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~ Tales of Romance ~
Whispered Promises
Chapter 2
Two hours later the Gala was in full swing.
Soft music drifted from the eleven-piece orchestra as people milled about the ballroom, greeting friends rarely seen and meeting new people, all happily contributing funds to continue the battle against AIDS. Despite the somber situation that precipitated the need for the gala in the first place, spirits were high and the mood light as the Rocmanov family made their way about the huge room, greeting everyone present and thanking them for joining in the their battle against such a dreaded disease.
Aleksei stood beside his wife, his hand resting gently on her hip and listened to her softly lilting voice as she spoke of visiting the Pediatric AIDS unit of one hospital and the inspiration she had received from the smallest victims of the epidemic. The wonder she felt at the strength and determination of these babies as they fought so valiantly against the virus was transmitted clearly in her words and he felt pride surge through him as he listened to her willingly plead for help, whatever form it might be.
A burst of laughter had him turning his head toward the sound, a small frown creasing his brow as he recognized Dani, surrounded by men, all, he was sure, ogling his daughter's too-low neckline. With a soft, "Excuse me a moment, please." Aleksei left his wife's side, and made his way toward the circle of men that surrounded his daughter.
Long, determined strides had Aleksei reaching the growing number of men encircling his daughter, and all vying for her attention, in short order. Shaking his head in amazement, he watched as his daughter held court over the men, young and old alike, and like the rest of the males in the vicinity, found himself mesmerized by her laughter-filled voice as she told a humorous tale. In her storytelling, her hands refused to be still, and her animated motions caused her full breasts to strain even further against the low neckline of her bodice. Her movements also caused her father to seriously contemplate removing his jacket and sliding it over her shoulders to hide the pale flesh from the lecherous eyes of those who surrounded her. It took a supreme effort on his part, not to do just that. Instead, he was saved from embarrassing himself, but more importantly Dani, by the request that everyone return to their tables so that supper might be served.
A low groan of dismay rumbled through the group of men as the announcement was made and Aleksei reached for his daughter's hand, making small talk and promising the story would be completed another time. Walking beside, and slightly behind Dani, one hand at the small of her back, he steered her through the rapidly filling tables, sending warm greetings to people they passed as they made their way to their own table.
"Are you sure that's the same dress you showed me when you first tried it on? I don't remember it being so tight before?" Aleksei asked, frowning as he noted someone else's gaze drawn to his daughter's chest. A censorious look at the offender had his gaze turning elsewhere.
"Daddy." Dani's voice was filled with exasperation, despite the warm smile she had pasted on her face. "I'm not any happier about the fact I could fall out of this top anymore than you are."
"Believe me, Dani, I'm a lot less happy about the possibility of that happening than you are. Look at all these men. I don't think there's a single one in this room that hasn't stared at your chest tonight. For Christ's sake, most of them are married!" Aleksei growled quietly.
Dani's light laugh had heads turning in their direction, and eyes, once again, dropping to her full bosom. "You're probably right, chances are every man in this room has looked at my chest, you and Sergei included. But as far as most of the men being married, I don't know how accurate that statement is. Considering this is an AIDS benefit, I think it's safe to say that there are probably some men here who have very little interest in my breasts other than wondering how I've managed to keep them from falling out of this damn top so far!"
Aleksei's deep laugh drew more glances, and he had to admit his daughter was right. Members of every religion, political affiliation and sexual orientation were attending the gala tonight; all with the same goal in mind, stopping this disease that had cost so many lives. "Point taken!" Aleksei agreed softly, ushering his daughter the final few feet to their table and helping her into her seat.
Jordan was just arriving at the table as Aleksei pushed Dani's seat into place, and with a gentle smile for her husband, draped a silver, silk wrap around their daughter's shoulder's, effectively covering the object of the controversy.
Dani's smile for her mother was filled with humor and her, "Thanks, Mom. Now, maybe, the watchdogs will leave me alone," had her mother laughing softly and giving her a quick hug.
