Crimson Born - Amy Patrick Page 0,57

head and caress the nape of my neck.

It felt so good I would have happily stayed there all night touching him, molding my mouth to his. But Reece broke the kiss abruptly.

With a curse, he pushed me away, moving toward the hedge and turning his back to me. His shoulders heaved with his heavy breaths as he seemed to struggle to master himself.

Moving toward him, I touched his shoulder, and he leapt away as if my touch burned him. Glaring at me now, his face was a harsh mask.

“That can’t happen again.”

He sounded so angry. Did he blame me for what had just happened? I was no expert but there was no doubt in my mind—he had wanted that kiss just as much as I had.

“Why not? There’s obviously something between us. It’s been there since the night we met. Why should we ignore it?”

“I’m not ignoring it,” he barked. Then more quietly, he said, “There’s nothing to ignore. As I’ve already told you, I simply... don’t feel that way about you.”

I gave an incredulous laugh. “Well I’d love to see how you’d act with a girl you were actually attracted to.”

His complexion darkened. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings. But that... I haven’t been with anyone in a long time. Too long.”

The words were like a hard slap, stinging my eyes and nose. Instead of making me cry, though, his denial made me angry. Furious, actually.

“So that was just a physical reflex then? It had nothing to do with me?” Not believing it for a minute, I stepped close again and reached for him.

He jerked back. “Don’t touch me. I...” He drew a long breath before continuing. “We should get back. It’s nearly dawn.”

“Fine.” I stomped out of the maze and back to the cavern. I would love to have left him behind, but he kept pace with me and made it look maddeningly easy.

At the entrance, I turned to him.

“I just want you to know that you don’t have to worry. I won’t be bothering you anymore with my annoying infatuation. I’m sorry I embarrassed us both by chasing you when you had no interest in me. I get it now though. And I’m done. If I don’t see you before the ceremony—or afterward—let me be the first to congratulate you on taking your vows.”

His face contracted in confusion. “What do you mean ‘if you don’t see me’? You’re going to the ball tomorrow night, aren’t you?”

“Of course. Attendance is mandatory.”

“Well, I’ll see you then. I’m still your bodyguard.”

“I won’t be needing a bodyguard tomorrow night. It’s an event inside the Bastion with the entire Bloodbound regiment present. I can’t imagine a safer situation. Goodnight Reece. And best wishes on your new life. May it bring you much happiness.”

29

The Ball

One of our history classes at the Bastion had covered the history of the caverns, back when they were the domain of humans and used as show caves.

We’d learned about an annual ball that was held here in the caverns during the early 1800s, and our instructor had even passed around some old black and white photographs.

Tonight’s event was a modern reflection of that one, only with far more beautiful attendees. I doubted if a royal gathering in the human world could be any more elegant.

Hundreds of fashionably dressed vampires mingled and danced together in the ballroom, their shadows cavorting on the high stone walls.

This room featured abundant flowstone draperies, hanging alabaster stone structures so intricate and beautiful it was hard to believe they formed naturally.

The ceiling was covered in anthodites, calcium carbonite crystals that resembled flowers—they were known as the orchids of the mineral kingdom, and they really did look like they were blooming above us.

Below on the dance floor, the men wore black tuxedoes or gothic style long coats, some with fancy stitches or floral patterns, and the women were attired in a rainbow assortment of floor-length gowns.

Imogen had departed from her usual black attire and stood on a rock precipice overseeing the festivities in a strapless white ballgown embroidered with intricate black beadwork flowers.

My own dress was shocking red. The sheer tulle was embellished all over with silk organza red rose appliqués, making it appear the roses were all I was wearing.

Even with the truncated fitting session, the seamstress had done an incredible job. The dress fit tightly in the bodice and flowed freely below the waist, sweeping the floor as I walked.

The seamstress had cautioned me to lift the hem when walking