𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆'𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉: "ᴡhᥱrᥱ shᥲdoᥕs ᴇmbrᥲᥴᥱ ʜᥱᥲrts"

3. Liked my touch?

"May I have the pleasure to dance with you, princess?" Ayden asked, his hands extended, expecting a gentle acceptance.

But Aeni's rejection stung. "No, right now I want to dance with someone else."

She brushed past him, ignoring his outstretched hand.

Ayden's eyes narrowed, anger simmering beneath the surface. Who was this 'someone else' worthy of her attention?

His gaze followed Aeni, tracking her path.

And then, he saw him.

Samarth.

Ayden's father.

A sigh escaped his lips, replaced by a deepening frown.

Jealousy? Of his own father?

Ridiculous.

Yet, the burn in his chest refused to subside.

Aeni approached Samarth, her hands extended, her smile radiant. "Would you like to dance with me, Sir?"

Ayden's fingers curled into fists.

The urge to shatter the decorations, to disrupt the serene atmosphere, surged through him.

But he reined in his emotions, mastering his turbulent thoughts.

For now, he'd watch, his eyes never leaving the unlikely pair.

Aeni danced with Samarth, her laughter
echoing through the hall, until Ayden interrupted.

"Time to share you with others, princess." Ayden said, his voice low and possessive.

He grasped Aeni's hand, pulling her close. Samarth nodded, understanding the birthday girl's duties.

Ayden's hands slid to Aeni's waist, sending shivers down her spine. Butterflies danced in her belly as they swayed to the music, chests touching.

Aeni's breathing quickened. "W-what are you doing?" she stammered.

"Pulling you towards me," Ayden whispered, his eyes locked onto hers.

"W-why?" Aeni asked, her voice barely audible.

"Because I like touching you," Ayden replied, his smile hinting at sincerity.

"I-I didn't like it," Aeni said, struggling to maintain composure. Ayden chuckled. "Lie, you liked my touch."

Their bodies swayed to the music, the tension between them palpable.

"No, I didn't," Aeni insisted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ayden leaned in, his breath dancing across her skin. "You would've pushed me if you didn't."

Aeni's cheeks flushed, her eyes darting downward. "No," she repeated, her voice trembling.

Ayden's gaze lingered on hers. "Means you don't like my touch?" he asked, his tone soft.

Aeni's shoulders rose in a gentle shrug. "No, it's not like that."

Ayden's smile hinted at amusement. "Means you like my touch?" he teased.

Aeni's words tangled. "I..I.."

Ayden's whisper soothed her frayed nerves. "Shh, calm down, fairy." His fingers traced gentle patterns on her waist. Aeni's pulse quickened.

Ayden's eyes crinkled. "Your heart beats faster when I'm near."  Aeni's gaze locked onto his. The music swirled around them.

Ayden's eyes crinkled. "When I touch you again, make sure whether you like it or not."