Aleksei's grateful sigh had Jordan smiling as he assisted her into her seat, and slid the chair into place. Taking his seat, between his wife and his daughter, he cast a quick glance at Sergei, who sat to his mother's left, and Chloe, who sat to Sergei's left. The seat beside Dani sat conspicuously empty, and he caught her wistful look before she covered it up with a dazzling smile. Casting her saucy wink, and smiling as she returned the gesture, his gaze took in his family and he said a silent, quick prayer of gratitude for all he had.
Looking at the sea of faces before him, Aleksei rose to his feet, and patiently waited until the crowd became silent. Lifting his champagne glass, he quietly made his toast: "To those we have lost, you will always be in our hearts. To those still struggling: be strong, be patient, and know you are not alone. Look forward to the day we beat this dreaded disease, because we won't give up the fight until we can claim victory!"
The sounds of agreement and fine crystal glasses clinking together filled the room.
* * * * *
Ninety minutes, and eight courses, later, the tables had been cleared and the ten-piece orchestra began playing.
* * * * *
If Hunter's mood had been even foul, it would have been a good thing. Instead, it was bordering on murderous. The drive should have taken no more than forty-five minutes, an hour tops. Instead, the light drizzle that had been forecast had, turned into a downpour and Hunter was sure every idiot on the road had never seen rain before, because they were sure driving like this was a scientific anomaly that would probably not happen for another thousand years! And to be sure they didn't miss it; they slowed down to the pace of a snail, and didn't miss a single raindrop.
So, for the last two-and-a-half-hours, he'd hit a top speed of eighteen miles an hour, a whole three times, cursed cellular phone companies when he couldn't get a signal and wished he'd used the washroom before he'd left his office.
When he finally pulled up to the entrance of the huge hotel, and the valet attendant happily greeted him, it was all he could do not to tell him to quit being so damn cheerful and chew him into little pieces. Instead, he tossed him the car keys, inquired which room the Rocmanov party was in and grunted a deep voiced 'Thanks," before he entered the hotel.
He made his way through the hotel lobby quickly, oblivious to the appreciative looks cast his way by the women he passed, some subtle, some not so subtle. Dressed in a black on black tuxedo, it wasn't until you actually stood next to Hunter that you realized how big he really was. Standing six-foot four, he was broad shouldered, long legged and made of solid muscle. Stylishly cut hair, in varying shades of tawny, fell in haphazard waves and had been tussled by his fingers in frustration. High cheekbones, and dimples on either side of a gorgeous mouth, that normally smiled, but now looked ready to eat raw meat, gave him a dangerous demeanor. His eyes, normally a warm caramel, now glowed a hot and dangerous deep brown, his gaze filled with a dare for anyone brave (or stupid) enough to challenge him. His GQ good looks had often caused him grief, labeling him pretty and soft. But anyone who saw him at this moment in his life, would have thought him anything but soft and been smart to give him a wide path! This was a man just looking for a fight!
It didn't take long to find the ballroom the gala was being held in, and Hunter presented the engraved invitation to the man at the door, grunting an acknowledgment that he have a good time. Unless something changed pretty quickly, there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell of that happening.
Stepping through the double doors, Hunter was bombarded with music and laughter and more sparkling lights than he needed at the moment. Considering his dark mood, he would have been happier walking into a dark closet. With a scowl, he walked to the banister, looked down on the sea of people below him, and watched as some milled about, and others danced on the gleaming oak dance floor. All seemed to be happier than any of them had a right to be. They obviously hadn't spent hours in bumper to bumper traffic without eating. The dark look he sent to the entire group of people should have had them trembling in their shoes in fear.
But, instead of people cowering before him, Dani's familiar laugh floated on the air, and Hunter found himself searching for the source of the sound that immediately, and magically, lightened his mood. The size of the group seemed to double in size as he surveyed the faces, looking for the one particular face he sought. Women, gowned in every imaginable color and fabric, moved about, the room. Swirls of colors and fabrics mixed and blended, as he sought her out.
From his perch, high above the crowd, he spotted Sergei and Chloe, mingling with a group of skaters, some of whom he recognized. Jordan and Aleksei were in another corner of the room, conversing with what looked to be corporate big-wigs in Hunter's opinion. Still, Dani was nowhere to be seen.
