Sold to Them

Chapter 30

Kaylee's POV

The world around me seemed obsolete and I found myself utterly consumed in a sea of gray.

The dance had ended, and I found myself standing in the room, locked in a gaze with Hunter. A deep desire for him swirled within me, a feeling so intense it was almost overwhelming. It was unlike anything I'd ever felt before. Oblivious to anyone else in the room, a vivid image flashed into my head. I pictured myself giving in; leaning into him and capturing his lips with my own. My eyes dropped down to his lips. I couldn't help but marvel at their perfection, imagining how they might feel against mine – soft, plump, and undeniably inviting.

I continued to examine his lips carefully. Every detail of his lips was being etched into my mind, from the gentle curve of his upper lip to the fullness of his lower one. They held a magnetic pull, tantalizing and seductive, and I was completely captivated.

The world was dissolving into insignificance, and I entertained the daring notion of bridging the gap between us with a kiss. My heart raced, and I felt the heat of desire rising within me, making my pulse quicken. The temptation was intoxicating, and for a brief, timeless moment, I held my breath and debated leaning in.

"Bravo!" Grayson called out, abruptly ending the spell I had been in. My eyes snapped away from Hunter's lips to see Grayson clapping slowly. Heat filled my cheeks as reality came back to me and I realized that this entire moment hadn't been as private as it was in my head. His applause filled the room with a taunting slowness, mimicking Hunter's entrance into the room. His voice cut through the charged atmosphere.

I couldn't help but resent his timing. Why am I thinking like that? Shaking my head slightly to clear my thoughts, I shifted my attention to Signore Fabrizio. His clapping was more earnest, filled with genuine delight, as if he'd thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected dance-off.

"You both did well," he praised, his Italian accent adding charm to his words. He paused and glanced between Hunter and me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Such a beautiful dance, and the addition of those extra moves brought an exquisite touch."

Hunter, never one to pass up an opportunity to be cocky, chimed in with a smirk. "Well, Signore Fabrizio, I thought maybe everyone needed a taste of something new. It's easy to get comfortable with the same old thing every day."

He looked at me when he said it, and I narrowed my eyes at him, stepping away from him further. I couldn't help but feel a hint of irritation at his insinuation.

Signore Fabrizio's gaze drifted between Hunter and me and my irritation only increased at the situation I had gotten myself into. A slow smile spread across his lips as he looked between us, "Indeed, trying new things can bring a different kind of beauty to light. That's the beauty of dancing, you see—there's no one right way to do it."

Grayson tone was cold as he added his perspective. "Sometimes sticking to tradition and following the established moves can be just as beautiful. There's a reason why the dance was created that way."

Hunter, nonchalant as ever, shot back, "Well, Grayson, maybe trying things outside the box just isn't for the unimaginative."

Grayson narrowed his eyes at Hunter, "Maybe you just aren't —"

"Thank you, Signore Fabrizio, for another great class," I cut off whatever Grayson was planning to say, offering a polite smile and a nod. "I should be heading out now."

Signore Fabrizio shot me a warm smile, ignoring the awkward energy filling the room. "You're welcome, Kaylee. Have a wonderful evening."

As I turned to leave the room, I noticed Grayson following close behind me, his mood clearly sour. I couldn't help but wonder what had him so worked up. If anything it should be me irritated with him. Without thinking, I stoped walking, turning to face him, "Grayson, what's gotten into you tonight?"