Chapter 207 TEIGEN XXXI
She stood close to him, her body almost touching his. The music was slow and sensual, with a strong beat that seemed to pulse through their veins.
As the music built, they began to move in perfect sync. Their bodies swayed and undulated, their hips swaying to the rhythm. They were so close that their chests almost touched, their faces inches apart.
He took her right hand in his left, his fingers intertwining with hers. He pulled her close, their bodies molding together as they moved across the floor. She wrapped her right arm around his waist, her hand resting on the small of his back. She pressed her body against his, their hips swaying together in perfect harmony.
As the music reached its climax, they spun and twirled across the floor, their bodies a blur of motion. They were lost in the music, lost in each other's eyes.The dance was a sensual, passionate expression of their desire for each other. It was a declaration of their love, a celebration of their connection.
As the music faded away, they came to a stop, their bodies still entwined. They were breathing heavily, their hearts pounding in their chests. They looked into each other's eyes, the passion and desire between them palpable.It was a moment that was full of tension and anticipation.
Intense emotions surged through them, electricity charging the atmosphere with a thick mist of desire.
His violet eyes alight with a deep longing, a hidden want, something so far but yet so within his reach. Something he could only dream of, the one he held in his arms, he wished to kiss her, to close the space. To swallow the harsh breaths that left her lips, to taste her cherry stained lips once again, to feel her against him. To suck at her soft, rosy skin.
But he could not, his desire would have to remain unfulfilled, for he dared not to.
I was pulled out of my trance, clapping and cheers coming from the guests. I blinked, pulling away from Ryker.
I bowed my head, smiling uncomfortably, the heat overwhelming me.
Ryker watches in angst as Elara rushes out, bypassing the crowd on her way. He knew she felt it too, the desire, the heat.
Her throat tightened, goosebumps rising all over her skin. What was this reaction? She felt so suffocated there, heat spread from her cheeks to her whole face. Her brain was in scrambles, her heart racing. She didn't know where she was going, all she knew was she needed some air.
Her feet led her to the terrace of the manor. The cool evening breeze blowing against her flushed cheeks, she held onto the rails, taking a deep breath.
"Oh my" she palms her stomach, trying to steady her breathing. What was that in front of everyone?
The way he looked at me, the way he touched me, the emotions overflowing from his gaze.
Footsteps could be heard, making me tense up. I could feel someone's presence behind me.
"Elara"
That voice.
I turn around, coming face to face with Ryker.
He observed me, his eyes drinking me in.
"Don't" I stop him from coming closer and he halts in his step.
"Whatever happened there, cannot repeat itself. I do not know if you enjoy toying with me but I do not enjoy it"
Ryker frowns, confused "Toying with you?"
"Firstly you reject me, then you pretend to care and tell me to stay clear of Lord Sawyer. You behaved as if you hated me, and now? You hold my hand and then you dance with-"
Elara sucks in a breath, stopping her angry rambling.
Ryker steps closer, "Elara, my intention is not to toy with you. Please, believe me my lady"
Why would she think I would toy with her?
"I only wish you stay away from Lord Sawyer, he had an entanglement with the veiled dancer. It is much too dangerous for you" he speaks softly, his expression sympathetic.
Guilt pierced my heart, he was only looking out for me. He is doing his duty, the thought brought a bad taste in my mouth. I didn't want him to just care of me out of duty, I wanted him to care out of affection and want. I wanted him to crave me as much as I did him.
"I-i can watch out for myself. I cannot know what the veiled dancer does, so do not concern yourself so much" I gazed away, withdrawing into myself. Trying to shield myself I wrap my arms around my form, stepping away from Ryker.
"I do care for you, Elara. I am deeply sorry if I hurt you that day, i- it was not my intention to do so" he steps towards me, his eyes brimming with tenderness.
I wanted him to comfort me, but I knew better.
"I do not dislike you, my lady" he confesses, making me peak up at him.
"Then why?"
My question was vague but by the look on his face, he understood what I asked.
"We, cannot be together"
"Yes, we can. If we want it" I argue, my pleading gaze meeting his.
"I am your protector, not your lover. My social status pales in comparison to yours, I am not worthy of being your body guard so forgive me, but I cannot even dream of having you"
His words cut deep, leaving an open gush in my heart.
My chest tightened, "social status does not matter to me. What I feel is true enough, it is enough for us"
Ryker gazed at me, for the first time he truly let me see him, the hurt behind his eyes, the pain in his voice.
His rejection hurt him more than if hurt me, "No, it is not"
He turns to walk away but I grab hold of his wrist, stopping him. He halts, his gaze going from my hand on him to my face.
"Tell me once, just once that you do not feel what I do" the vulnerability in my voice was chipping at his resolve, weakening him.
His pained expression squeezed hard at my heart. Ryker faces me, wordlessly staring at me. His eyes drop to my lips, the carnal want, the pining, the urge to hold me was so clear, but he was not letting himself.
I close the distance, palming his cheek.
"Please, do not turn me away. I feel very deeply for you, i-i do not want to behave like you do not make my heart race. That kiss was not a mistake, it was my first and I wanted it to be you"