From the corner of his eye, a flash of swirling red caught his attention, and his gaze caught, and held, the curvaceous figure below him for a moment. Clinging red fabric hugged the shapely rear-end of the woman below him, a cascade of auburn curls trailed down her bare back, a hint of shimmering sparkles peeked from beneath her hair as she danced. Hunter's eyebrows lifted in appreciation of the way she moved. Like liquid fire, she danced to the rhythm of the Latin music the orchestra played.
Her partner was obviously appreciating the way she moved also. A deep, husky laugh escaped his lips as his hands slid down her bare arms and he pulled her back against his chest, her laughter, once again, floating up to Hunter.
Hunter watched the man's face below, recognized the man's reaction and knew, at least this guy, was going to get lucky tonight. It didn't take a fool to recognize lust on a man's face, and this guy might as well have been yelling, 'It's nookie night!' The smile that caused Hunter's lips to curve upward was lascivious.
And then the vision in red turned around, and he found himself looking down at Dani. At least, he was almost a hundred percent sure it was Dani. The face was definitely hers, albeit wearing more makeup and looking much older than she had the last time he'd seen her. That was nine months ago, idiot, his brain taunted him. For nine long months he'd only seen pictures of her in magazines and newspapers, and when the networks broadcast skating events, which didn't seem to be very frequently. Granted, a lot could change in nine months, and the laughter that teased him could be no one else's, and yet the voluptuous body poured into that red dress was most definitely not Dani's! His only question was what the hell was going on?
Hunter's heart stopped, his blood turning to ice in his veins. In the span of a millisecond, Hunter went from cheering the lucky guy on to wanting to kill him with his bare hands. Slowly he made his way down the long staircase, his eyes never leaving the woman in red that danced so sensuously with her partner.
Barely restrained fury emanated from Hunter as each step brought him closer to Dani, his dark energy a palpable force that had people looking at him warily and backing up a step. The trek down the stairs seemed to take forever, and yet, he finally found himself standing behind Dani, could feel the heat that flowed from her as the Latin music heated her blood and she continued her sensual dance.
Her partner, on the other hand, found himself face-to-face with Hunter. Scorched by the furious look in Hunter's eye's that promised nothing pleasant, he had only Dani's slight form between them.
"Don't stop dancing, now, Steven," Dani urged laughingly, lifting her arms over her head, her hips making slow, sexy circles that had Hunter's body responding heatedly, and his urge to kill someone growing stronger by the second.
"Dani," Steven managed to mumble cautiously, wondering if the way he felt was the same way an antelope felt when it was trapped by a hungry lion. The man in front of him certainly looked ready to tear something apart, you could almost feel him vibrating in anticipation.
"Steven," Dani teased softly, moving just slightly away from him, her breasts pushing precariously against the low neckline of her dress as her hands sifted through her auburn tresses and lifted her hair off her neck. As if offering herself to him, her skin grew flushed and dewy, the hot Latin music making her blood sing and her heart pound.
"Dani," Steven murmured, as if in pain, his gaze pinned by the angry man's before him. The thought his time on earth was near its end was looking more and more realistic as he watched the man's eyes go black with fury.
"Steven, don't be an old fart. This is the first time tonight I've really enjoyed myself and if you won't dance with me, I'll find someone who will!" Dani pouted sexily.
That was it. Hunter couldn't stand it any longer. "Will I do?" he asked in a dangerously, soft voice from behind her, his hands clenching and unclenching as he struggled for control.
Hunter's voice washed over her, leaving her suddenly breathless, wary and angry all at the same time. Taking a deep breath, she let her hair shimmy through her fingers before she squared her shoulders and slowly turned to face him.
"Danielle." Hunter's single word was filled with heat, and frustration and anger, all clearly visible in the deep cognac color of his eyes as his gaze met hers. His nostrils flared with each deep breath, her scent taunting him.
"Do I know you?" Dani asked flippantly, tilting her head slight to the side and assuming a pondering expression that made Hunter wonder if he would get more pleasure from paddling her shapely ass or kissing her until she was breathless. Judging from her mutinous expression, she was still more than a little put out with him.
