It was after seven by the time she entered the ballroom. Sandra paused and let her attention drift over the milling crowd to see who was in attendance.
"So, you did make it." A hand slid around her waist as Kahne moved up alongside.
"I said I'd be here." She tactfully withdrew from his embrace.
A flash of hurt lit his green eyes but faded when he smiled.
"Yes, you did. But I admit, I was holding my breath ... and still am."
His darkening gaze drifted over her form drawing forth a tingle of heat. She glanced away, embarrassed by her response. The reaction only spurred him to wrap his nimble hand around her waist again.
"You used to not mind my compliments."
"I used to not be married," she countered. Another shadow crossed his features, one she recognized without a doubt. "He's a good man, Kahne."
"Yes, I'm sure. You'd have no less." He moved closer, letting his breath caress her ear as he whispered, "But my dear Sandra, my complaint is that he's only a man."
Sandra let the comment fade when the music began. Kahne escorted her into the room and although her body responded to his touch and the musky, warm smell enveloping her, she knew she had to resist him. Although there'd been over seven years and a marriage since she'd last seen him, the unbidden memory of their hot, lusty lovemaking came to mind.
His gaze cut to her as if he knew what she was thinking. She smiled to cover her emotions knowing he'd respect her vows as long as she did--but it didn't mean he wouldn't press every chance he could. It was his nature. Born and bred an alpha personality, "never" was a word absent from his vocabulary.
Kahne paused then signaled a server as he neared, carrying a tray laden with a variety of drinks.
"For the lady." He lifted a delicate crystal glass.
She smiled and waited as he took one for himself, never losing his secure hold on her waist.
Effortlessly, he slid through the crowd, briefly acknowledging the presence of others but never lingering long. She sensed he had other intentions. Her instincts proved correct as she found herself nearing the entrance to the balcony. "Kahne, you don't intend on--"
"What?" He smiled. "Keeping you all to myself this evening?"
She paused, running the fingers of one hand up his jacket as if to straighten his lapels. "Look, I know it's been a while since we've seen each other but I do have other reasons for attending and I don't want anyone to think--"
"Think what, Sandra? That you're enjoying a wonderful evening in the company of an old friend? What wrong can come of that?"
Again the image of his solid form buried deep within came to mind. "I can think of--"
"As can I, but even if I'm a creature of the night, I'm still honorable and you know I won't go beyond the bounds you set."
"Yes. I know. It's just..."
He pulled her against him, leaning down to murmur in her ear. "What? You don't know if you're the one who can keep them?"
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