Evaline:
River's hand settled gently at my waist as I lifted our joined hands, guiding him into the first slow sway of our dance. Soft music drifted through the candlelit hall, delicate and warm, like the night itself had breathed out a sigh and relaxed around us.
His palm was warm against my waist, his fingers splayed lightly, not gripping, not demanding... just there. Present. Anchoring me in a way that felt as natural as breathing. I let my other hand rest lightly on his shoulder, feeling the subtle flex of muscle beneath the fabric of his shirt as he drew me just a little closer.
Neither of us spoke.
The quiet between us wasn't empty. It was charged... filled with the weight of everything we had been holding back for months now.
His thumb brushed over my waist in a slow arc, almost subconscious. Yet, the slight touch sent a soft ripple through me.
