"Your realm. Your way. You will rule over my people in a different way. The arts. The movies. The entertainment. The food. The things that make them feel seen and valued."
I knew my life would change but. . .this is a lot. . .
Kenji’s gaze dropped again to the bite just above my collarbone where the fire diamonds met my skin. He was giving me a kingdom with his words. And staring at his teeth marks while he did it.
Like even the offer of power came with a reminder,you're still mine.
He cleared his throat. "We'll figure out anything else together. But on your throne, you will be in full control."
I thought about this. “Can you give me an example of what you mean by ruling.”
"The party for the Claws. That falls under this."
“Okay.” I nodded.
“I could stop it, but. . .this is your domain.”
“And there would be no reason to stop it.”
He frowned. “There would be lots of reasons, Tora.”
“Like?”
"I'm jealous of your cooking for other people, and I don't like the way my men have been fighting over your food and demanding that you cook for them. Being complete, unappreciative brats." His jaw tightened. "But I'm going to letyou be in full control of that. And I'm not going to get in the way."
I smirked. “So basically, you have no rational reasons for stopping the party.”
“Your throwing this party for the Claws. . .it disturbed my sleep a little last night.”
“Wow.”
“It did.”
“Bullshit." I lifted my hand and traced a finger along his satin lapel. "You burned over a hundred people this morning but my serving macaroni and cheese to your Claws is what keeps you up at night?"
"Don't underestimate what your food does to me, Tora."
I laughed. Full and real. And his eyes softened at the sound the way they always did. Like my laughter was the only thing in this world that could make the Dragon go still.
“I’m not very rational when it comes to you, Tora.”
I looked at the space again and thought about this date. “Yet you are strategic.”
“That, I can’t help. It’s how I win.”
And you’ve damn sure won me. . .
He pulled me close. Those strong hands claimed my waist.
Our lips met in a collision that stole the air from my lungs—tender for just one heartbeat before igniting into primal hunger and heated consuming.
His mouth moved hard against mine with such devastating intimacy that the space, the war room, the 4D glowing city disappeared.
I tasted his desire.
His devotion.
His power.
