A Discovery of Secrets and Fate (Chronicles of the Stone Veil #2) - Sawyer Bennett Page 0,99

his arms?

“I’ve often found,” Pyke suggests in a low drawl, “that the way to fight fire is with fire.”

I hear his words, but they don’t fully penetrate. I give him a quick, annoyed glance. “What?”

“Well, it’s clear my sister is pulling out all her best moves tonight to make you green with jealousy, so maybe you should give back what you’re getting.”

My gaze snaps to Pyke, brows knitting together. “What? Jealousy? What are you talking about? Your sister is trying to seduce Carrick.”

“Of course she is,” he concurs with a nod. “But her dress, her wantonness… that’s all to make you jealous. She could seduce Carrick without that.”

That doesn’t make me feel a lick better, but I do have my pride. “I don’t know what you’re talking about with jealousy. There’s no reason for me to be jealous. Carrick and I aren’t—”

“Save it,” Pyke says with a laugh. “You might try to deny the chemistry between the two of you, but everyone who isn’t physically blind can see it. Deandra definitely feels it, and she’s going to do her damnedest to try to take him from you.”

“He’s not mine,” I mutter.

“I think you’re wrong, but let’s put that theory to the test, shall we?”

I glance at him again, and he’s holding his arm out toward the dance floor.

“You want to dance?” I ask suspiciously.

Pyke’s eyes light with mischief, and he takes a step back from me. Without any shame at all, he runs a licentious gaze over my body, lingering on my half-exposed breasts, and shakes his head. “Why would I not want to dance with the most beautiful and sexiest creature at this party?”

There’s no way Pyke really means that. I can’t compare to the magical beauty of these fae creatures.

I sneak a glance at Carrick, who, to my surprise, is actually watching us as he moves Deandra backward with the flow of the other dancers.

He’s watching Pyke practically undress me with his leering gaze.

Fight fire with fire, huh?

Turning back to Pyke, I beam a smile. “I’d love to dance.”

“I’m not going to promise to be a gentleman,” he murmurs suggestively, taking me by the elbow and leading me onto the floor. I have no clue how to waltz, but I assume he’ll lead and I’ll just follow.

“I’m curious, Pyke,” I ask innocently as one hand goes to my waist and the other clasps my hand. We stand facing each other, me smiling sweetly and Pyke looking like the devil with his mischievous grin in place. “Do fae have the same exact anatomy as humans?”

“We do,” he purrs, pulling me in a little closer. “Except…well, we tend to be more well-endowed.”

“Hmmm,” I murmur thoughtfully. “Then I’m going to assume it hurts just as much if I were to knee you in the nuts if you are anything but a gentleman with me.”

Pyke’s eyes flare, and I wonder if I’ve gone too far. Never trust a fae. They’re vain and egocentric. I’m surprised, however, when he tips his head back and barks out an appreciative laugh.

His eyes are shining as they come back to me. “I shall endeavor to be a gentleman, but if we’re going to provoke jealousy, you need to be a little closer.”

And before I can even utter any resistance, he’s pulled me in flush with his body and starts us whirling around the dance floor.

There’s no opportunity for me to pull away or ask him to loosen his hold as he has us moving so fluidly and with twirls that leave me breathless. I eventually have to settle into the dance and the delight of a man who makes this all effortless.

“So, Finley Porter,” Pyke says conversationally. “Seems like you’re the savior to the Earth realm, huh?”

“Carrick told you,” I surmise.

“He told me the basic background, and I offered my services to help in any way I can,” he replies smoothly.

“Why would you want to help?” I ask curiously. “This has nothing to do with Faere or the Light Fae. At least that we know of.”

Pyke shrugs, glancing around before bringing his eyes back to me. “Let’s just say I love a good adventure, and Carrick and I go way back.”

“Your help is obviously welcome,” I say carefully, not wanting to commit to anything without knowing exactly what Carrick told this man. I’m going to assume not everything as he wants to keep my feather a secret.

At that moment, Carrick and Deandra sail past us. It happens in a flash, yet there’s a moment that time