"Don't be a brat, I got here as quickly as I could," Hunter stated calmly, noting the curious glances they were drawing from those around them.
"Considering our conversation a few days ago, I was under the impression you were unable to attend this evening's festivities due to your heavy caseload. I'd hate to think I'm to blame for you being irresponsible and leaving an important case flapping in the breeze." Dani stated flatly, her dark green gaze unfaltering beneath his glaring look, her chin lifting in defiance.
"I can assure you, my caseload can manage without me for an evening. Besides, I made a promise to someone several months ago that I would be here. I never break my promises," he stated in barely restrained calmness.
Dani crossed her arms. The motion pushed her breasts upward, and drew Hunter's heated attention. His look was so blatantly sexual, she had to fight the urge to cross her hands over her chest and cover herself. "Promises don't hold the weight they once did, Hunter. Promises are broken all the time. I wouldn't fret about it too much," Dani tried to counter flippantly, frowning as her voice quivered slightly.
"I've made a career out of fretting; it's what I do," Hunter replied softly, the subtle scent of her perfume again teasing his senses.
High emotions vibrated between the two, nearly palpable in the crowded room and the small group of people nearby cast curious and apprehensive glances toward the pair. When the music changed to a softly, romantic melody of hits from The King and I, the people around them were suddenly busy excusing themselves and making hasty retreats to safer ground. The pair could have been alone in the room, for all they noticed, as the people about them scattered. Their eyes saw only each other.
Hunter's gaze was devouring as it traveled from the top of Dani's head to her toes, a fire flaring in the cognac depths of his eyes as they lighted on the low neckline of her dress and the soft, pale skin that swelled enticingly above it. The dress fit her as if she'd been poured into it and he had to quell the urge to run his hands over each soft curve of her body the fabric displayed so perfectly. His eyes may as well have been his hands, for she was certain she could feel his heated touch all over her body.
"You look amazing, Danielle." His voice was a husky whisper that had her knees going weak, and his appreciative look told her he meant every word.
Dani's shoulders lifted in a minute shrug, the small motion lifting the pale fullness of her breasts and sending electric currents straight to Hunter's groin. "Yeah, it's amazing what a pretty dress will do for a girl," she murmured quietly, wishing she could stop the blood from racing through her veins and take a full breath. She also wished Hunter would stop looking at her as if she were his favorite dessert.
"Not that it isn't lovely, but the dress wasn't what I was referring to," he countered, reaching out and gently capturing a curling tendril that trailed over her shoulder and rested on the upper curve of her breast. His knuckles grazed the warm, soft skin, and caused both their breaths to catch. "You've let you hair grow." It wasn't a question, so much as a statement.
Little bursts of electricity seemed to flow from Hunter's hand, to her scalp, as he gently played with the curling, auburn tendril, and she fought the urge to close her eyes and melt against him. "Daddy made me promise to leave it alone and let it grow out."
"Your father's a smart man," Hunter offered with a nod of approval. The sudden mental image of Dani's dark hair spread across a pillow, her green eyes dark and glazed with ecstasy, had his body tightening painfully and his breath catching in his chest.
"I know." Her answer was a gentle whisper, the warmth of her breath a gentle breeze grazing his jaw. Her green eyes were luminous, held him hostage and threatened to bring him to his knees. When she tugged her lower lip between her teeth, and nervously worried it, he was lost.
His hand reached across the short distance separating them, and his thumb traced a gentle path across her lower lip, the soft, heated fullness of her lip sent shards of heat through his body. "Dance with me, Danielle?" he asked softly, his voice a husky plea. I need to feel you in my arms, he acknowledged silently to himself.
Hunter held his hand out to Dani, and despite her first urge to slap it away and leave him groveling for mercy, she slipped her hand into his and allowed him to pull her into his arms. A gentle sigh escaped her parted lips as their bodies met and she closed her eyes as a rush of emotion threatened to swamp her.
The nine months apart faded away like morning mist as Hunter's arms came around Dani's slight form, his fingers grazed the bare skin of her back and he felt her melt against his body. Her soft, flowery perfume made him light headed and he closed his eyes as emotions raced through his body. How had he ever survived the last nine months without holding, let alone seeing, this amazing creature?
