finishes off his bloom, then takes my hand, abandoning my heels on the balcony and pushing through the crowd. “Because I want to make your reality better than any dream you’ve ever had.”
Ugh. His way with words melts me every time.
Caz and I drink some more, try our hand at a game of chetnee in the game parlor (I beat him several times, to his shock) and then it’s time for the couples’ dance.
I’m still barefoot as Caz takes my hand and leads me onto the dancefloor. A warm smile graces his lips as he looks at me like I’m the only person in the world.
The colorful lighting has been replaced with floating stars. I reach out to capture one. It’s cool to the touch and dissolves in my palm. My eyes shift up to where the scarved Mythics are seated, using their fingers to create the stars.
“You know, ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be in a dance like this,” I say.
“You wanted the princess dance?” Caz asks.
“Yes. I used to watch these movies where the prince would dance with a woman and turn her into a princess. They’d be so in love and wouldn’t care about anyone else in the room. I always found it romantic.”
“Well, you’re no princess, Willow,” he murmurs. I meet his eyes. “You’re a queen.”
I bite a smile.
“But that’s how I feel now, not caring about anyone else in the room.” The stars reflect off his blue irises. “You’re all I see. All I feel. All I ever want. Nothing else matters but seeing this smile on your face.”
“You always have the right words to say, don’t you?”
He shrugs a bit. “I like to consider myself a bit of a wordsmith.”
“I see,” I laugh. “Have you ever danced with anyone before?”
“Other than my mum, no. Couldn’t stand the touch.”
“Well, you’re pretty good at it,” I say as we sway. He smirks and takes a large step back, allowing our arms to extend a fleeting second before twirling me into his.
I land with my back against his chest, a strong arm wrapped around my middle and the other clinging to my hand. His warm breath rushes across the top of my ear, and he presses in closer.
“Doesn’t mean I can’t practice alone.” His voice is deep, hypnotic, and further enhanced by the searing hot kiss he places on my shoulder. “I’ve seen the men tonight. How they look at you,” he whispers on the shell of my ear. “They want you, but none of them can have you.”
I huff a laugh as he spins me around to face him again, reeling me into his arms.
“And the women all stare,” he goes on. “Wishing they could be you.”
I lace my arms around the back of his neck. “But it’s just you and me,” I say.
“Forever.” He lowers his head, kissing me ever-so-softly. It’s an all-consuming kiss—one that makes me drunk with lust. Right about now, those private rooms for monarchs and their ladies don’t sound too bad.
When the couples’ dance is over, the lights brighten again and the tempo of the music increases. We leave the dance floor to fetch some waters. As we sip from our glasses, Juniper pops up out of nowhere.
She’s nearly out of breath as she snatches Caz’s water away from him and guzzles it down. Her hair is damp and wavy, most of her makeup smeared, and her dress is soaking wet.
“What happened to you?” Caz asks, frowning as the hem of her dress drips onto the floor.
“We jumped into the lake at the bottom of the waterfall,” she says hurriedly. “Alora says I can borrow some clothes. Can I steal Willow for a second? I don’t want to go up alone, plus I need someone to talk to.”
“No.”
“I’ll go with you,” I tell her, cutting my eyes at Caz as we answer at the same time.
“Willow, I can’t keep an eye on you if—”
“It’ll be fine, Caz,” I assure him. “Everyone’s having a good time. Relax, okay? I’ll be right back.”
“It’ll only take me five minutes, I swear it,” Juniper assures him. “Plus, I’m strapped. No one will fuck with us, and if they do, I’ll stab them. It won’t kill them.”
I can’t believe Caz relaxes when she says that. Shouldn’t be surprised though. Violence is always his solution.
“I just want to freshen up and change my knickers while having a girl chat. That’s all.” Juniper grabs my hand after I plant a kiss on Caz’s cheek.