After Mu Qingling was done her performance, she headed straight to the restroom to change out of her dress. Mu Qingling was not dumb. She knew that some women had been throwing her hateful stares because of her revealing clothing. Moreover, the people here were all prominent and influential. It was not wise to provoke them any longer.
As for Lily, Mu Qingling would naturally come for her another time. But for tonight, she was done being defeated by Lily’s poisonous tongue.
….
Meanwhile, Lily and Zhuo Jingren were enjoying their conversation, unaware that a certain someone was scheming to separate them.
“Mr. Zhuo, they say tango separates the men from the boys.” Lily eyed Zhuo Jingren as she took another glass of champagne from the waiter.
He raised an eyebrow at her. “Is that a challenge?”
“Are you taking it as one?” she smirked.
Zhuo Jingren leaned closer to Lily’s ears. “Would you like to dance?” His voice and the warmth of his breath seemed to have awakened something within her. Like a stone being thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. Lily shivered inwardly.
Zhuo Jingren smirked in triumph when he saw a tinge of red slowly creeping up Lily’s neck. Without waiting for an answer, Zhuo Jingren strode towards the conductor of the distinguished band and whispered something into his ear.
Zhuo Jingren had acted so quickly that just as Lily recovered from the shock, the soft, sensual music began to fill the air. He held out his hands in front of her, beckoning her to take it. “Will you give me the honor?” he asked in a husky voice, his gaze gentle, along with his signature smirk.
Without any hesitation, Lily put her hand on top of his. They strode towards the center of the dance floor, attracting the attention of everyone. Everyone quickly returned to their seats when they noticed Zhuo Jingren and his wife had taken their place on the dance floor. They wouldn’t want to miss watching this dance of a lifetime. Now, it was just the two of them at the center and all eyes were on them.
The soft music continued as Lily started to walk away slowly from Zhuo Jingren, swaying her hips and raising her hands. She turned her head, watching Zhuo Jingren from her peripheral vision. She then made a sudden twirl and…
*CRACK*
She tore the material of her gown, turning her black tango outfit into a short black dress that showed off her long, flawless legs. A series of gasps could be heard from the audience.
Lily’s lips hooked into a smile as she met Zhuo Jingren’s fiery gaze. For a moment, she just stood there, with her back arched and hands stretched towards the sky as if she was in submission. Then the rhythm started to pulse throughout the hall.
Lily dropped her hands and caressed her body as she swayed towards Zhuo Jingren. Her feet explored the ground beneath her as she strode closer to him.
Zhuo Jingren’s eyes never left Lily as she danced her inhibitions away. Her movements were so graceful and seductive that he instantly regretted asking her to dance in front of everyone. He stretched his arms before his feet gracefully strode towards her. Their eyes never left each other.
And then they touched.
The energy of the music coursed through their veins as their hands entangled, their movements abrupt and graceful.
Seeing Zhuo Jingren’s face up close made Lily a little nervous. His dark brown eyes were staring straight into hers. His touch was sensual, yet mysterious.
Back and Forth. Back and Forth. Lily did not remember how long she held her breath for. She hadn’t thought she was capable of holding her breath for so long. Zhuo Jingren’s eyes were still boring into her brown ones, making her crave… more of his touch.
His gaze was so piercing that it felt like he was staring straight at her soul. She felt the last bit of confusion leaving her as a fire ignited in her heart; she felt the want that she felt all those years ago.
Seven years ago.
For a fraction of a second Lily got distracted. She avoided his gaze and looked towards the audience and saw a crowd of surprised faces.
“Eyes on me, love. Only me.” She heard him whisper then she turned her gaze back to him in an instant. In a smooth motion, Zhuo Jingren moved his left foot backward as she slid her right foot forward. Chasing, retreating, swaying, guiding. Their eyes glued to each other.
And then they stopped.
Toe to toe.
He pulled her hips towards his.
Their faces were so close that she could feel him trying to regulate his breathing. Then he suddenly pushed her away but immediately pulled her back towards him, catching her in his arms before spinning her.
He caught her again, unable to give her up. This woman was too mysterious, too enchanting. He could not bear to part with her.
Meanwhile, Lily allowed the man lead her as her body continued to melt with each touch of his hands. This time, Lily felt right in his arms… as if she was born to be with him. For once, Lily gave complete control to the man whom she would be spending her future with. She let him push her and reel her back in freely.
Lily smiled brightly at the man as the music came to an abrupt end. At the same time, she fell into his strong arms which wrapped around her tightly.
Their faces were so close that she could see his perfectly curled eyelashes. His full pink lips, threatening to brush against hers. She watched him open his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but he closed it back again.
Lily stared at the man intently. The noticeable darkening in her eyes was enough to convey to him how she felt inside. The world seemed to stop as the two continued to stare at each other. Lily’s eyes darkened even more as she opened her mouth and said, “Kiss me.”
…
Editor: Swaning
