Echoes of Wonderland

One last dance

Red's POV

After we finally disentangle ourselves from each other, breathless and flushed, I smirk at Chloe with that devilish glint in my eye, the one that makes her heart race and her legs feel like jelly. She can barely catch her breath, and yet here I am, already composed, fixing my dress like we haven't just... well, like we haven't just done all that.

- Ready to go back to the dance, Chlo? - I ask, my voice casual, like I haven't just turned her world upside down.

She tries to compose herself, smoothing down her dress and running a hand through her hair. Her face is still burning, and I know it's more than just the heat of the moment.

- Y-Yeah, let's go. - She manages to stammer, trying to sound as nonchalant as I do. But I can see the warmth in her cheeks, and I know it's going to give her away.

I just grin, taking her hand and leading her back to the dance. As we walk into the room, the music and laughter from the crowd immediately wash over us, and I think maybe, just maybe, we can slip back in without anyone noticing how long we've been gone.

But of course, that's wishful thinking.
As soon as we reach our group, Bridget and Hook are chatting animatedly near the edge of the dance floor, while Ella is sharing a laugh with Prince Charming in the center. Bridget's eyes sparkle with mischief when she sees us.

- You two were off for quite a while. - She teases, raising an eyebrow as she looks between us.

I don't miss a beat.

- Just needed some fresh air. - I say smoothly, my tone completely casual. I'm so good at this—playing things off like it's no big deal, while Chloe stands there, still looking like she's glowing from head to toe.

But of course, her face betrays her. I can see the heat rushing to her cheeks, and I know she looks like she's been caught red-handed. Ella and Fay exchange knowing looks, and I can see the amusement in their eyes. Prince Charming raises an eyebrow, glancing at us with a bemused smile.

- Fresh air, huh? - Fay says, smirking as she glances at me, and then back at Chloe. - Looks like it did wonders for your complexion, Chlo.

Chloe opens her mouth to respond, but nothing comes out. Instead, she just looks at me, hoping I'll come to her rescue.

I chuckle, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

- Don't tease her too much. - I say, though the playful glint in my eye tells me I'm enjoying this way too much. - She's still recovering.

The moment the words leave my mouth, I see Chloe's face darken with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. She glares at me, clearly upset.

- Seriously? - She snaps, her voice sharp. - You had to say that?

I raise an eyebrow, my grin widening.

- Hey, you're the one who started all, looking at me with siren eyes, not me.

The irritation in Chloe's eyes makes me pause, but then I notice the way Bridget, Hook, Ella, and Prince Charming are all looking at us with various degrees of amusement. Bridget bursts into laughter, Hook's eyes twinkle with mischief, and Ella and Prince Charming struggle to hide their smiles.

The tension begins to dissolve as everyone starts teasing us.

- Well, looks like someone's still feeling the effects of their 'fresh air.' - Hook jokes, leaning closer to us with a grin.

- You're enjoying this way too much. - Chloe narrows her eyes at me, a playful scowl crossing her face.

I laugh softly, squeezing her hand again.