Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 188: Fetch a Gramophone...

Chapter 188: Fetch a Gramophone...

Damian studied her, the silver of his eyes darkening slightly. "Are you alright?"

Evelina nodded, then took a step closer. "I am now."

And before doubt could creep in, she leaned up and kissed him.

It was soft at first, hesitant, but when Damian exhaled sharply and pulled her closer, the hesitation melted away. His arms encircled her, one hand pressing gently against her back, the other cradling her cheek as he deepened the kiss.

When they finally parted, Damian rested his forehead against hers, a small smile curving his lips.

"I believe I owe you a dance," he murmured.

Evelina smirked, tilting her head as she stepped back just enough to create some space between them. "Oh, that dance? I’m afraid I already gave it to someone else, Damian."

Damian raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by her teasing. "Did you now?"

"Well..." She tapped a finger against her chin, as if considering. "You see, I waited. And waited. And you were nowhere to be found." She gave an exaggerated shrug. "I couldn’t possibly let the entire evening pass me by, so I found myself another dance partner... or should I say he found me?"

Damian’s lips parted, then pressed into a thin line as he remembered seeing Zade with her moments before he returned to her side. "I wasn’t nowhere to be found."

She gasped, placing a hand over her heart in mock offense. "Are you saying I’m lying?"

"Not at all. All I’m trying to say is...."His hands, still resting lightly at her waist, flexed slightly. "Delay is not denial, my love."

Evelina hummed as if considering his words, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Are you trying to convince me?" She tilted her chin up, daring him. "Because if you are, I must say... it’s not working."

Damian exhaled through his nose, a quiet laugh escaping as he shook his head. "You truly have no mercy, do you?"

"None whatsoever," she confirmed, smirking.

His grip on her waist tightened slightly before he leaned in, his lips grazing her ear as he murmured, "Then perhaps I should try a different approach."

Evelina shivered—just a little—but held her ground. "Oh?"

He stepped back, mischief flickering in his silver eyes. "Come with me."

She lifted a brow but let him take her hand, allowing him to guide her through the halls of the palace. The further they walked, the quieter it became, until he finally stopped in front of their chambers.

He opened the door, leading her inside before turning to her. "Wait here," he said, pressing a soft kiss to her temple before disappearing out the door.

Evelina crossed her arms, amused but curious. Whatever he was up to, she had to admit she was intrigued. A few minutes later, he returned, carrying something under his arm.

A gramophone.

She blinked. "You went to fetch a gramophone?"

Damian smirked. "Not just any gramophone. One with music."

He set it down, carefully placing the needle onto the record. A soft crackle filled the air before a slow, familiar tune began to play—The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand.

Evelina’s breath caught slightly. She hadn’t expected this. Her lips parted. "A 70s classic, Damian?"

"I thought it was fitting," he said, extending his hand. "Now, will you grant me this dance?"

She exhaled in feigned exasperation but placed her hand in his. "I suppose I could be convinced."

He pulled her close, and they began to sway gently to the music. His touch was strong yet gentle, his hand resting comfortably on her lower back as he held her close.

Unlike the polite, practiced steps she had shared with Zade earlier in the night, this felt like something else.

He gently ran his fingers over the small of her back, holding her firmly but without rushing. Each movement was slow and relaxed, as if he wanted to enjoy every moment.

They were close enough that their bodies almost touched, and she could feel his warm breath softly brushing against her temple.

It felt... intimate... sensual.

Every time his fingers brushed her, she felt a warm sensation spread inside her. Every movement they made brought their bodies closer together, making her heart race.

She tilted her head up to look at him. "You’re not dancing like a gentleman," she murmured.

Damian smirked, his lips hovering just above hers. "And you don’t seem to mind."

She didn’t.

They moved together smoothly and carefully, getting closer until there was no space left between them. His warm breath brushed against her skin, and his touch felt intense, even with the layers of her dress on.

"You’re beautiful," Damian murmured out of the blue.

Evelina felt her pulse stutter, her lips parting slightly. "Flattery now? I thought you were trying to win me over with your dancing."

Damian chuckled. "Who says I can’t do both?"

There was a moment of silence as their movements slowed down a bit. The space between them vanished entirely as Damian pulled her impossibly close.

"Damian," she whispered.

"Hmm?"

"I think I might finally be convinced."

He chuckled, dipping his head to brush a lingering kiss against her lips. The kiss deepened, slow and indulgent, mirroring the rhythm of their dance.

And then—

"Oh, for heaven’s sake, just take us to bed already."

Evelina startled slightly, rolling her eyes at her wolf’s impatience.

"You’re so impatient when it comes to anything sexual, and who told you we’re having sex?"

Damian exhaled heavily, his forehead dropping against Evelina’s shoulder as a low chuckle rumbled in his chest. Evelina bit back a laugh of her own, eyes dancing with amusement.

Damian lifted his head, his silver eyes darker now, filled with something Evelina wasn’t sure she had the strength to resist.

"Shall we end the night properly?" he murmured.

Evelina exhaled slowly, a smile curling her lips. "I suppose we shall."

Damian took her hand and led her toward the vanity, his fingers carefully undoing the first few ties of her gown. The fabric loosened, slipping down her shoulders as he pressed a slow, open-mouthed kiss to her bare skin.

Evelina let out a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding.

The fabric slipped further down, pooling at her feet. His gaze darkened as he took in the sight before him.

She stood before him in nothing but her undergarments, sheer enough that he could make out the soft curves beneath, the outline of her bra and panties teasing him mercilessly.

Damian swallowed hard, his jaw tightening as his hands skimmed her sides, tracing the bare skin of her waist.

Evelina watched him, the intensity in his silver eyes sending a shiver down her spine. His fingers grazed her arms before he took her hand and guided her toward the bed. The cool air against her skin was very different from the warmth of his touch.

She sat there and looked up at him. Her breath was steady but shallow, and the way her lips curled was undeniably sexy.

"Aren’t you going to finish what you started?" she asked, tilting her head.