“I’m going to sit here for a while,” he declared, settling into the chair beside her bed. “Make sure you’re okay.”
“You don’t have to?—”
“I’m not leaving,” he said firmly. “Not after letting you drink too much on my watch.”
Lila bit her lip, looking suddenly vulnerable. “Could you... could you help me get into my pajamas? I don’t think I can manage the zipper.”
Draven’s mouth went dry at the request, his dragon immediately perking up with interest. The rational part of him knew this was dangerous territory—helping his intoxicated mate undress was a recipe for losing control entirely.
But she needs help. And she trusts you.
“Of course,” he said quietly, moving to the wardrobe to retrieve one of the silk nightgowns he’d had stocked for her.
The midnight blue slip was soft as water in his hands as he returned to the bed. Lila had managed to slip off her heels and was now struggling with the zipper at the back of her dress.
“Turn around,” he instructed, his voice thickening with desire.
His fingers found the zipper, and he drew it down slowly, revealing the smooth expanse of her back inch by tantalizing inch. When she pushed the dress off her shoulders and down her body completely, revealing her black lace bra and panties, every muscle in his body went rigid.
She’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Her skin was cream silk in the lamplight, her curves even more magnificent than he’d imagined. The black lace bra accentuated her full breasts, and the matching panties rode low on her hips, revealing the gentle swell of her bottom.
His dragon roared with the need to claim her, to lay her back on the bed and worship every inch of her beautiful body until she cried out his name. The mate bond pulsed between them, hot and insistent, demanding completion.
Instead, he gently pulled the silk slip over her head, helping her arms through the delicate straps before guiding her to lie back against the pillows.
“There,” he said, his voice strained as he pulled the covers up to her chin. “Better now?”
“Perfect,” she murmured sleepily, the alcohol finally winning the battle against consciousness. “Thank you for everything tonight. It was wonderful.”
“It was my pleasure,” he replied honestly, settling back into his chair. “I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Within moments, her breathing deepened and evened out, and Draven found himself unable to look away. She looked so peaceful in sleep, her dark lashes fanned against her cheeks and her lips slightly parted. The stress lines that had been etched around her eyes when she’d first arrived on Nova Aurora had already begun to fade.
She’s healing too. This place, being here with me—it’s good for her.
Hours passed as he watched over her, his mind racing with thoughts of their future together. Tonight had proven that the attraction between them was mutual, and that she felt the pull of the mate bond even if she didn’t understand what it was yet.
She’s going to be mine. My mate, my queen, my everything.
The certainty settled in his chest like a warm flame, steady and sure. Whatever obstacles lay ahead—political complications,her human origins, the need to win her heart completely—he would overcome them all.
Because Lila Reyes was his destiny, and he’d be damned if he let anything stand between them.
Before he knew it, gentle hands were shaking his shoulders and Draven jerked awake with a start. His neck screamed in protest as he lifted his head from where it had been resting on the silk sheets beside Lila, his massive frame contorted at an impossible angle in the chair. Every muscle in his back felt like it had been twisted into knots by some sadistic torture master.
How long was I asleep like that?
But even through the physical discomfort, he felt remarkably calm. The constant buzzing anxiety that had plagued him for weeks was nothing more than a whisper in the back of his mind. Being in Lila’s presence, breathing in her intoxicating scent all night, had given him the most peaceful sleep he’d experienced in years.
“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” Lila said with a warm smile, already sitting up in bed with her dark hair tousled around her shoulders. The midnight-blue silk slip hugged her curves in ways that caused his dragon to stir with immediate interest.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, rolling his shoulders to work out the kinks.
“Much better. But I do have a bit of a headache.” She pressed her fingertips to her temples with a rueful expression. “I’m guessing that’s the price of Sidaii wine?”
“Yes, unfortunately.” He stood and stretched, noting how her eyes tracked the movement of his muscles beneath his wrinkled shirt. “We’re not leaving this room until you’ve eaten something substantial. I’ll call for breakfast.”
