{chapter fourteen: 7} alysa & vlad
Vlad: *he led Alysa away from the dance floor as a jig started playing, shaking his head stubbornly at her last comment* --No, there are many things I'm willing to do, but dance to this? No I don't think so. *he chuckled and then turned back to her, still holding onto her arm as they reach the outskirts of the dance floor, a small smile on his lips, licking them once* I could be swayed, maybe.
Alysa: *her eyes (and lips) had gone wide as a spirited jig replaced the classical (a bit out of tune-she had noticed though she doubted most had; her father's ears had to be ringing at some of the notes the pianist had hit) music. Pink-cheeked, a curl bounced free as Vlad teasingly pulled her from the floor and she shook her head at him. Nerves had been drummed out of her with the insistent beat. Her breath was heavily lifting her chest, desperate to break free of its emerald-and-beige cage. The flush spread to paint her throat and the top of her chest a dusky rose. The state of her was highlighted by the winning smile; she was having the time of her life. Giggling at his statement without disentangling herself, her words were playful and relaxed.* Swayed? Vlad, if you're looking for me to bribe you, -*breath-* I should need to know the currency you value for I carry no -*gasp*- purse.*She winks now.* A handicap in our next game, perhaps? Maybe then you'll win.
Vlad: *he smirks now, shaking his head as she teases* One day I'm to be Lord of all of this, keep your galleons Lysa *winks as well and then his jaw drops, scoffing* Only because you cheat. *he grins and then promptly looks around to check for any male Stuart family members looking this way before he suggests, voice dropping in tone as his eyes trail over her flushed skin and back to her eyes* My price is a kiss.
Alysa: *She rolled her eyes at his first remark, lips flicking in amused exasperation* Oh, how many girls have you told that too? *Her gaze darted down as she realized she was still holding his arm and exactly how close they were. And all right, maybe she looked down so she didn't give away the little smile at his words. Looking back to say indignantly* I take offense to that. I just cheat better than you do. *sweetly, she suddenly stilled as he leaned in. Exhaling, she licked her bottom lip in a hesitant, quick flick but decided quickly: this time she would not analyze, nor over think. She asked herself only one question: did she want to kiss him? She smirked. Lifting their joined hands, she leaned down, grazing her lips over his knuckles, exhaling and kissing softly once. Then her eyes darted back up to his (flicking over his lips a heartbeat)* Or are you going to steal another one?