I finished each position easily. The blindfold actually helped keep my nerves in check. I couldn’t see the Council members, so I couldn’t watch them judge me. Only after I was done with my performance and the cloth was removed, did I feel my stomach flutter. They were taking notes, their eyes glancing up momentarily and then back at their notes. Even though their reaction to my performance gave me nothing to worry about, I kept waiting for them to signal the guards, chain me up, and haul me away. But when they were finished writing, they only said thank you.
I bowed my head, thanked them, and left the room. When I reached the hallway, I nearly collapsed. Reese and I had definitely over-prepared, but I was thankful and shook with relief as I entered Mr. Liam’s room. Reese’s gaze met mine, and his creased forehead relaxed, the anxiety leaving his features. Then he nodded. I could almost feel his worry washing away.
My gaze involuntarily sought the upper corner of the room. As much as I wanted to reassure Lana and Nick, I wanted to see Jace’s expression. His eyes were trained on the project before him. I shrugged off my disappointment and took my seat next to Reese.
He took my hand and rubbed his thumb over the top. “Congratulations. I believe a celebration is in order.” He winked.
“Damn straight.” I released a shaky breath. “Can I have a beer, like…now?”
He laughed and quickly kissed my hand before releasing it.
I glanced once more toward Jace’s corner. His eyes met mine, and as if he couldn’t prevent it, he smiled. But before I could return the gesture, he looked at Reese, his smile fading and his eyes turning cold.
After testing ended that week, Reese was taking me out to celebrate, but he wouldn’t tell me where. I desperately hoped we weren’t heading to Cogs. I sat sidesaddle, my mini-bustle skirt tucked underneath me as we hovered along the streets of downtown on his levibike. After seeing Jace’s almost acceptance of me earlier, I didn’t want to ruin it by dancing or being close with Reese in front of him. The dark look he gave Reese in class told me enough. Jace might be willing to warm to me, but he wasn’t ready to accept Reese.
Reese pulled up to the Rivers End Loft—the nicest hotel in Haven. My heart sped, beating wildly. Before I allowed myself to get excited, I considered that we might be here for dinner. The hotel had an amazing restaurant on the lower level, and Reese had probably made reservations.
He offered me his hand as I scooted off the seat, and when his eyes met mine, I couldn’t help but blush.
“Is this too…” Reese trailed off, his eyes dropping from mine. “I mean, is this all right?”
My face heated. He wanted to spend the night with me. “It’s perfect.”
He cupped the back of my neck, and his thumb caressed my cheek. “I’m so relieved you passed the test.” His eyes became serious. “I never want to fear losing you again.”
“You won’t.” I held his gaze, matching its intensity. “I want to be with you, Reese. Always.”
He beamed and wrapped his arms around me. Then he kissed me urgently. I pulled back. “Hey now, save that for the room,” I said teasingly.
A devilish grin spread across his lips. “Oh, let’s not waste time out here, then.” He tugged me along as he hurried toward the front double doors. I laughed, exhilarated by the weight of our troubles being lifted. We could finally—for now—just be Reese and Dez. A normal couple.
Once inside, I gaped, taking in the gorgeous interior as we crossed the black and white swirled marble floor. The hotel was breathtaking. Sandstone pillars decorated the lobby while gold leafing feathered the walls above their arches. Panels of burgundy velvet draped giant stained glass windows, surrounding me in a cocoon of gothic beauty. My hand skimmed the mahogany banister as we climbed the spiral staircase to the top level.
When we reached our room, Reese pulled a gold key from his pocket. I eyed him. “Hey, you already have the key. How did you know I’d agree?”
His grin widened. “I didn’t.” The lock clicked, and he swung the door open. “But a guy can hope.”
I didn’t have time to look around the room. As soon as I stepped over the threshold, Reese seized my waist an
d lifted me into his arms, his lips meeting mine hungrily. I laughed, but the sound was muffled. I locked my legs around his hips, and he kicked the door closed.
He walked us across the room until my back hit the wall. His body surged with heat as his hands slid along my thighs, under my bustle. My breath hitched.
I thought Reese was passionate when we were together at the falls, but this was different. He’d been holding back then, not allowing himself to act. Now, he wasn’t. The force and desperation with which he kissed me—the feel of his hands heating, gripping—was overwhelming. And my breath struggled to keep up with the emotion.
He anchored me to the wall with his body. Removing his hands from my legs, he brought my arms up and pinned them on either side of me as he buried his head into the crevice of my neck. His teeth elongated and softly grazed my skin. Fire ignited between my thighs, and I sucked air into my lungs.
“Sorry,” Reese mumbled, slowing himself. “Like, weeks…all at once.” He lifted his head and stared at me. His eyes blazed red. Then he pressed his forehead to mine.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, urging him closer. “Don’t stop,” I whispered.
His breath shuddered out against my lips, making me shiver. He dropped my arms, grasped my face, and pressed his lips to mine, hard. Then he caressed my chest, feeling along the binding of my corset as his fingers worked at the small clamps. When the stubborn bottom half wouldn’t cooperate, he groaned and pulled the corset apart. “I’ll buy you a new one.” He pushed off the wall and carried me to the bed.
The soft down comforter engulfed me, and his eyes traced my body. Then he lowered himself, placing delicate kisses along my stomach, inching his way up. My skin prickled, and I took shallow, unsteady breaths as his lips trailed over my skin until finally meeting my mouth again.
I became lost…lost in the moment and in him. His hand glided under my bustle, pausing just before his fingers crept under the hem of my underclothing…
BANG!