Finding Him

19l Dancing

It took a few seconds for the implications of Daniel's instruction to settle into her and a few more minutes for her to grab her discarded garments from the floor and slip back into them, shame washing over her. She scolded herself for her actions, shamelessly throwing herself at a man like a harlot and it didn't matter that the man in question was her husband. He was only her husband in name and paper, a marriage borne out of convenience rather than love. She knew she couldn't ask him for more and had decided she wouldn't. Until, she was standing before him, his arm settled on her waist. It was then, she felt an unfamiliar wave of emotion, one that had reduced her into taking off her clothes.

“Put your clothes on and we shall never speak of this again.”

His words echoed in her ears, filling her with unspeakable sadness. They were words most likely spoken without the intention of hurting her, but they had done just that. They had shut a door in her face, sealing the fate of their marriage to forever be one of convenience.

“Would you like to continue with the dance lesson?” She choked out, fighting to rid the room of the awkward silence that hung between them. She especially hated for him to perceive the effect his words had on her or the fact that she had only a few minutes ago, anticipated the consummation of their marriage and he had turned her down.

His head snapped up at her question, confusion reflecting in his eyes. After a short while, he nodded, surprising her for she had secretly hoped he would decline her offer. She didn't look forward to being in his arms and desiring the consummation of their marriage.

He rose to his feet and she waited for him to walk over to where she stood by the armoire. He seemed to hesitate for a few seconds, before placing his hand around her waist, her heart skipping at the emotions his closeness created in her.

She stepped forward after a while and placed a hand on his shoulder, ignoring the sudden wave of emotion she felt as a result of that singular action.

“I would hate to bruise your foot. Do you have your shoes on?”

She shook her head, “No.”

He frowned slightly. “You should wear them. I will step on your toes for I'm unable to see where to put my foot.”

“Nobody dances with their eyes on the floor.” A smile settled on her face, helping to ease the tension in her veins. “You simply have to have a connection with your partner, anticipating their next move and following. You know,” She stepped forward, urging him with the slight tugging on his arm, to step back. It was obvious he missed her signal, for she bumped right into him before he stepped back. “My father taught me to dance.” She moved to the right and once again, it took a second for him to catch on.

They continued the motion for several more minutes, most of which Daniel did manage to step on her toes. He however left no bruises for it seemed to her that he anticipated stepping on them and managed to lighten his weight as he did so.

“We should stop.” He groaned, pulling away after stepping on her toes for the fifth time. She opened her mouth to protest but he was already kneeling before her and running his fingers across her toes, sending a shock wave of heat around her body. “Does it hurt?”

She shook her head numbly, fighting the desire to fall to her knees and kiss him. She knew he wouldn't be too pleased with her actions so she just shook her head.

“Does it?”

Remembering he couldn't see the movement of her head, “No, I'm fine.”

He didn't look like he believed her but he seemed willing to accept her answer.