Some Enchanted Waltz by Lily Silver Page A

honored to become your mortal lover.”
    “Yes, well . . .” Tara blushed and placed her hand over her heart, deep moved by his innate respectfulness towards her. Men in her world didn’t behave like this. Quite the contrary. This was refreshing. It reminded her of stories of knights of old worshipping a noble lady from afar, knowing deep in their hearts she was above their station. “We will not rush into it. I’m not ready for such a commitment, but know that I desire it greatly.”
    Oh boy, where was this coming from. She felt as if she were an actor in a play, quoting lines from Shakespeare or something.
    Adrian nodded, his eyes aglow with pleasure.
    As Tara watched him, she didn’t regret her words or her decision. Yes, if she was to be his wife, she wanted the whole package, the whole delicious package that was Lord Adrian Dillon. Just looking at him as he gazed at her with such longing made her feel hot and giddy with excitement. “Tell me more . . . about the Fairy Queens and their quest for mortal lovers.” She said, surprised by her breathless whisper.
     Adrian stepped to the fireplace, giving her his back for a second before turning around with his palms together, appearing as bard about to deliver a line. “The legend  goes like this. ‘ At certain seasons of the year, Fairy Queens make Great Efforts to carry off the fine stalwart young men of the country to the fairy palace in the cleft of the hills. Or they attempt to lure them to their dancing grounds, where the men are lulled into dreams by the sweet, subtle fairy music and forget home, kith and kindred, and never desire to return again to their own people. Even if the spell is broken and they are brought back by some strong incantation, they are never the same; for everyone knows by the dream look in their eyes that they have danced with the fairies on the hill, and been loved by one of the beautiful race, who, when they take a fancy to a handsome mortal lover, cast their spells over him with restless power.’”
    Tara sat, with her hands steepled together, silent with reverence as she savored the imagery of the sweet legend. “That is beautiful.” She said at last, deeply moved by the lyrical speech.
    “Aye.” Adrian agreed. “So you see, that is why I am ever mindful of your station. If we become lovers, I know I will be forever changed, yet I am willing to embrace that change as I know it is an honor to be selected by one of your kind.”
    Swoon alert . Tara took a deep, gulping, steadying breath. This dude had a magic all his own. His incredible looks, combined with his lilting, lyrical speech had a potency as it moved over her senses with restless power. She gazed at him, gazed deeply into those mystical gray eyes, and sighed.
    “May I kiss you goodnight, my fairy bride? Or would that be too bold from one such as I?”
    Tara groaned. Right now, she wanted a lot more than a kiss. She was resolved to take this next step slowly, not rush into sex before she had time to figure out if she really wanted to be with the guy ever after or not. Sex just messed things up in a relationship. If Adrian was willing to curb his lusts for a few weeks, then she’d bide her time and get to know him before she jumped his bones.
    “Yes, a kiss to seal the bargain.” She murmured, once more not sure where she was channeling these awesome lines from. “And make it count this time, Lord Dillon. I’m not your sister.” She challenged boldly. This was fun, wielding the power for once.
    Adrian did something truly bizarre; he came to her and knelt before her chair, like a knight of old before his Queen. He reached up reverently and caressed her cheek.
    Tara remained perfectly still, like a deer in the headlights--or rather--a pair of very bewitching silvery eyes. He leaned in, and their lips met. This time, she closed her eyes and gave in to his sweet offering. This time, Adrian did not restrain himself. His mouth captured hers with a sizzling possessiveness