Fire in Her Eyes - Charlie Weasley

Chapter 28

Kai didn't wear black. She spent the Friday that they got to Diagon Alley a week later searching for a black dress, just to annoy Charlie, but fell in love with one of a different color. She rarely wore red, preferring to blend into the background instead of stand out, but the lace gown clung to her body like a second skin and she couldn't resist.

She had toned up since she'd been working out and training with Charlie, and it showed the minute she put on the dress. She felt beautiful. And even if he wasn't attracted to her, she was away from the sanctuary for one night and could find someone who was.

She was on the prowl and wanted attention. She had grown and healed over the years from her past, but sometimes she fell too easily back into her old habit of looking for temporary love in the arms of a man. And she knew she probably shouldn't; that is was an unhealthy coping mechanism. But for one night, she didn't care. She wanted to feel wanted. Charlie's rejection was constant in the back of her mind, and she just wanted to forget. Even if it was only for a night.

She slipped the red lace gown over her frame, and marveled at the look. The front was a deep V almost to her belly button. The straps thinned over her shoulders to leave her entire back bare to right above her butt. The dress was slinky and tight in all the right places before flaring out around her knees. She slipped on a pair of strappy heels, before curling her hair into loose waves that fell just past her shoulders. She felt bold and dangerous and sexy, especially with all of the tattoos on her arms visible.

She kept her makeup neutral, making sure her eyes popped. She added an extra swipe of mascara before stepping back from the mirror and out of the bathroom.

The suite that the Minister had set them up in was beautiful. It overlooked the alley, lit by twinkling lights in the evening sky. There was a living area with a pullout couch and it was wonderfully spacious. There was only one bed that Kai had claimed before Charlie could even offer. And it annoyed her that she knew he would suggest she take the bed. He might be an arrogant asshole a lot of the time, but he was also a gentlemen.

That combination was becoming lethal for her. She had never worked so closely with someone who was so genuinely good, but that simultaneously made her constantly want to throw him off the roof. Everything Charlie did was for the good of the dragons, and she knew he cared more about those creatures than possibly even herself. But god, his unending arrogance, constant smirk, and ability to push her buttons drove her mad.

His eyes widened as she stepped out of the bathroom, and his mouth parted just slightly before his casual confidence covered his face again. She would have missed the smallest look of surprise if she wasn't so used to paying attention to every minuscule move he made. She couldn't explain why, but every time he was around her, he was her focus. He wasn't the center of her world, not by a long shot. But he was like gravity to her. No matter what she was doing or where she was, if he was around, her focus always went back to him.

She ran her hands down her stomach, smoothing out the dress. She rarely took the time to do her makeup at the sanctuary, always preferring a little extra sleep over the process. She could do the glamour charm, but it was tiring. And since they never really had any reason to dress this fancy at the sanctuary, she was a little thrilled that he seemed to be at least moderately impressed by her appearance.

"You didn't wear black," the corner of his mouth threatened to give way into a grin from under his calm demeanor.

"Believe me, I tried," she rolled her eyes, dropping her wand into the safe. He had told her earlier that they would have to check them at the entrance, and she would rather not have it with her than let anyone else get their hands on it. Besides, it wasn't like she couldn't defend herself without her wand.