I felt a warm liquid fill my mouth. I knew it was him, and I swallowed it eagerly. It didn’t taste like anything— pretty bland— but it had come from Ethan, so I wanted every drop. I didn’t stop working him until he’d relaxed against the seat, and I drew upward.
Ethan’s expression was amazed. “You sly minx.”
I sat beside him and brushed off my dress. “Did you like that?”
Ethan gave a skeptical noise. “Did I like it? It’s only a man’s dream to have such attention from a gorgeous woman.”
I took that as a huge compliment and straightened up, proud of myself. Ethan leaned in and whispered, “You should play with yourself more often. I think I like it.”
I blushed. All too soon, the carriage came to a stop. Ethan pulled my dress down, leaving me disappointed. I’d been hoping for round two.
As the carriage door opened, the driver eyed us with a smile. Ethan ducked his head, a little embarrassed, but I was far from mortified. I got a thrill out of people knowing I’d pleasured my man.
The ballet was held in a beautiful auditorium, with Roman columns lining the large marble building on all sides. I took Ethan’s arm, and we started the climb upward. The stairs were numerous, twenty or so. The surrounding area was packed with snobs and Arcanea that had more money than the gods themselves. A few of them tilted their heads to us as we walked by.
There was a long red carpet lining the entrance to the theatre. Fae with cameras turned our way. I was temporarily blinded by the flashing of lights, and people calling out questions. Ethan didn’t answer any of them, and instead pulled me inside the theatre.
“Paparazzi,” Ethan explained with a scowl. “They’re filthy rats.”
“I haven’t seen them before.” They were always around whenever Ethan went to Dolinska, but never so many.
“They can’t photograph me on university grounds. It’s against the law,” Ethan said. “So they photograph me everywhere else I go. This is a big event, a lot of important people, so they’re all here. Your picture will be in the tabloids tomorrow, be sure.”
Good thing I’d done my makeup.
Inside, the theatre was beautiful. The ceilings were made of gold, crystal chandeliers hanging every few feet, and the rug underneath our feet was a rich ruby. Employees in tuxedos and white gloves handed out champagne to the guests as we walked in. I was offered, but I politely declined, as did Ethan.
We obtained our tickets from the booth, and strode into the vast auditorium. Each of the seats was huge, and plush velvet. Balconies hung above the stage, which was the largest I’d ever seen. Painted on the ceilings and the balconies were elaborate depictions of the gods, and what I could only fathom as the Great Hunting Grounds around them, an ethereal land of trees and sunlight amongst the clouds, decorated with gold trim.
Gods, this auditorium was wonderful. It had to be hundreds of years old. No wonder Odette revered her role as the lead. Performing in this gorgeous theatre had to be a high honor.
As prince regent, Ethan had snagged us coveted seats beside the orchestra pit. Delmare, Stefan, Alexei and Kiara were already here. Stefan and Alexei were both wearing tuxes, Alexei’s a little frayed. Kiara and Delmare cooled themselves with large fans. Kiara was wearing a big yellow ball gown, while Delmare had a black lace dress that was high-necked and long-sleeved.
“Where have you been?” Kiara asked as we sat down. “Show’s about to start.”
“We were otherwise preoccupied,” Ethan said as we sat down.
“That means she gave you a BJ,” Delmare deadpanned. Stefan snorted.
“We did no such thing,” I replied, though my tone gave me away.
“Your lipstick is smudged,” Delmare said.
Alexei and Stefan laughed, while Ethan paled, mortified. I took a mirror out of my purse and fixed it. “Well, at least it was a good reason,” I said. Hopefully the paparazzi hadn’t caught that.
The orchestra pit began playing, and the red curtains lining the stage were pulled aside. Dancers flooded the stage. Theo was there, playing the part of Romeo as the show began.
I’d never seen such an exquisite ballet. I’d been to many shows before with my mom, but the skill of these dancers was on a whole other level. Every step was so carefully placed, the dancers made it look as easy as walking.
My heart skipped a beat as Odette came on stage, dressed as Juliet. She had