Chapter 11 - Admirers
1342 Words
Lilly's POV
"That was something," Jacob chirped as James pulled on my hand to get my attention. My gaze immediately turned toward the brothers with goofy smiles on their lips.
James leaned closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"You should have seen your face," he teased, and I couldn't help but laugh at their playful banter.
"What?" I asked, my face heating up just looking at them.
"You looked completely shocked!" Jacob added, chuckling as he nudged James playfully.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment, but the warmth of their teasing made it difficult to resist smiling.
James gently pulled me to the side of the dance floor and led me to a table, while Jacob followed behind us with a wide grin. As we settled into our seats, I couldn’t help but laugh along with them, the tension easing as we shared a light moment.
"Okay, okay, you got me," I admitted, shaking my head playfully, "but only because you two are so ridiculous!"
James pulled out a chair and gestured to me to sit down. He then leaned over the table, picked up a pitcher of water, and filled a glass.
"You look a bit flushed," he said as he handed me the glass. As he set the pitcher back down, he raised his glass with a smirk.
"To ridiculous friends and unforgettable moments!" he proclaimed, and we all clinked our glasses together, laughter bubbling up once again.
My gaze quickly swept over the elegantly decorated tables. The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the fine china and polished silverware, creating an inviting atmosphere. Huge golden vases, carved to resemble wolves, center the table.
The wolf vases seemed to watch over us, their fierce elegance adding a touch of wild beauty to the refined setting. I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and joy, surrounded by friends who made even the most mundane moments feel extraordinary.
As laughter and conversation flowed, I realized that it was moments like these that truly made life feel rich and meaningful.
I couldn't help noticing the delicious appetizers. They were beautifully presented and invited us to indulge. I savored the moment, feeling grateful for the company and the exquisite feast before us.
My stomach abruptly rumbled, and the two men's eyes widened.
"What?" I asked, trying to hide my embarrassment.
"Seems like you're more hungry than thirsty," Jacob commented.
"Have some of the appetizers," James suggested. "I'll get the server to bring us our food."
I nodded, smiled, and reverted my attention to the plate before me.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to taste first. Everything looked so delicate and delicious.
"Try the meatballs first," Jacob said, eyeing me.
I did as he suggested and picked one of the meatballs with a fork and popped it into my mouth. The moment the savory flavors burst on my tongue, I couldn't help but smile.
"Wow, these are wonderful!" I exclaimed, reaching for another, eager to savor more of the delightful dish. The taste was unparalleled. I have never tasted anything like that before. It literally melted away in my mouth.
The appetizers beckoned me, tantalizing my taste buds. As I ached for a delicate pastry filled with savory herbs and cheese, I felt a sense of excitement. Each bite promised not just a flavorful experience but a delightful memory in the making, surrounded by friends and laughter.
"And here you told us that you don't know how to dance," James chirped, taking a seat next to me. "You shamelessly lied."
My cheeks warmed as I swallowed the food.
I hadn't lied.
Yet my feet seemed to know every step of the dance, and my body instinctively responded to Lex's guidance. I still couldn't believe I had just done that.
"But I can't dance," I muttered. "I never formally learned..."
"Well, that's not what it looked like a moment ago," Jacob said, raising a taunting eyebrow. "You tango like a professional... someone had to teach you the steps."
"No one—" my voice trailed off.
"Yeah," James said, chuckling. "It was like you were born to do it."
I couldn't help but smile, a mix of pride and disbelief flooding through me as I replayed the dance in my mind, wondering if there was more hidden within me than I had ever realized.
"And to make things more interesting, you dance the king and queen's tango routine perfectly," Jacob added.
My eyes widened in surprise.
I just performed the
"That routine has always been a challenge for so many," James added. "Maybe it's time you embraced that part of you and let the world see what you can really do."
I shook the thought to the side—this can't be true. There was no way that I just did that.
"Prince Lex is the only one who knows the routine," Jacob said seriously. "He doesn't have a dance partner, other than his mother."
He doesn't have a partner?
"As I said before," I stopped them. "The only dancing opportunity I ever had was in my dreams. Besides, where would I get the time and money to take dance lessons? I work for the Black family. I receive neither compensation for my labor nor a day off."
Jacob's gaze darkened as he heard my words, and the muscles in his jaw tensed.
Oh, no. I shouldn't have said that!
"Well," James said and shrugged. "Prince Lex will definitely be back for the second round after he returns..."
"With me?" I shrieked in disbelief. "I doubt that. That was a one-off. A fluke. There is no way he would choose me again."
James raised an eyebrow, looking at his brother for help.
"Yes, with you," Jacob stated, seriously. "I am sure of it. The way he looked at you left everyone in awe."
"Besides," James said. "We could feel the s****l tension growing between you two."
"Everyone in this ballroom did," Jacob added.
"It was electrifying," James went on. "I have never seen anything like that before."
"You two are made for each other," Jacob added.
I shook my head.
"I don't agree," I replied, gesturing to all the she-wolves standing around. "There are plenty more she-wolves he can dance with. I was just lucky to be his first dance partner for the night."
"Seeing you two together was intense," James said, ignoring my remark. "It felt as though you two were making love on the dance floor."
My face heats up.
"Every she-wolf's jealous or curious gaze was stuck on you after that performance," Jacob said.
That was precisely what I didn't want. I hated attention. Now everyone's eyes would follow me throughout the night.
I internally sighed, and my gaze swept over the sea of people.
Some of the she-wolves were dancing with some of the royal pack warriors, some were having their dinner, while others stood with Sade, giving me hateful glares.
I shivered when Sade pinned my gaze. Her eyes were pitch black and murderous. I could practically hear her tearing apart my heart.
"Ready for the main course?" James asked, startling me. I recovered quickly and turned my attention to him.
"Sure," I replied. I was famished.
A young man who appeared to be around my age approached us with our main dishes. He placed mine in front of me and went on serving Jacob and James.
"Thank you," I whispered, and he nodded before he left.
"I have noticed a group of admirers eying you," Jacob stated before taking a bite of his food. His gaze was hard and serious.
"If you are referring to the group of girls standing with Sade," I said quietly. "Then, yes. I have noticed them staring at me."
"Just ignore them," James said, reaching for his glass. "I doubt that they would try anything tonight."
"I guess so," I replied.
James lifted the pitcher to pour himself a glass of water, but before he could do that, it slipped from his hand and crashed on the table...
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- Writer
