Page 47 of Conning Her Dragonkin Boss

She walks beside me, dressed once again in her warrior-princess armor, golden embroidery catching the ballroom’s flickering chandelier light. The trailing cape pinned to her shoulders billows with every step, making her look like she stepped straight out of a legend.

I should be thinking about strategy.

About how to navigate the business conference after this.

But all I can think about is her.

The way she looks up at me through her lashes, bright and mischievous, like she knows exactly what she’s doing to me.

The way her lips curve when she catches me staring.

The way her body fits against mine when I draw her close for the first dance.

My grip tightens at her waist, fingers resting just below the lace of her corset.

She sighs, a soft, pleased sound, leaning into me.

I am not prepared for the way that affects me.

We stand before the crowd, the cheers deafening, the ballroom alive with enchantments that make the air shimmer like stardust.

“Your King and Queen of the Celestial Masquerade…”

The announcer’s voice booms over the speakers, but I barely hear it.

Because Sunny is beaming, her fingers laced with mine as we are both crowned.

I should not care about something so trivial.

I have built an empire, made deals that have changed the course of entire industries.

And yet?—

This moment?

It feels like the greatest victory of my life.

She turns to me, still laughing, eyes shining. “I can’t believe we won.”

I dip my head, letting my lips brush the shell of her ear. “I can.”

Her breath catches.

I press closer, savoring the way her pulse flutters beneath my touch.

And then, with the final ceremony finished, I claim my true prize.

“Come,” I murmur. “I have something for you.”

The vendor I passed earlier today still has it.

The overpriced, ridiculous plushie that Sunny had longingly eyed before convincing herself she didn’t need it.

She gasps when I hand it to her, cradling it like a precious relic.

“You remembered?” she whispers, eyes wide.

I tip her chin up, brushing my thumb over her lips. “I remember everything about you.”

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