“Do you know the Carilke dance?” he asked as he stopped and pulled her into an embrace.
She forced everything she was thinking and feeling away. Rainer made it clear what he wanted, and she would give it to him. For now. She’d play along and do as he asked in order to find her sister’s killer. He didn’t need to know what she was really thinking or feeling because he clearly didn’t care. She suspected he was putting on a show for his subjects, and she would do the same.
“I do not,” she said, placing her other hand on his shoulder and looking into his eyes.
“Just follow my lead. It’s a slower song.” Rainer held her gaze, his eyebrows raising ever so slightly, as if trying to figure her out.
She forced a half smile on her face, the one she used when flirting with a man. Confidence was something she’d never lacked. And it was time Rainer understood she was nothing like Alina. While she may be playing along and doing as he wished, she expected to get something in return. It was time he started to realize she could be a valuable ally, but one who wouldn’t roll over like a dog.
The music began. Something in the air shifted as Rainer took a step closer and slid his other hand on the small of her bare back, sending a jolt of warmth through her. They began moving to the music. However, this dance was very different from anything she’d experienced in Bakley. Usually, when dancing with a partner, they moved away from one another and then returned. The music was oftentimes upbeat. But this…this was slow and intimate. They swayed to the music together, not breaking contact.
Sabine held his eyes, following his lead. For the first time, she didn’t feel like she had the upper hand. Normally, men were putty in her hands, and she could do as she pleased. But she hadn’t been with many older men. Her brothers wouldn’t allow it.
“I’m assuming you danced this very dance with my sister when you introduced her to your court?” Sabine said, wanting to talk to tame the odd feelings rising within her.
“Actually, we did not. She was introduced to my court, but very briefly.” His eyes glanced down, as if taking Sabine in.
Something occurred to her. “My sister wouldn’t wear the clothes you wanted or play along, would she?” Sabine knew her sister would never wear a dress like this. And Alina would never dance this way. Both went against all her years of being trained by their mother in proper Bakley protocol. It would have made Lynk hard for Alina to assimilate to.
“Play along?” he asked, his voice deep and rumbling.
She smiled and leaned in closer. “You and Alina may have agreed on a great many things before she arrived, but she wasn’t what you expected, was she?” The thought of someone—even the king—killing Alina because she didn’t fit in here was starting to seem like a plausible motive. Fury began to simmer.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Rainer replied, turning them in a slow circle. “I need a well-bred woman who can have my child. Whether it’s her or you, it makes no difference to me. A woman is a woman.”
A soft laugh escaped her lips. She had to be throwing him off, and his comment was meant to rile her up, put her in her place, and gain the upper hand.
“I can see you want to argue with me,” he said, smiling, as if enjoying this.
“Perhaps.” She moved her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck, her fingers playing with his longer hair.
His smile deepened, and she realized she’d just issued him a challenge without meaning to.
He pressed his body against hers, his hand holding her in place. Lowering his lips to her ear, he whispered, “It appears we have some things we need to discuss.”
“Yes. I agree.”
He moved his head back, only slightly, so his lips now hovered mere inches from hers. The simmering she’d felt before began to grow, and it seemed as if a fire had started in her stomach. Usually, she was the one pushing the boundaries, teasing the men she danced with. Now she felt as if this man was toying with her. Only, her body seemed to be reacting to his in a way she didn’t want. She’d used that tactic one too many times and would be damned if she let a man use it on her. While her brain understood that, her body did not.
“Tomorrow, come to my office. We’ll talk privately there.” His warm breath caressed her cheek.
She pulled back to look him in the eyes. “I want to know everything you do about what happened to my sister.” Since they were the only two people dancing, they could have this conversation without anyone eavesdropping.
“That seems only fair as you are behaving exactly the way I want.”
His eyes cleared for a second, showing a seriousness Sabine hadn’t seen before. It also made his expectations abundantly clear. A small part of it irritated her. It made her feel like an animal being trained. Do this and receive a treat. However, she wasn’t the only one performing right now—he was, too. And that—and only that—made this tolerable. Somehow, they were in this together. It was the first time since arriving that she felt a sense of hope.
This sounds good. Will have to check it out.
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