“You’re new here. And you stand out. If we want to get into his inner circle, we want him to notice you, but not claim you.” He slipped one arm around her back, touching her cheek with his other hand. “I need them to know you’re here with me.”

With Kester standing so close, it was hard not to breathe in his delicious loamy aroma, and she wanted to wrap her arms around him. The music trembled over her skin in rushes of pleasure. Part of her mind screamed that Kester had an arrogance problem, that she hated guys like him, that she needed to stay focused on… something. Only she couldn’t remember what. Her gaze landed on a beautiful blond fae dressed in white lace lingerie, dancing for one of the fae males. It would be so great if I could just let go…

The slow, sensual beat reverberated through the hall, hypnotizing her, and her gaze flicked to Kester’s stunning mouth. She glanced up at him, licking her lips. God, he was gorgeous, and the carnal glint in his eye was driving her crazy. Her pulse raced.

The music rippled over her body, sending thrills through her as the beat slowed down. With the rhythm pulsing, Ursula let her hips sway against him. She slipped her arms over his shoulders, pressing her body against his solid muscle. Delicious warmth radiated through his clothes.

Slowly, he leaned down, tracing his soft lips over her throat, his thumb lazily stroking her back.

“What are you doing?” she whispered, her pulse racing faster.

“Showing them you’re taken,” he murmured into her neck. He slid his fingers into her hair and gripped it tight, pulling back her head, then grazed his fangs along her throat. A hot thrill rushed through her belly, all rational thought leaving her mind. Was there some reason they’d come here?

High above them, magical orbs flashed like strobe lights and the bass reverberated through her very core.

“The king’s watching,” Kester whispered, his breath warming the shell of her ear. “I’ll just make sure he understands he can’t claim you.”

Ursula ran her hand down his strong back, and his eyes took on a glazed look. He leaned closer, pressing his warm mouth against hers. The touch of his soft lips sent fire racing through her veins, and she arched into him, her lips parting. His tongue brushed hers, and she wanted to rip off his clothes and run her hands all over his golden skin. This was why they’d come here, right? Heat coursed through her; she wanted him to pull her into a corner and—