“Thank you all for coming this evening. I know many of you are curious about the beautiful woman by my side. I assure you, you will have a chance to meet her after the ceremony. For now…” He lifted his hand toward the orchestra at the far end of the courtyard. “Play something slow. I wish to dance with Mia Regina.”
Multiple gasps reached Katy’s ears before the music grew in volume to overtake them. Ryker ignored them all and turned to look at her. “Dance with me?”
Just as he had the first night, he held out his hand. She slipped her fingers into his hand and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor, her smile as shaky as her knees.
This time they danced alone, the other guests leaving the dance floor empty as they stared.
“Why are they staring at us?”
“Not us, you. Your beauty dazzles them all.”
She felt a blush warm her cheeks, but she was no fool. The women here were gorgeous. Every single one of them. She found herself extremely grateful for the stunning gown and jewelry Ryker had provided. Without them, she would feel naked in this crowd. Even with the glittering gown and priceless jewels, many women here were much more beautiful than she.
Still, who was she to argue with the man of her dreams? Especially when he was looking at her like he wanted to devour her.
“You’re crazy, you know that?”
Ryker threw back his head and laughed again, the sound causing a ripple of shocked looks to pass from person to person in the room.
“I take it you don’t laugh much.”
Ryker looked away from her to glance at the crowd. Less than a second later, his gaze was once more focused on her. Their gazes locked, and she could not look away from the pain she saw in his eyes. “I have not laughed in years.”
“Why not?”
“Because I had not found you.”
Katy gasped as pain, sharp and deep, stabbed her heart. She had to tell him the truth. Bracing herself, she took a slow breath. Perhaps if she asked him to go back up to her room for a moment, she could find the courage to tell him.
“Ryker.”
“The rest of the world can wait. You are mine tonight, remember?” he whispered. “You promised.”
Katy shuddered. Nodded. Ryker was right. She would give them this happy night. I bet this is what Cinderella felt like when she went to the royal ball. She went knowing it was just for one night, too. I can do the same for my very own prince.
With a grin, he swung her around, twirled her until her head spun, and she collapsed against his chest, trusting him to catch her.
After the first song, more couples joined them on the dance floor, but Katy was oblivious to them all. Ryker’s gaze rarely left her face, and the warmth in her body spread with every step, every moment she belonged to him.
“It’s time, Brother.” Vector’s hand appeared from nowhere to rest on Ryker’s shoulder.
“Of course.” Ryker slowed his steps and lifted a gentle hand to her cheek. “Are you ready to formally meet our guests, Mia Regina?”
She wanted to stay in his arms and dance all night, but she knew he was important to these people. Why, she wasn’t sure, but he was rich. Maybe even nobility of some kind? She had no idea, but she would stand next to him, smile and shake hands. She could do that. “Lead the way.”
Ryker placed her hand in his and led her toward the stage where the orchestra played. There was an open space between the violins and the front edge of the raised platform that had been erected for the event.
Ryker led her to the center, Vector on their heels carrying the black velvet box. From either side, the group that had picked her up from the airport fanned out and stood at attention. They’d been intimidating at the airport. Tonight, dressed to kill in suits and gowns, they looked like deadly assassins straight out of a movie…too pretty to be real.
Ryker held her hand gently as he raised the opposite above his head. Immediately, the room fell silent.
“My people, I am Ryker of the Draquonir.”
A low rumbling noise came from the crowd, and Katy would have sworn the temperature in the courtyard jumped ten degrees. But that had to be nerves. Right? What was going on here? Why was she standing in front of a crowd of people with Ryker at her side and Guardians lined up around them like ancient warriors ready to kill to protect them?
Worried, she looked at Mist for a hint about what was happening. Mist caught her look, winked, and grinned back at her.
Katy did feel better, but not much as Ryker continued.