“I wouldn’t take it that far.” Shade snorted. “This knight’s armor was tarnished long ago.”
Evie looked toward Lily. “Sometimes, all it takes is someone to care enough to polish it and make it shine.”
Shade shook his head at her romanticism. He was no knight; he was what nightmares were made of, with a fascination for a woman who didn’t need another monster in her life.
He went outside to the backyard where the brothers and women were dancing. Shade walked to a tree, leaning against it as he watched Lily come outside and take a seat. Razer and Beth went to the dance floor while Lily watched them with a wistful look.
Shade left his spot to move to the dance floor where Jewell and Bliss were dancing together. He began dancing with them until Jewell eventually began dancing with Train. Shade didn’t trust himself to dance with her; however, he wanted Lily’s eyes on him as she looked at the dance floor.#p#分页标题#e#
A few of the brothers began to feel uncomfortable that Lily was the only one not dancing; even Razer was glancing her way frequently. Shade gave him a warning look. Brother-in-law or not, Shade didn’t want to see her dance with anyone except him. He knew he was being a selfish bastard, but he had agreed to give Lily time to graduate college. Of course, that didn’t mean he had to stand back and watch her have fun with another man.
When Knox and Diamond stood up to dance, Knox walked to the dance floor while Diamond snatched Lily’s hand with hers, saying something to her.
Lily’s expression took Shade’s breath away. He missed a step before righting himself, apologizing to Bliss for smashing her foot under his.
Knox gave him a wary glance as Diamond pulled Lily onto the dance floor. Diamond’s stubborn expression showed she wasn’t giving the brother a choice other than to dance with them both.
The only thing that saved him from Shade decking him was he danced close to Diamond’s side, staying as far away from Lily as the crowded floor would allow.
Lily stayed on Diamond’s other side, dancing with youthful enthusiasm. She was good, her lithe body moving to the music as a rosy glow crept onto her cheeks, her purple eyes sparkling with joy. She twirled when the music ended, laughing at Diamond’s astonishment at her skill, missing Shade’s own awe.
“You’re very good,” Diamond complimented her.
“Beth and I used to dance in our bedrooms when we were little. We were terrible, but it was just us, so we didn’t care,” Lily confessed.
“You’re not terrible now; you’re really good.”
“My roommate has been teaching me. She likes to go to some of the college parties, and she makes me go with her.” Her voice was a little loud, so he could easily hear over the music.
Shade decided he was going to deduct from Penni’s allowance for taking Lily to parties.
She twirled again, and that time, Shade was waiting. Lily immediately tried to shy away from him, but Shade held her close with his arm around her waist.
“You dance with guys at these parties?” Shade asked.
“No,” Lily said, trying to break away.
Shade loosened his grip, letting Lily put some space between them.
“Dance with me,” he said persuasively, loosening his hold.
As Razer and Beth came to dance next to them, Beth sent Lily an encouraging smile. Shade had expected Beth to make an excuse for her sister and provide an escape from him, not encourage her.
Lily slowly began to dance to the music, yet she didn’t regain the fluidity of before. Her hand went to her wrist, but Shade sent her a warning glance and she removed it. As soon as the music was over, she fled from him, leaving him standing alone on the dance floor. He followed slowly.
“It’s time I leave. I’m going back to school tonight. My roommate is picking me up at my house. She’s visiting a family friend. Beth didn’t want me to drive back in the dark.” Lily accepted her sister’s over-protectiveness without complaint herself before they could reach their chairs. She hugged Beth and Razer goodbye. “See you in a couple of weeks.”
“Bye, little sis,” Razer said with his arm around Beth’s shoulder.
Lily turned to Diamond, giving her a quick hug. “It was nice seeing you again, Diamond.”
“You, too, Lily. Drive careful.”
“I will,” Lily murmured, stepping toward the door, avoiding Shade’s sharp gaze.
Each time she left, it was torture for him.
Arms circled his waist as Bliss pressed her breasts to his back. “Can we finish dancing now?”#p#分页标题#e#
“I don’t feel like dancing.” He removed her hands from his waist and went inside.