Dani's eyes fluttered closed, safely wrapped within Hunter's arms, and she felt her world right itself. This was where she belonged: held and loved and obviously adored by this putz of a man who only moments before had looked more than ready to turn her over his knee, and paddle her bottom, which was an interesting thought unto itself. How funny was life?
"I've missed you," Hunter's voice was a deep rumble beneath her ear where it lay pressed against his chest.
"I've missed you, too." Dani's voice was a quivering whisper. Her left hand rubbed the silken fabric of his coat where it stretched across his chest, and his muscles flexed heatedly beneath her fingers.
Hunter's hand moved in a soft caress across her lower back and Dani felt her heart skip a beat as her senses soared. The romantic music swirled around them, weaving a spell around the two that held them safely within its silken web. I have dreamed that your arms are lovely. I have dreamed what a joy you'll be. I have dreamed every word you whisper, when you're close, close to me. How you look in the glow of evening, I have dreamed and enjoyed the view. In these dreams I've loved you so, that by now I think I know, what it's like to be loved by you. I will love being loved by you. Hunter's deep voice softly sang along with the orchestra.
Dani looked up at him in surprise, her green gaze sparkling with delight, her heart pounding in her chest as she listened to his deep voice softly singing one of her favorite show tunes. "You never told me you could sing," she said breathlessly.
A slight flush spread across his cheeks, as he realized the words he'd heard in his head had slipped out of his mouth. "It's not something I broadcast," he answered with an embarrassed look, glancing about him to see if he'd been heard by anyone else. "Besides, I don't sing, I manage to carry a tune," he offered.
Dani shaking her head gently back and forth sent her curls dancing. "No, I manage to carry a tune, almost. You, on the other hand, have a beautiful voice. Now that I know you're secret, I may demand you sing to me everyday."
"Demanding don't make it so," Hunter countered with a mischievous smile.
"You wouldn't you sing to me if I asked you to nicely?"
Hunter's wide shoulders lifted in an elegant shrug.
"I suppose I could always blackmail you into doing it," Dani offered mischievously.
Hunter's eyebrows lifted in question. "What could possibly use to blackmail me?"
Dani's eyes flashed wickedly, then softened and went widely innocent. " You know what they say about guys who sing show tunes?" Dani asked. "I'd hate to have your reputation sullied should such information slip out. Wouldn't everyone be surprised to find out you're in touch with your feminine side?" Dani laughed softly.
Hunter hand, splayed across her lower back, pulled her firmly against his hips; his heated, turgid length pulsed against her center. Not that it ever had, but if the thought had crossed her mind as to question his masculinity, this blew any possibility of him being anything but heterosexual out of the water! He was steel and fire and barely controlled power. And it was all for her! "Danielle, the only feminine side I'm interested in is yours. And, were it not for the fact that we're standing in the middle of a thousand people&ldots;" He left the statement unfinished, but his intent was crystal clear.
Dani's left eyebrow lifted sardonically, and a sultry smile curved her full lips. "Promises, promises," she sighed theatrically, a devilish fire flaring in her green eyes.
Hunter recognized the look, and was torn between simply throwing her over his shoulder, hauling her out of the ballroom and embarrassing them both immediately or waiting to see how far Dani would push the limits of his patience. Ever a glutton for punishment, he chose the latter and almost relished the confrontation yet to come. Sparring with Dani was always a challenge, and he never backed down from a challenge.
"I can assure you, when the time comes for us to be together, it won't matter if we're alone or in the middle of a goddamn football stadium," Hunter growled.
"I don't know," Dani's shoulder's lifted in a small shrug. "Sounds like a lot of lip service to me, Hunter. Fess up, the very fact we are in the middle of a thousand people makes you breathe easier because you're fairly certain I won't throw a scene, and we both know, how much you hate public scenes."
"I've got news for you, Danielle. In my present mood, you could scream the bloody roof down and I wouldn't give a good goddamn!"
