Kiss | Vexx (Patreon)

“This is silly, Vexx,” I say in a breathy laugh, shaking my head at the man in front of me.

“You’re the one who asked for help, I’m just here to serve.”

“I’m not even dressed for it!” I throw my hands up, turning in a circle to let him get a good look at me. “Last I checked, pajamas aren’t the allowed attire for a social gathering.”

“Well,” he chuckles, offering me a hand as he winks at me. “Those just happen to be the most royal PJs I’ve ever seen.”

Vexx’s compliment is so stupidly honest I find it hard to hold back the heat creeping up my neck, and I just know I’m probably blushing like a fool. It’s almost comical how easily I melt for his crooked smile and warm, green eyes.

And then I remember that this is Vexx I’m thinking about, and I should have known better than to expect him to be sweet.

“Now, take my damn hand and let’s get started, shall we?”

“Charming as always, I see,” I grumble, yet still take his outstretched hand.

Vexx ignores my whining, as usual, but beams at me with a smile so bright it’s impossible for me to hold it against him.

I knew what I was getting myself into when I allowed the crush I had on him grow into actual feelings. Vexx never hid who he is, social standings mean very little to him when it comes to making jokes or being brutally honest, and I think maybe that’s why I like him.

Not that I’d ever tell him.

The suspicion that he might have caught on is always nagging at me, but I much rather believe he hasn’t, else I’d have to face the fact that he doesn’t return my feelings and… I don’t see the point in making myself sad.

“So,” his voice drags me out of my own thoughts, and I look up at him. “Can you dance at all?”

“I do remember the basics from all the classes I took, but…” but I suck at it. “But I’m not very good.”

With a brief nod, Vexx pulls me closer in a swift movement, placing a hand on my waist while adjusting his hold on the other. My mouth is suddenly too dry when I see him this close, looking at me. My thoughts all fade away as I get lost in the endless depths of his green eyes, always so full of life, so full of a fire only someone like Vexx could have -- a fire that burns so bright I can’t ever make out what he’s truly feeling.

“Just follow my lead, Your Highness.”

His voice is but a whisper, a warm breath against my face, and all I can do is nod, not trusting my voice to come out without cracking.

The small smile on his lips slowly fades as we start moving, yet his eyes never leave mine. My steps are slow and hesitant at first, the fear that I’ll step on his feet and ruin the whole thing haunting my every move, but Vexx doesn’t seem to mind, leading me throughout this songless dance with strong, gentle hands.

He moves at my own pace, patiently waiting as I shuffle my feet around until I get it right, until we’re moving around the room like I can actually dance.

The realization has laughter bubbling out of me, to which Vexx raises an eyebrow.

“Sorry, I was just thinking that this makes it seem like I can actually dance.”

Vexx snickers, slowing us down to a stop. “I wouldn’t say you’ll be twirling around the ballroom anytime soon, but you won’t be breaking anyone’s toes, at least.”

“Oh, shove it,” I roll my eyes at his smirking face, ignoring his jab. “I’m quite proud of myself, I’ll have you know.”

“So am I.”

The snickering is gone from his voice when he replies, a small, almost gentle smile on his lips as he looks at me, and my heart tries to beat its way out of my chest.

Before I can find my voice again, Vexx lets go of my waist, a light hold on my other hand as he takes a step back.

“I should get going now, it wouldn’t do for the other guards to find me loitering around in your chambers this late at night,” he says, the smirk back on his face as if that moment just now had been a delusion of my part -- but the soft pink tinting his cheeks proves that it’s not.

As he always does, Vexx bows at me, but unlike all the other times, he brings my hand to his face, softly grazing his lips on my knuckles, all while holding my eyes with his.

And honestly, how I’m still standing is beyond me.

“Sweet dreams, Your Highness,” he winks at me when he gets to the door, closing it silently behind him, as he leaves me alone to sort out the chaos inside my mind and heart.