Page 36 of Conning Her Dragonkin Boss

She groans. “I meant—ugh, I’m so stressed that even seeing you is making it worse because you look like you just walked out of my favorite fantasy novel, and I can’t handle it right now.”

My lips twitch. “I’m trying to be angry, but it’s not fair that you’re being sweet and vulnerable.”

Her eyes flicker with guilt. “I didn’t mean to lie.”

I stiffen slightly.

She swallows. “I just… I didn’t want to miss my chance. This competition—it’s been my dream for years.”

I stare at her.

I hate lying.

Despise it.

But she looks so earnest. So raw.

And when the stage crew signals that it’s time, I realize something else.

This isn’t just a hobby for her.

This matters.

No wonder she’s so good at work—she’s even more creative outside of it.

She takes a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly.

“I can’t do it,” she whispers.

I don’t hesitate.

I step closer, tilting her chin up. “I’ll walk with you.”

Her breath hitches. “What?”

I extend my hand. “You won’t be alone.”

After a moment, she nods and takes it.

The secondwe step onto the stage, the room erupts.

The lights are bright, the music swells, and the massive screen behind us plays a montage of Sunny in character—practicing fight choreography, crafting details on her armor, narrating a dramatic monologue that plays over the speakers.

I watch her expression shift.

She transforms.

She’s no longer nervous.

She’s glorious.

The judges are enthralled.

And I?—

I don’t care about anything except her winning.

I glance at the judges, the audience, the way their eyes flick toward me.

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