Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

“Around the corner. You like music?”

“Who doesn’t like music?”

I laughed. “Good, because I’m taking you dancing.”

“You said drinks, not dancing.” I saw the scowl on her face.

“You have to dance with me to get the drink.”

“That’s—that’s blackmail.”

I shrugged. “It’s what I want.”

Her eyes narrowed. “And I guess that’s what you’re used to. You always get what you want, don’t you?”

I stopped in front of the bar, where we could hear the music blaring from inside.

“I want the gold.” I stared into her eyes. “I want the world record.” I touched her finger to my lips, biting on the tips. “And I want you.”

14

Ava

He did it again. My breath stopped. My head spun. I couldn’t remember my name or my zip code. The only thing I could do was look in Blaine’s eyes and get lost. I didn’t know how long I could hold on to the anger. He shredded it with his charm and his sexy bedroom eyes.

He held the door for me. “Ladies first.” He grinned and I knew he was going to watch my ass when I walked past him. I glimpsed over my shoulder and caught him looking.

There was satisfaction in knowing that Blaine lusted after me even though I refused to give in to what he wanted.

The bar was packed. We squeezed through a group waiting for a table. I felt Blaine’s hands clasp my waist and guide me to the other side of the dance floor.

I watched as the dancers threw their hands in the air, singing along with the Brazilian song. I didn’t know if I could dance like the women on the floor. They moved with such abandon as if they didn’t care who saw their bodies gyrate and spin. I wanted to feel that. I wanted my hair to tussle around my shoulders. I wanted my feet to find their rhythm. I wanted the beat of the music to flow through my soul. This place was intoxicating without a single drink.

Suddenly, the music changed from a quick tempo to something slow and sultry.

“I think this is our song, love.” Blaine’s voice was low and deep in my ear.

The tingle he gave me shot through my spine to my toes.

The crowd separated for us as he paved a path onto the floor. He twirled me into place and immediately his hands pulled me against his body. I gasped as I felt my chest press against his. He smiled.

“What is it, love? Worried you’ll want me in the middle of the dancefloor and everyone will see?”

“God, no,” I snapped, but I felt the instant flutter in my stomach as the warmth of his hands radiated through the thin fabric at the small of my back. I wore something to keep me cool, not to be closer to him.

His fingertips pressed along my spine and I felt dizzy. Maybe it was the music, or the lights strung overhead. Maybe it was the way our bodies aligned together, or the smell of clean soap on his neck. Maybe it was all of those things that made me forget I was angry at him.

He dipped me, following the lines on my throat with his eyes. I felt the burn on my skin when we touched. I rose slowly and his hands slid around my waist, pulling me to his chest. My eyes widened when I felt the hardness against my hip. Was he as turned on as I was?

I swallowed hard, trying to pay attention to the beat. Pretending that the rhythm of the music mattered, but suddenly, the only sensations I knew were the ones from Blaine. His hands slowly trailed along my hips, digging his fingers into my skirt, gripping my ass.

I gasped. The lights were low, but holy shit. This was hot.

My heart beat wildly.

His fingers began to raise the hem of my skirt. I locked eyes with him, shaking my head. This wasn’t happening.

He licked his lips before diving toward me for a kiss. I whimpered as I felt his tongue slide along mine. God, why did he have to be such a good kisser? I threw my arms around his neck, abandoning all the reasons I wanted to stay mad. The music pulsed around us and I held on for dear life.