Ruined by Amy Tintera Read Free Book Online Page B

reply. She gestured at the musicians, and they stopped playing. “The traditional wedding dance.”
    â€œShe didn’t have time to learn it, Mother,” Cas said. “We can just dance to something else.”
    â€œIt’s tradition! You can lead her, Cas.”
    â€œI really don’t—”
    â€œI can do it,” Mary interrupted. Her gaze had gone hard, as if he’d insulted her. He hadn’t meant to imply she couldn’t do it; he was simply trying to spare her the embarrassment.
    â€œLet’s dance, then,” he said, holding his hand out to her again.
    She stood, her palm cool as she slipped it into his. She glancedat him, then at the room in front of them, where people had scattered off the dance floor. The musicians in back straightened in their chairs, bows poised across strings.
    â€œI didn’t know we’d be the only ones,” she said as he led her to the center of the room.
    â€œRegret this decision now?” he asked.
    She bit her lip.
    â€œYou’ll be fine.” He grasped her right hand firmly in his left and placed his other on the center of her back. “I’m going backward and you’re coming forward first,” he said quietly. “Put your hand on my shoulder.”
    Her gaze stayed steady with his as she followed his instructions. He hadn’t noticed that her dark eyes were flecked with gold, and now that he was close enough to see it, he didn’t want to look away.
    The music started, and he took a step, putting light pressure on her back. She came with him, her skirt swishing around her feet.
    â€œSide,” he said quietly. “Back, back.”
    She took to the steps quickly, letting him push and tug her around the dance floor. He straightened their arms, bringing his body against hers for a brief moment.
    â€œSpin,” he said, lifting their hands. She did a quick spin. When she placed her hand on his shoulder again, her eyes blazed with a fire that made him want to pull her closer.
    He moved faster, quietly giving her some of the steps under his breath. He realized too late she was going the wrong way,and instead of letting her crash right into him, he tightened the arm around her waist and whisked her off the ground. He spun around, placing her on the ground again, and the people around them all clapped like it had been planned.
    She gave him a grateful smile, her steps more confident as they continued dancing.
    â€œI noticed you ignored my suggestion yesterday,” he said softly. “For the Union Battle.”
    â€œI thought it might be a trap.”
    â€œA trap?”
    â€œYes. Like part of the tradition was trying to steer me to the easy choice, to see if I took it.”
    He laughed softly. “You’re not terribly trusting, are you?”
    â€œNo.”
    He moved his hand from her back as he spun her, then returned it. He wasn’t sure what to say to that.
    â€œIt wasn’t a trap, then?” she asked.
    â€œOf course not.” He stole a quick glance at his parents. “My father would be furious if he knew I helped you. It’s not allowed.”
    â€œOh.”
    â€œYou clearly didn’t need any help, though.”
    â€œNo.” Her fingers curled around his shoulder. “Thank you, though.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” He looked down at her to find her lips slowly curving up. It was the first genuine smile he’d seen from her, and by far his favorite. That smile held secrets he desperately wanted to know.
    She nodded at the musicians, and then the crowd as the song ended. They burst into applause, his mother beaming as she stood and clapped.
    Cas offered Mary his arm, and she took it. A piece of hair had fallen loose and brushed against her shoulder, and he was struck by the sudden urge to push it behind her ear.
    She cocked her head, her gaze on something in front of them. She took in a sharp breath.
    Cas turned just in time to see the