The Tale Of Hearts

Chapter 120

Hazel's pov

When we finally made our way to the centre of the room, hand in hand, everyone raising their glasses. Every laugh, every cheer, every glass raised to us blurred together,but him? Oh god, He was the only thing I could feel. His hand never left my waist, anchored there like it belonged, his thumb stroking those lazy, sinful circles that made my breath catch no matter how hard I tried to hide it. Each time someone leaned in to hug me or kiss my cheek, I swore his grip tightened just a little, pulling me right back to his side, a silent claim, a warning no one else seemed to notice.

And then, when I thought I'd catch a break, he leaned down so close his lips grazed the shell of my ear his voice low enough to curl heat straight into my stomach.                                             "Careful, Mrs. Richardson"  he murmured, his tone dripping with confidence. "keep squirming like that and everyone's going to see how easy it is for me to make you blush." My knees wobbled, my fingers clutching his sleeve for balance as I forced a smile at another toast, praying no one could see how my skin tingled from his words but he didn't stop. He never stopped. Each time the crowd laughed or clinked their glasses, he whispered something new, wicked little promises, shameless teases that only I could hear. By the time dessert was served, I was certain the heat in my face could rival the candles burning on every table. And he knew. Oh, he knew. Every stolen glance of his, told me he wasn't letting me breathe easy tonight...

By the time the band struck up a softer tune, Uncle's voice cut through the laughter, calling for our first dance. My stomach dropped. My palms went clammy. Dancing in front of everyone?? every pair of eyes locked on us felt like too much for my shy nerves to survive. I shook my head quickly, laughing awkwardly, trying to wave it off but the crowd wasn't having it. Cheers rose, voices chanting until there was no escape. My heart stumbled in my chest, breath catching, and before I could even think of another excuse, his hand slid down to catch mine, fingers threading through with a surety that stole my breath. In the next heartbeat, he was already leading me toward the centre of the floor.

The music swelled, soft and melodic, but my heart drowned it out, thundering, reckless as his hand found my waist, refusing to let go. Every subtle press of his body against mine sent ripples of heat through me, each step a reminder that there was no space between us. I tried to steady myself, but the second he leaned down, his lips brushing over the shell of my ear, my knees nearly gave out. "If you keep blushing like that, half the room's going to know exactly what I'm thinking about doing to you later." He murmured, velvet and sinful. I bit my lip hard, fighting the smile tugging at me, but his words curled low in my stomach, making me tremble just enough for him to notice. Of course, he noticed. He always did.

"God, you're blushing," he teased, spinning me out only to reel me back into his chest. His hand slid up my bare spine, cupping my cheek as his eyes burned into mine playful. 
"If you keep looking at me like that," he whispered low, "I'm going to forget we have an audience."

"Hyden..." I breathed, my voice soft, pleading, betraying just how undone I already was. His lips curved into that dangerous half smile that always left me weak. "Say my name like that again," he drawled, brushing his thumb across my lower lip, "and I swear, Love, I'll carry you out of here right now, reception be damned."I gasped, eyes darting nervously to the crowd family, friends, everyone smiling, clapping, watching us like we were the center of the universe. But in his arms, I couldn't feel anyone else's gaze. It was just him. His heat, his touch, his eyes stripping me bare in front of everyone.

He chuckled softly, the sound low and dangerous as his hands gripped my waist, spinning me with effortless strength. Before I could catch my breath, he tugged me flush against his chest, hard enough that I felt the steady pound of his heart against mine. His lips brushed over my temple, the faintest graze that still sent fire racing down my spine.