Eldrin smirked as he pulled her to the dance floor, one hand on her waist and the other clasping her easily. He didn't want to be here as much as she did, though it wasn't like him to pass up some time with her. He didn't need a woman,he never stayed with one long enough. Exclusive nightlife and work keep him more than occupied. Behind his smile was someone who couldn't sit, couldn't commit.
Ironic. The only thing he swore off is now in his arms. His wife.
Scarlett moved stiffly, glaring at him, probably wishing the ballroom floor would swallow him whole. She shifted her weight and then suddenly, caught her heel on the edge of her gown. She caught off balance "shit" she stumbled.
Eldrin caught her smoothly, his strong hands firm on her waist. "Careful ", he murmured, his voice low, leaning in her ears. "Don't go falling for me just yet", Scarlett shot him a sharp glance " Fall for you? Please. I tripped over air trying to get away from you"
He chuckled, clearly amused that a woman eho nearly face planted could still throw daggers. " So, I am that irresistible? "
"No, you are that insufferable, You are charming on purpose and thats practically a felony. He raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained "Aren't you snarky for someone held hostage by her wedding dress"
Scarlett let him spin her then landed a pointed sweet but deadly smile" You would know all about hostages. Isnt that how you keep around women longer than sunrise"
He leaned closer, the scent of his expensive cologne and warmth radiating from him
"Jealous so soon? Darling wife" her smile didnt flatter. "Of what exactly? Your inablity to remember names past mid night?"
"Easy there sweetheart, this much hostility is basically foreplay in my world" he teased her slipping his hand down a bit lower down her waist.
" For someone as dellusional as you, I am not surprised. Manners darling, are you aiming to end in the 12 tier cake?" Scarlett shot back.
He laughed, genuinely " Careful, Mrs. Achillies you keep this up I might start thinking you like me" he twirled her once more, dipping her just enough to quicken her pulse. When he pulled her upright settling into each other effortlessly, their feet gliding in perfect rhythm as the last notes of the song
The music fades. He didn't let go.
Scarlett looked up at him, still close enough to smell the ridiculous price tag of his cologne.
"Don't look so smug. That was tolerable at best."
Eldrin's lips curled into a lazy grin.
"Tolerable? Darling, you practically melted."
She snorted, clearly unimpressed.
"Please. If I melted, it was overheating from your ego."
He leaned in just slightly, his voice low and maddeningly amused.
"Say what you want, Snarky. Your pulse was doing a little victory lap after that dip."
Her smile was sweet and venomous.
"Oh, I definitely felt something. Nausea, mostly."
He laughed under his breath. Admit it you are at least having some fun"
Scarlett opened her mouth with more insults
"Scarlett."
The voice cut through the air, firm and practised. Her father.
They both turned.
Herald Blackthorn stood just off the dance floor, sharp in his evening suit, expression unreadable but utterly unamused. His presence alone seemed to hush the space around them.
"I believe it's customary," he said, extending a hand, "for a father to share a dance with his daughter at her wedding."
Scarlett's jaw tightened, but she stepped back from Eldrin.
"Of course, Father."
Eldrin didn't let go right away. She had to tug gently on her hand.
Gerald's eyes flicked to his son-in-law.
"Mr. Achilles."
Eldrin offered a polite, empty smile. "Still pretending that's not an insult, I see."
Gerald ignored him, taking Scarlett's hand and leading her onto the floor. He moved with precision, the kind of man who never misstepped, not in business, not in reputation.
They began to dance. The music was slower now, elegant and stiff. The silence between them held until he finally spoke, voice quiet but clipped.
"That display was unnecessary."
Scarlett didn't look up. "What display?"
"You know exactly what I mean. That little flirtation. You're a Blackthorn. There's decorum to uphold."
"Interesting," she said coolly. "You were never this concerned about my choices before I became someone's wife."
His jaw ticked. "We didn't raise you to play games in public."
"I'm not playing," she said, her voice soft but steely. "I just stopped pretending."
Gerald's grip on her waist tightened slightly.
"You're making things harder than they need to be."
Scarlett finally looked up at him, eyes sharp.
"Funny. I was about to say the same to you."
He said nothing. Just kept dancing.
Across the floor, Eldrin watched, something unreadable in his gaze. Maybe curiosity. Maybe something colder.
As the song concluded, Scarlett made her way towards him, the soft swish of her wedding gown trailing gracefully behind her. He met her green eyes with a sly smile.
"I see you can't keep your eyes off me," she said once she was within earshot.
"Of course, how could I not keep my eyes on my beautiful wife on our wedding day?" he smirked, grinning in a way that Scarlett wanted to tear away.
"Ready to be swept away in my arms for the honeymoon, darling wife?" She couldn't help roll her eyes hearing the mockery in him.