Page 54 of The Princess and the Demon

“Thank you for joining me.” I answer, pouring myself a glass as well.

I see movement out of the corner of my eye and turn to catch a glimpse of a red leg and tail retreating from the entrance of the dining room.

I turn back to Elora, regarding her quietly, soaking in her presence.

The air sizzles between us.

She meets my gaze, holding it for a moment before dropping her head, her cheeks reddening deeply.

I gesture to the table in front of us.

“I’ve added a little bit of everything to our meal tonight. I wasn’t sure what you would like.”

I reach out to pull a few things closer to Elora, and smile as she reaches out to start grabbing items from the plates I pull closer.

“It all looks and smells so amazing.” She says. My smile widens as I follow her lead, serving myself some of the same things she was. I wanted to try everything she liked.

Elora reaches out and takes her glass, drinking deeply.

Conversation flows easily between us as we each eat, enjoying each other’s company. A few times she reaches out to grab something new, placing half the item on my plate to try as well.

The gesture warms my heart, and I can’t help but chuckle when she grimaces after trying a roasted oyster.

“Ok I don’t like that one.” She sputters as she hands it to me.

I lean my head back, letting the shellfish slide down my throat.

When I look at her, she’s hiding a wide smile behind her hand. I grin at her, fangs and all, and she blushes, giggling.

I sit against the back of my chair, sighing as I reach for my glass.

“I’m stuffed.” I growl, taking a long sip of wine.

Elora nods around a bite of lamb, setting her fork down and leaning back against her chair as well.

“Me too.” She reaches for her glass, but I stop her, taking the decanter to add a little more wine to her glass.

“Thank you.” She says as she drinks deeply.

Having her near puts me in easy mood, and I start to ask her questions. I want to know everything about her. Her likes, her dislikes, the books she’s read and the things that bring her joy and happiness.

When conversation quiets between us, I reach out, taking her hand in mine. She gasps softly but doesn’t pull away.

I watch her face as I run the pad of my thumb over the top of her hand.

She watches, enraptured. When her eyes meet mine, she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth.

I track the movement, cursing the way my body responds to such a simple action.

Releasing her, I push my chair back, standing to move behind her.

I pull her chair back, reaching out to request her hand.

“If you would do me the honor.”

Elora smiles up at me, and my heart swells as she places her hand in mine a second later. I pull her up, leading her away from the table and out of the dining room.

Elora

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