Page 54 of Kidnapped Plus-Size Mate

The ball is in her court now. At least she isn’t fighting me to go back home.

“You have all the time in the world, Brother,” Draco returns. “But one thing is for sure… You’ll make no progress if you keep to this room any longer.”

I turn to stare contemplatively at Draco, recognizing how right he is. Perhaps I’d been waiting for a sign, but I’m the one who should be making the first move. Nodding with determination, my spirits feel lifted when Draco reiterates the advice I already received from Stryder.

A human woman needs a grand gesture of romance to fall head over heels in love with a man. That was the plan in the mortal world until Rakon came and thwarted those plans. Still, if it’s Camilla’s love I’m vying for, it will get me nowhere by being stuck in my bedroom like a recluse who isn’t confident in his charming abilities.

Shaking off my inhibitions, I straighten out my spine and stand tall outside her bedroom door, lifting a hand to knock before entering.

If there’s one thing she might appreciate, it’s me showing her that I respect her.

“Come in!” she calls out, her voice faint and distant as it gets lost in the large expanse of the room.

With my lips toying into a smile, I open the door and step inside, only to have my breath taken away by her ethereal beauty.

She’s naturally gorgeous and breathtaking in the simplest setting, her wild curls dancing around her face as she sits curled up on the chaise lounge in the corner. Wearing an oversized t-shirt and silk shorts, I could never have imagined that she wouldbe so effortlessly beautiful after she floored me with that black dress she wore on our date in the mortal world.

She’s outdone herself without even trying, awakening my inner dragon while my jaw drops.

She smiles warmly, about to unfurl from the lounger when I shake my head to stop her and simultaneously shake off some sinful thoughts roaming my mind.

“Please, don’t get up,” I urge as I step inside. “I just wanted to check up on you.”

Camilla’s smile turns sneaky. “Wondering if I’m gonna fight with you?” She giggles, setting down her book and crossing her arms.

“Uhm… Maybe…?” I chuckle nervously, taking a cautious step forward.

“I’m not gonna fight you, Stryker,” she relents with a sigh as she rises to her feet and turns toward the balcony, her arms still folded. “Beautiful night, isn’t it?”

When she glances over her shoulder with her lips lifted warmly, it’s my cue to follow her onto the balcony where the moon shines its radiant glow and hugs her to amplify the gentle aura she already exudes naturally. Her very being spurs my steps to cross the bedroom as if she calls out to my inner dragon. Something has shifted in her, and I can finally breathe easily.

Passing the sofa, I catch a glimpse of the book she’s reading, and a frown passes my face.

If Camilla wanted to learn more about dragon shifters, why is she reading the only book from the library that doesn’t even mention my species?

With her back to me, Camilla leans over the rails and sighs softly. There’s a sudden urge to reach out and tuck heruntamed curls behind her ear. Not because they’re unruly—I actually think it’s cute how wild those dark curls are—but because I want to see her face.

Holding back any sudden movements that might startle her, I join her on the terrace and lean my forearms on the wooden rails.

“Beautiful night, indeed,” I concede, glancing at her when I say, “Stunning.”

She catches me ogling and blushes lightly, dropping her gaze and tucking her hair behind her ear. For me. For my viewing pleasure. Mentally, I’m kicking my feet and punching the air victoriously, like I’ve just won at life.

This is how it should have been… I think as I turn back to the canvas of life painted with glittery stars. Just Camilla and me, and the blissful tranquility of the Aurora skies while we basked in the nature of our mate bond.

“I noticed you’re readingThe Grimoire,” I comment through the comfortable silence between us.

“Y-yeah…” Camilla concedes tentatively. “It caught my attention in the library the other day.”

“You know… If you’re looking to learn about dragon shifters, you won’t find anything in that one.”

“Hm…” she hums nonchalantly. “So, I’m guessing you read the book yourself.”

“A book about witches?” I snort. “Nah, I steered clear of that one.”

“Why?” she presses with a frown when she turns to me. “Do you not like witches?”

I shrug diffidently. “I’ve met a few witches throughout my life, but I was never interested in them,” I admit. “Besides…” I continue, snatching a shot at gaining another brownie point in Camilla’s books by modestly shifting my gaze back to the sky. “... I didn’t need to waste my time on other species of preternatural beings. I’m fated to a human. What more could I ask for?”

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