Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 426

426 /438

**TITLE: Attachment 426**
**Chapter 426 Like Nobody’s Watching**

**MINA**

“Just relax,” he murmured, his fingers tightening around my waist as if he had every right to claim that space.

A jolt of surprise shot through me, igniting a firestorm of conflicting emotions.

How could he expect me to relax when Elias Rue had his hand on my waist, asserting a claim that felt both foreign and infuriating?

My breath caught in my throat, a mixture of indignation and an inexplicable thrill coursing through me. I longed to push him away, to create enough distance that even the wildest of rumors would struggle to bridge the gap. Yet, in this crowded space, shoving him aside would only draw more unwanted attention, a spotlight I desperately wanted to avoid.

Elias was acutely aware of the situation and wielded it as if it were his weapon of choice.

He led me through the dance with a confidence that was both maddening and mesmerizing, a stark contrast to my own rigid movements.

“You haven’t done this before, have you?” he teased, his voice laced with amusement.

“Why are you doing this?” I snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface.

“Haven’t I already answered that?” he chuckled, the sound rumbling like distant thunder. “I’m dancing. Look around; everyone is enjoying themselves. You should try to relax a little more.” His hand pressed gently against my waist, guiding me to step to the right. “Trust me, I’ll lead you.”

Lead me?

The notion sent a shiver down my spine.

I didn’t want guidance; I wanted to vanish from this moment entirely.

But he continued to move, and I found myself unwillingly following, not wanting to trip or fall and create a scene that would only amplify my embarrassment.

Unfortunately, following did not guarantee success.

In an instant—

Step.

A sharp gasp escaped him as my heel landed squarely on his toe.

“Ah—careful,” he cautioned, though a grin danced at the corners of his mouth, betraying his amusement.

At that moment, I lost all sense of caring.

“Let go of me,” I insisted, desperately trying to pull my hand free from his grasp.

“I told you to relax,” he replied, his tone unyielding. “Enjoy yourself.”

“Enjoy the music,” he added, nudging me into another step. “Savor the atmosphere, the celebration.”

A flicker of a smile crossed his lips, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance.

“You.”

I pretended I hadn’t heard that last word, my lips pressed into a tight line. “They’ll see,” I muttered under my breath, my anxiety bubbling over.

“Who?” he asked, his interest piqued. “Tell me, and I’ll confront them for you.”

I puffed out my cheeks in exasperation. “Stop treating me like a child.”

“I’m not. I’m serious,” he insisted, his grip on my waist unwavering. “Tell me who’s bothering you.”

I averted my gaze, unwilling to meet his eyes. “Just let go of me.”

“I’m not going to,” he replied, a hint of determination in his voice. “Not until you start enjoying this.”

Before I could muster a protest, he subtly maneuvered us out of the bustling center of the dance floor. We glided between couples, weaving our way to a dimly lit corner where the lanterns cast a softer glow, providing us with a veil of privacy amidst the crowd.

There were still people around, but the glaring brightness that had once spotlighted us faded, and the majority of the attention slipped away like water through my fingers.

“There,” he said softly, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “Is this better?”

I inhaled shakily, the relief washing over me like a gentle tide.

Yet, it didn’t erase the tension still coiling within me, especially with him holding me so closely.

He scrutinized me for a moment, his gaze penetrating. “You’re close with Aiden Knight?”

I shook my head vehemently. “No,” I replied, the word spilling out instantly. “Not at all. I just happened to bump into him. I didn’t know this community dance was happening.”

“You looked quite close,” he pressed, his brow furrowing slightly.

“I don’t know,” I muttered, my eyes drifting away. “He just wouldn’t let go of me.”

Elias stiffened, a flicker of something dark passing over his features.

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath, the words laced with frustration. “I already have competition, and he hasn’t even seen your face yet.”

My eyebrows knitted together, confusion mingling with irritation. “What are you mumbling about?”

“Nothing,” he replied hastily, waving it off. “Forget it.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, unconvinced by his dismissal.

But before I could press him further—

“Is this your first festival?” he inquired, his tone shifting to something softer.

“What do you think?” I shot back, a hint of sarcasm creeping into my voice. “I was born into the Roses’ regime. This entire country is named after them. We had festivals, but only those with enough wealth and influence could attend.”