Dani's eyes widened in surprise at his subdued, yet powerful, outburst. She could feel his frustration radiating through him in waves, watched his eyes go a deep, dark brown as he struggled to maintain his control. "Careful, Hunter, you're blowing your cool, civilized facade. Keep this up and everyone will find out you're human with the same weaknesses the rest of us have. Can't have that now, can we?" Dani taunted, her eyes glowing wickedly as she watched his flare brighter and felt his muscles tense as he pulled her closer.
Hunter lowered his head, his breath a hot, moist whisper against her neck as he spoke into her ear, "Don't push me, Danielle. Cool and civilized is the last thing I am at the moment."
Dani turned her head, and looked into Hunter's eyes, deep green and dark brown met, and held, silently communicated a need neither could find the words for. Hearts pounded heavily in their chests, anticipation flared to a near painful level and breaths became shallow, a mere necessity, as the world soared unnoticed around them. Time stopped and the air around the two grew charged, and powerful. Like the lull before the storm, it was only a matter of time until the first flash of lightening struck.
Dani leaned toward Hunter, her gaze captured by his, her lips seeking the warm, fullness of his own. It felt as if her heart stopped beating in her chest as she felt her lips whisper against his own, closed her eyes as she felt herself melt against the steel muscles of his chest and&ldots;
"Hunter, glad to see you made it!" Aleksei's deep voice, and the boisterous slap on Hunter's shoulder had the pair springing apart in surprise. Hunter gripped Aleksei's hand in welcome. "How was the drive down?"
"Don't ask, sir. To use Danielle's term, 'it sucked'!" Hunter replied, it what he hoped was a calm voice. Although, inside, he was anything but calm. He felt ready to explode.
Aleksei cast a look at Dani, noted her flushed cheeks and darting glances at everyone but he and Hunter and inwardly frowned. So much for hoping the attraction Dani had felt for Hunter was only a schoolgirl crush that would pass with time. The look on these two's faces said it had done anything but pass. The two looked like powder kegs with lit fuses, simply looking for a place to explode. And yet, as he looked at his daughter, looking like the young woman she was, more to his dilemma, Aleksei couldn't fault Hunter for being attracted to the effervescent sprite before him. Besides being beautiful, she was compassionate and caring, always lead with her heart and worried about the practical side of things later on. She loved to laugh, particularly at herself, and put everyone else before herself. She was so much like her mother it made Aleksei's heart skip a beat as he realized his little girl had grown into a smaller replica of her mother and he silently wished Hunter luck, as he watched him struggle to control the feelings Dani roused in him. He still didn't like the age difference between them; but then, sometimes age was just a number and really didn't enter into the equation. Still, Aleksei noted, maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to keep a close eye on the two for the time being.
"Dani, I was hoping you might be open to sharing one small dance with your old dad before you're swept away into the night by all these swains," Aleksei teased her, holding his had gallantly out to her, and smiling as she slipped her hand in his and slid into his arms.
Hunter watched Aleksei lead his daughter across the dance floor and marveled at the grace the two displayed, yet at the same time, felt a surprising twinge of jealousy that it was Aleksei's arms that held Danielle and not his own.
"Is the scowl you're directing toward my husband over anything in particular?" Jordan asked softly from beside Hunter, her gaze taking in every expression that passed over his face. Hunter's jerk of surprise had Jordan's lips curving into a knowing smile.
Hunter looked down into Jordan's beautiful face, again marveled at how much of Danielle's beauty was her mother's and felt himself melt at the beauty of the Rocmanov women. Shaking his head in defeat, he finally, quietly, admitted to, not only, himself, but, Jordan, "Mrs. Rocmanov, I surrender."
Jordan simply nodded, her gaze steady and filled with understanding. "It's been a long nine months," she stated quietly, her gaze moving from Hunter's to the dance floor where she silently watched her husband and her daughter dance together. Joy filled her soul as she watched the pair float across the gleaming wood. "But if you hurt my daughter, this past nine months will seem like paradise compared to what I'll do to you," she warned softly.
