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"May I?"

I nodded.

She raised her hand and traced one of the dark lines with her fingertip. Her touch was gentle, but I could feel every movement against my skin.

"I've been wondering about these all evening. They're beautiful."

"Thank you."

"They look almost as though they're part of your skin."

"They are."

She smiled, clearly taking that as a comment about the quality of the design.

"Well, whoever did them is very talented."

No mortal artist had put those markings on my skin.

I preferred having her hand there.

She followed a dark curve toward my shoulder, then let her fingers settle against the side of my neck.

The band began another song in the ballroom, something brisk and bright, but neither of us moved toward the doorway.

Everly studied my face.

"You know, I can't decide whether you're the most confident man I've ever met or the most outrageous flirt."

"Those aren't mutually exclusive."

"No, I suppose they're not."

Her smile lingered. She came a little closer, until the embroidered bodice of her dress nearly touched my chest.

I rested my hand against her waist and waited.

She glanced at my mouth again.

"Are you going to kiss me?"

"I'd like to."

"Then I wish you would."

I leaned down and kissed her.

Her lips were warm and soft, and she responded without hesitation, sliding her free hand around the back of my neck. I drew her against me, tasting the faint citrus I'd expected and something sweeter beneath it.

She opened to me with an eagerness that made restraint considerably less appealing.

I kissed her again, deeper this time, and she rose onto her toes to meet me. The gold embroidery along her dress caught against my chest, and I shifted my wings to give us more room beside the window.

She made a pleased little sound when my hand settled against the curve of her back.

I wanted that sound again.

When we separated, she remained close, her fingers caught in my hair.