“Oh, actually I need to leave and check on my husband.” She shot Lila an apologetic look that didn’t fool anyone. “I’ll meet you tomorrow for more sightseeing.”
Like hell you will.
“Actually,” Draven interrupted, his tone carrying the unmistakable command of a king, “I’ll be guiding Lila around starting tomorrow.”
Both women stared at him—Nyra with raised eyebrows and Lila with a mixture of confusion and something that looked suspiciously like excitement.
“If that’s what you want, Your Majesty.” Nyra’s formal address carried just enough emphasis to remind him that he was being transparent as hell about his motivations.
He didn’t care. Every instinct in his body demanded that he be the one to show Lila his world, to watch her face light up with wonder, and to be present for every moment of discovery.
Nyra departed with a final knowing glance, leaving them alone in the corridor.
Draven’s attention focused entirely on Lila, who stood before him looking nervous but undeniably excited. The mate bond hummed between them, stronger now in the intimate space without Nyra’s watchful presence.
“So,” he stepped closer, close enough to catch her intoxicating sweet scent, “are you ready to go to dinner with me?”
Her eyes met his, and he saw the exact moment her professional defenses wavered. “Sure, why not.”
The casual words didn’t match the breathless quality of her voice or the way her pupils dilated as he moved even closer.
Draven extended his arm in a gesture both courtly and predatory. “Shall we?”
When Lila slipped her arm through his, the contact sent fire through his bloodstream. Not the chaotic, destructive fire of his madness, but something warm and grounding and absolutely perfect.
This is what I’ve been missing my entire life.
Her touch anchored him in ways he’d never imagined possible.
Everything is about to change for the better.
The certainty hit him with the force of prophecy as they walked together through his castle corridors. Whatever professional boundaries existed between them were about to crumble under the weight of this mate bond.
And he intended to help that process along in every way possible.
NINE
LILA
The stone steps felt like they were pulsating with energy beneath Lila’s feet as Draven guided her from the castle, his hand resting possessively at the small of her back. The deep forest green dress flowed around her legs like liquid silk, and she caught him stealing glances at how the fabric moved with each step.
This certainly isn’t another therapy session.
The sleek black car waiting in the circular drive looked more like Earth luxury than alien technology, though she noticed the subtle differences—the way the metal seemed to shimmer with an inner heat and the crystalline headlights that pulsed with soft amber light.
“Allow me.” Draven moved ahead of her with fluid grace, opening the passenger door with a courtly gesture that made her stomach flip.
His golden-brown eyes held hers as she slipped into the plush leather seat, the intensity of his gaze making her acutely aware of every breath she took. When he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side, she watched him through the tinted glass—the confident set of his shoulders and the predatory grace in his movements.
He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
The thought hit her with startling clarity as he settled beside her, his large hands gripping the steering wheel with easy control. The midnight-blue shirt stretched across his broad chest, the top two buttons undone to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of his bronzed skin. His black hair fell loose around his shoulders, giving him a wild appeal that made her fingers itch to touch him.
“Comfortable?” His voice carried that low rumble that seemed to vibrate through her bones.
“Very.” She buckled her seatbelt, hyperaware of how small the space felt with his commanding presence filling it. “Where are we going exactly?”
“My favorite restaurant.” The smile that curved his lips held secrets and promises that made her heart skip a beat.