Hunter silently nodded in understanding, and wasn't surprised to hear the clear threat in Jordan's soft voice. The Rocmanov's were a tight knit family, bound by love and loyalty and Hunter had seen first hand, just how strong they were when they stood together. When they had welcomed him before, it had been for business purposes, and yet even then he'd felt a closeness that he'd never experienced in his life before. It had humbled him then, now it was almost overwhelming as he realized he was being welcomed as a member of the family. Hunter's breath caught in his chest and his heart hammered so hard he was sure Jordan could hear it. "Mrs. Rocmanov, as hard as I've tried to keep it from happening, and as much as I've tried to convince myself otherwise, I hate to admit it, but I'm in love with your daughter. Hurting her is the last thing I intend to do," he stated deeply, sincerely.
Jordan's dazzling smile had him blinking in surprise. " Get used to it, Hunter. You're going to find we Rocmanov's are an emotional group and nothing is going to be easy, or peaceful. When we do something, we do it all the way and at top speed. If you think you're up for it, hang on. If not, leave now. We don't do anything half-way, we don't do things for appearances sake only and we don't hide our feelings. Ever!"
Jordan's chin lifted at her final word, her eyes drifting to Dani and then returning to his own, her look daring him to follow her words.
Hunter took a deep breath, glanced to where Dani and Aleksei continued to dance, and with a final look at Jordan, made his way to the center of the dance floor.
Dani had watched Hunter's steady, unhurried approach, had seen the fiery gleam in his gaze and felt anticipation race through her blood as he stepped up to her father, tapped him on the shoulder and asked to break in on their dance.
Aleksei relinquished his daughter into Hunter's arms and found himself shocked into silence as he watched the younger man enfold Dani in his arms, devour her in a searing kiss and then loudly announce, "Danielle Janae Rocmanov, I love you!"
Amid the applause, Jordan made her way through the crowd to her husband's side and slipped her arms around his sturdy frame. Lifting onto her toes, she kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear, "You owe me five dollars."
"You put him up to this," Aleksei countered in a low growl.
"No one puts Hunter up to anything. I simply told him it was time he faced his feelings and admitted to Dani how he felt. He took it from there," Jordan answered, a bright light glowing in their green depths.
Aleksei recognized the look. "And&ldots;" he encouraged.
"And if he hurt her, I'd happily remove his&ldots;"
"Jordan!" Aleksei interrupted in feigned shock.
"What?" Jordan's look was one of supreme wide-eyed innocence.
Aleksei kissed the tip of her nose. "I like the way you think!"
Jordan patiently awaited Hunter's response to her question, and politely cleared her throat to regain his attention when his silence stretched on for several seconds. Hunter's slight startle and the look of surprise that entered his brown eyes had Jordan smiling in mild amusement. "Welcome back."
Hunter shook his head to scatter the image that still swirled through his mind. "Sorry, it's been a long day," he stated quietly, with a small embarrassed chuckle.
"It's been a long nine months," Jordan qualified, concern filling her green eyes as she took in the myriad of emotions that flew across his face as he continued to watch Dani and Aleksei dance. "You're looking a little - I don't know - baffled. Can I do anything to help you?"
Hunter shook his head slightly. The vision of him telling Dani he loved her still echoed in his mind and he found himself pondering her reaction if he marched across the floor and made the image a reality. As quickly as he considered doing just that, common sense called him a fool and he immediately changed his mind. "Like I said, it's been a long day," he answered flatly.
Jordan nodded in silent acknowledgment and watched Hunter patiently.
Hunter watched Aleksei swirl Dani across the crowded dance floor. A frown appeared between his brown eyes as he saw both she and Aleksei laugh at something someone beside them said. Hunter barely managed to squash the urge to physically remove her from the dance floor when the dance with her father ended and she was immediately swept into another set of arms for the next song. His vision blurred with building rage as he watched Dani in another man's arms, a smile on her face, her light laughter floating on the gentle fan-inspired breeze.
"Hunter?" Jordan's soft voice called his name and her green eyes filled with concern.
A falsely-calm smile curved his lips as he looked down into her concern-filled face. "Jordan, excuse me please," he murmured flatly, casting a final heated glance toward the dance floor and the man who partnered Dani.
"Hunter, she's only dancing," Jordan stated quietly.
