Chapter 002 - Can I Have This Dance?

Ember asked the waiter for another refill. ‘Last glass,’ she promised herself as she savored the sweetness of wine in her tongue.

She briefly checks the time on her wristwatch. It was late and she should go back to her hotel suit to pack her things because she's flying to another city tonight.

Upon finishing her glass, she rose on her bar stool. As she glanced up, she saw trouble headed on her way. It spelt ICEN in bold, capital letters.

Ember realized she needed to get away before he got to her. But her silly legs won't move. Her feet seemed to be nailed to the floor.

She finished her quick prayers just in time he pulled into a stop. He towered over her. Ember looked like a dwarf next to him, even with her heels on.

She tried to flee, but his massive frame stood in her path like a wall. Biting her lips she slowly lifted her gaze.

Breath hitched in her throat at the pair of exquisite eyes, the bluest color she'd ever seen.

Icen Clayton Blackstone captivated her from a distance. But having him this close had liven up all her senses.

Those eyes, looking like a deep ocean glowing against the light of the chandelier, looked utterly familiar.

A funny little quiver danced down her spine.

“May I have this dance?” He asks, his tone soft but firm. Instantly, she knew he wasn't the type to take no for an answer.

Ember wished he would take off his mask so she could see his face.

Her cousin Chloe, the one she caught making out with her lover, had an enormous poster of Icen with his signature on her bed. She hadn't actually seen the poster, but her cousin had been boasting about it.

Regret filled her now that she did not even spare a glance, and she has now to suffer indispensable curiosity about how he actually looked.

A soft sigh escaped her lips and she look back at his hand was still there, waiting for her touch.

His fingers were long and big. For some kinky reason, she found them irresistibly sexy. A sudden rush of thrill and excitement swept through her. His powerful hands looked as though he could lift her body in the air with little effort and hurl her to her feet. At the same time, Ember knows—perhaps it was instinct–that he won't do anything to hurt her.

“It's just a dance. I'm not asking you to make love with me.”

The remark turned her cheeks crimson red.

Yeah, just a dance. There's nothing wrong with it. Ember repeated to herself and threw all her inhibitions aside.

With another soft sigh, she took his hand.

Strange sparks flew the moment their hands met. Startled by her bodily response to his touch, she almost pulled away. But his hand refused to let go.

Did he feel the spark? She quietly asked herself. Ember had no way of finding out unless he unveiled his face which obviously he had no intention to do.

As he pulled her to the center of the room, all eyes followed.

Every couple on the dance floor left to join the audience.

With only them in the center, Ember felt the weight of stares, most of which were glares poking holes on her back. The party hasn't even formally begun, yet she made more enemies than friends she will ever have in her lifetime.

Had been her cousin Chloe watching, she'd be one of those women casting her a murderous glance. She would love to see that look in her eyes and watch her slowly die with envy.

Icen Clayton pulled her hands to his neck. Her heart thudded in her chest when his large fingers framed her waist.

He was so warm it felt damn good. She resisted the urge to close her eyes and lean her head on his shoulders.

Blue lagoon eyes capture her gaze. Ember wanted to look away, but she couldn't. He got her wrapped under his spell.

The orchestra begins to play a song, the sound drowning the surrounding hush murmurs. Everyone in the room disappears. She felt like they were the last people left on earth as he held her in his arms as though they were lovers.

Ember couldn't understand her feelings.

Her brain says run but her heart says 'it felt so good' to be wrapped in his arms

She shouldn't be attracted towards a man she just met. But he was a man impossible to resist. Any woman near him would feel the same way.

She didn't think he was attracted to her though. A man like Icen Clayton isn't capable of emotions, much more attraction to a random woman he picked up. His dancing with her was mere fascination on his part.

He might be bored and found himself a toy to ease his ennui.

But who cares if he doesn't like her back? She doesn't like him either even if she feels drawn to him. Ember thought to herself. What's important now is he was helping her forget about Thunder, her cheating lover.

Her lips opened. A contented sigh emerged from them and she closed her eyes.

She'd better enjoy the moment while it lasts. This perhaps might be her first and last encounter with him.

“Have we met before?” He asked.

Her eyes fluttered open in surprise and she abruptly raised her face. Their lips almost touched.

Ember swallowed hard.

Ice Clayton Blackstone, a man extremely notorious as he was not someone to be forgotten. It would not have slipped from her excellent memory if the two of them were formally introduced before.

But then, have they ever met before without proper introduction, she has no way of finding out. He wore a mask, so how would she recognize him?

It's safe for her to just say 'no'.

“No, we haven't.” She replied.

“Why do I feel as if I knew you?” He asked and Ember was surprised because she also felt that way.