Page 51 of Conning Her Dragonkin Boss

I like that a lot.

Khanner steps back briefly, reaching into a small, velvet pouch on his desk.

What he pulls out takes my breath away.

A jewel the size of a golf ball.

Deep obsidian black, flecked with ribbons of gold that seem to pulse like molten fire beneath the light.

Suspended on a delicate, enchanted chain.

His voice is low, reverent.

“This came from my hoard.”

I swallow. “Your… hoard?”

“A piece of my most valued collection.”

My chest tightens.

“This is called the Dragon’s Heart,” he continues. “It signifies protection. You’ll always be able to find me now.”

I stare as he lifts it.

And then?—

I hear it.

A faint, rhythmic thump.

Like a heartbeat.

Like his heartbeat.

I suck in a breath.

“It beats,” I whisper, stunned.

He nods.

“Because it is linked to me.”

A rush of emotion floods through me?—

Overwhelming. Terrifying. Exhilarating.

This is real.

This is forever.

My fingers tremble as I touch the jewel.

Khanner catches my wrist, his thumb stroking along my pulse point.

I exhale, shaky.

“Forget it,” I whisper.

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