"And I'm only going to get something to drink," he stated coldly.
"I would suggest you get something to eat before you get something to drink," Jordan said calmly, removing the key-card to their suite from her small purse and holding it out to him. "The room service here is excellent. I would suggest you take advantage of it!"
Hunter looked at Jordan, watched as her chin lifted in challenge and she firmly pressed the key-card into his hand. "Thank you."
Jordan nodded in silent acknowledgment and watched as Hunter made his way through the crowd and up the wide staircase. Aleksei's hands slid around his wife's slim waist and he pulled her against his wide chest, breathing deeply of the gardenia scented cologne she always wore, as he placed a heated kiss against her neck.
Jordan's low purr of satisfaction had him smiling. "Where's Hunter?" Aleksei asked quietly, glancing about the room.
"He's on his way up to the suite."
Aleksei's eyebrows lifted in question.
"He's had a miserable day, he missed dinner and is doing his best to ignore his feelings for our daughter; unsuccessfully, I might add." Jordan stated calmly.
"Do I want to hear this?" Aleksei's deep voice growled into her ear, the warmth of his breath sending shivers down her back.
"Probably not, but since it's a fact of life we have to deal with, you get to participate," Jordan countered, watching as Dani changed partners yet again.
"I had kind of hoped that after being apart for nine months, whatever it was that had initially drawn them to each other would have disappeared," Aleksei offered hopefully.
"No such luck, Rocmanov. If you could have seen the look Hunter was directing toward you as you danced with Dani, you'd realize just how strong his feelings still are for her. You're lucky you didn't turn to ash right there on the dance floor."
"You're kidding?" Aleksei asked in surprise.
Jordan's head shook back and forth.
"I'm her father. Why should he be jealous of me?"
"He's not thinking of that. He's looking at you as simply another male vying for her attention; someone else keeping her away from him."
Aleksei's snort of disbelief had Jordan sighing in exasperation. "Why does everything have to be explained to men step by step? You can put something right in front of your noses and you'll never see it. I'll tell you, it makes me glad I'm a woman!"
Aleksei pulled Jordan closer against his chest, his nose nuzzling the shades of copper colored curls that danced about her shoulders. "I can't tell you how glad I am you're a woman too!" he stated sexily.
Jordan's low, sexy laugh had people turning toward the pair and smiling as they watched the two share a quiet moment between themselves. "Somewhere along the line, you decided it was your job to make me crazy at every opportunity, didn't you?" Jordan asked with another laugh.
Aleksei's dark eyes grew even darker as his gaze caressed his wife's beautiful face. "I thought it only fair I get to occasionally get to you, considering you can drive me crazy with a simple look, let alone a touch," he whispered huskily, before bending down and whispering what he wanted to do to her the moment he got her alone.
Jordan flushed a soft pink at her husband's whispered promises and struggled to pull her gaze from his, trying to stop the images that swirled dizzily through her mind. Even after all their years together, he still had the power to turn her into a quivering mass at a mere suggestion. A small smile curved her lips as she thought of the night ahead and she looked around the ballroom at the people still enjoying the gala.
From the corner of her eye, she watched as Chloe and Sergei entered through one of the French doors that lead from the gardens, and stepped onto the dance floor, joining the remaining couples still swaying to the soft music. Both looked flushed and satisfied and a bit giddy. She wasn't even going to mention Chloe's change of hairstyle! He's so much like his father, it's frightening, Jordan thought and smiled. Thank God the wedding's only six months away she added to herself, knowing how easy it was to become overwhelmed by passion. She wasn't naive enough to believe there was nothing sexually happening between her son and Chloe, she only knew she'd feel better once they were married. Call her old-fashioned; that's just how she felt.
Still, remembering how she and Aleksei had been consumed with each other, before the accident that put everything on hold, she couldn't deny them the right to be together. Sometimes love and passion were simply too powerful an emotion to control and looking at where she and Aleksei were now, she could only wish Sergei and Chloe the same happiness.
Now, if she could only get Dani and Hunter on the right track!*
Copyright © 2001-2002 C.E. Moynihan
*All Rights Reserved