Kidnapped to love

chapter 48

Crystal hesitated as Dimitri led her onto the dance floor, feeling the weight of all those expectant eyes on them. Her gaze shifted around nervously, but when her hand rested in his, everything else faded into the background. Dimitri's fingers wrapped around hers, firm and reassuring, drawing her closer as the soft strains of music began to play.

His hand settled comfortably at her waist, guiding her with a gentle pressure. Crystal tried to follow his movements, but the truth was, she had little idea how to dance with someone like him. Her steps felt clumsy compared to his smooth, confident movements. She glanced up, a little embarrassed.

“I don’t really know what I’m doing,” she admitted softly, her cheeks warming under his intense gaze.

A grin spread across his face. “Don’t worry, doll. I’ve got you.” He winked, pulling her closer as the lights dimmed around them. The room fell into shadow, and a spotlight flickered to life, illuminating just the two of them on the floor. “Just follow my lead.”

With his hand guiding her, she felt the awkwardness slip away, though every now and then, she stumbled or missed a step. Each time, Dimitri was there, steadying her, a playful gleam in his eyes. His hand tightened around hers, pulling her back into sync with him, his movements smooth and controlled. She couldn’t help but smile, her embarrassment turning to something lighter and brighter.

“You’re pretty good at this,” she said, trying to sound casual.

His smirk grew. “Told you, doll—I’m a great teacher. Just relax, and let me take the lead.”

She rolled her eyes, trying to brush off his words, but the warmth spreading through her made it difficult to hide her flustered expression. As they swayed, she felt herself getting lost in the moment, her steps becoming more confident, her laughter bubbling up every time she stumbled and he effortlessly caught her.

His hand settled at her waist, guiding her movements as they swayed to the music. Crystal glanced up, catching sight of several women watching Dimitri with admiration—and a flicker of jealousy flared in her. She tightened her grip on his hand, meeting his gaze with a look that dared him to notice.

Dimitri noticed, of course. A smirk played on his lips. “Possessive, are we?” he teased.

She rolled her eyes, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a direct answer. “Just focus on dancing.”

He chuckled, pulling her closer so there was barely any space between them. “As you wish, doll.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “But just so you know… you’re the only one I see in this entire room.”

A warmth spread through her, and she found herself smiling despite herself. “You say that now, but I saw how you were smiling at that woman earlier.”

“Ah, so you did notice,” he teased, his voice playful. “I knew you were watching me.”

“I wasn’t—” she started, but his smug expression made her falter. “Fine, maybe I was. But only because you looked ridiculous.”

“Right,” he said, unconvinced, his voice dripping with amusement. “Keep telling yourself that, doll.”

She tried to hide her smile, but he could see the sparkle in her eyes. They continued to dance, lost in the moment, while the crowd watched, entranced by the easy chemistry between them.

As the music played, Dimitri’s gaze softened, and he leaned down, his lips close to her ear. “I meant every word I said up there, you know. You’re my one and only, Crystal.”

Her breath caught, her heart pounding so loud she wondered if he could hear it. But she tried to keep her voice steady as she replied, “You’re still a flirt.”

“And you’re still my doll,” he murmured, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.

They continued to dance, with Crystal no longer caring about the onlookers or the women casting longing glances at Dimitri. For this one moment, it was just the two of them, caught in their own little world. And as they moved together on the dance floor, she felt a strange sense of pride… and maybe, just maybe, a bit of happiness she hadn’t expected.

Their playful banter filled the air, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room. She had almost forgotten anyone else was there—until a faint, familiar voice echoed from somewhere in the distance.

"Crystal."

Her heart skipped a beat. She knew that voice. Her brother. She froze, the moment slipping away as she tried to look past the spotlight. “Elijah?” she called, her voice a whisper.

Dimitri’s hand tightened around hers, pulling her attention back to him. His voice was low, barely audible over the music. “Focus on me, doll.”

“But... my brother. I heard him. He’s here,” she insisted, glancing around, searching for a sign of him in the crowd.

“So what?” Dimitri’s voice was calm, almost possessive. “You’re mine, just for this moment.” His hand slid down her back, pulling her closer until she could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm.

Before she could respond, the tempo of the music shifted to something faster, more exhilarating. Dimitri’s grin widened as he took the change as his cue, leading her into a quick-paced dance. His movements were precise, confident, and she could barely keep up as he spun her around, pulling her close, then pushing her away in a rapid flurry of motion.

Her breath came in short gasps as she tried to match his pace, the room spinning around her as he led her through a whirlwind of steps. The world seemed to blur into a haze of color and light as he twirled her, her laughter mixing with his own as they moved in sync.

She could feel the intensity in every step, every spin, every pull that brought them close, only to separate them a moment later. Her heart pounded wildly, her pulse racing, and for the first time, she felt truly free. Dimitri’s grip was sure, never faltering, guiding her through each twist and turn as if they’d been dancing like this forever.

Finally, he pulled her into one last spin, drawing her into his arms, holding her close as they came to a stop, their breaths mingling in the silence that followed. The world seemed to slow, the crowd fading into darkness as they stood there, locked in each other’s gaze, the only two people in their universe.

“See? I told you I’d take care of you,” he murmured, his voice soft, a hint of pride in his tone.

Crystal managed a breathless smile, her cheeks flushed, her heart still racing. “You really do think you’re something, don’t you?”

A playful smirk tugged at his lips. “Only when you’re around, doll.” He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her cheek. “Now tell me—was that so bad?”

“No,” she admitted, a smile breaking free. “It wasn’t that bad.”

And as they stood there, Crystal realized that for all her reluctance, for all her clumsy steps, she’d never felt more alive.