Page 10 of Conning Her Dragonkin Boss (Mated to the Monster: Season 3)

Chapter Ten

LIVING THE DREAM (FOR FREE!)

Sunny Adlawan

“I cannot believe this is happening.”

Mei’s face fills my phone screen, already grinning. “Right? Who would’ve thought your corporate overlord would accidentally fund your dream trip?”

I let out a half-laugh, half-disbelieving sigh as I zip up my suitcase, double-checking the costumes carefully folded inside. “Not only am I actually going to the convention, but I’m going for free.”

“I told you this plan was flawless.” Mei leans forward, eyes sparkling. “Remind me again how you’re pulling this off.”

I flop onto my bed, staring at the ceiling in pure, unfiltered disbelief. “Okay, so first of all—I’m staying at the luxury hotel literally across the street from the convention.”

Mei gasps dramatically. “The one with the skybridge? The one with the rooftop pool and 24-hour room service?”

“Yes,” I groan. “The exact one I couldn’t afford. I had to cancel my original booking because the company comped my entire stay.”

“Amazing.”

“And because I booked through the corporate portal, I didn’t even have to pay for airfare. Just zipped through the company’s portal system like an executive.”

Mei flops back into her gaming chair, cackling. “Sunny, you are literally living my dream.”

“I am living my dream,” I whisper, staring at my suitcase in awe.

Mei’s grin turns sly. “And let’s not forget who made this possible.”

I roll my eyes. “Khanner did not do this for me. This is a business trip.”

Mei wiggles her eyebrows. “Uh-huh. Just a business trip. That’s why he sent you home early yesterday and personally made sure you’re taken care of, right?”

I wave her off. “I was sick. It was professional concern.”

“Sure, sure. Professional concern.” She smirks. “And where’s he staying?”

I pause.

Because I actually don’t know.

I assumed he’d be in the same hotel, but now that I think about it… he never actually said.

Mei laughs at my sudden silence. “Oh, babe. You are in so much denial.”

“I’m not,” I insist, checking my carry-on bag for the third time. “I’m just grateful.”

“For your boss.”

“For my free trip,” I correct.

Mei just laughs.

I knew this hotel was going to be nice, but stepping into the lobby is like stepping into another world.

The chandeliers glow softly, casting golden light over the polished black marble floors. The air smells expensive—a mix of fresh linen, vanilla bean, and a hint of something warm and spiced.

I barely have a chance to take it in before a staff member takes my bags.

Before I can protest, a familiar deep voice rumbles, “Don’t lift a finger, Sunny.”

I turn to find Khanner standing beside me, looking as effortlessly composed as ever in his dark suit, golden eyes sharp.

“I can handle my own things,” I say, crossing my arms.

His gaze flicks over me, unimpressed. “You’re still recovering.”

I scowl. “I feel fine.”

His expression doesn’t change. “Good. Then you’ll enjoy the accommodations I’ve arranged for you.”

I narrow my eyes. “Accommodations?”

The answer comes about an hour later, after I’m fully settled into my absurdly luxurious suite.

A knock at the door reveals a massage therapist and an aesthetician, both sent by Khanner.

I blink. “Wait. What?”

“The CFO insists you relax,” the massage therapist says with a professional smile.

I sputter as they gently usher me inside. “He—he did what?”

“Your stress levels were noted in your file,” the aesthetician adds, setting up her station.

My file.

Khanner.

I grab my phone and text Mei:

Sunny: Khanner just sent a massage therapist to my room.

Mei: LOLOLOL

Sunny: This is ridiculous.

Mei: No, this is ELITE girlfriend treatment. Please tell me there’s a fruit platter and infused water.

Sunny: There IS. What the hell.

Despite my protests, I don’t fight it.

Because honestly?

A massage and a skincare treatment sound incredible.

And I actually do feel better afterward.

By the time the corporate meet-and-greets wrap up, I’m pleasantly exhausted but still wired.

I text Mei to let her know I’ll be on my way soon.

Sunny: Meetings are done. Making my excuses, then I’m sneaking out.

Mei: YASSS. The con floor is insane already. You have to see it.

Sunny: Just gotta change first.

I’m halfway to my suitcase, ready to swap my business attire for something casual, when there’s a knock at my door.

I freeze.

Then, in the deepest, most unfairly smooth voice, Khanner says, “I brought tea.”

Damn it.

I hesitate for only a second before sighing and opening the door.

Khanner stands there, perfectly composed, a tray in his hands with a teapot and two cups.

I blink at him. “You… brought tea?”

He arches a brow. “It’s supposed to help you sleep.”

I glance at my half-packed tote bag. My perfectly laid out escape plan.

I should say I’m tired.

I should tell him goodnight and leave as soon as he’s gone.

Instead, I step aside and let him in.

The tea is good.

The company?

Surprisingly better.

We talk—first about business, then about our favorite cities, the places we’ve traveled, our thoughts on how integrated cities like New Vegas work.

At some point, I curl up on the seating area, my mug warm in my hands.

His voice is low and steady, lulling me into an easy, drowsy comfort.

I don’t realize how late it is until I blink sleepily at him.

“Sleep,” he murmurs, amusement in his voice.

I try to muster up an argument, but my eyes are already closing.

I wake up in my bed.

Not the couch.

The actual bed.

A note sits on the nightstand, written in Khanner’s precise, sharp handwriting.

You are not to work this weekend. I have removed the event from your calendar.

I stare at it, my heart thudding.

Then my phone vibrates.

Mei

Where are you?! You’re late!!!

I launch out of bed, grabbing my con bag.

Because Khanner might have removed my work schedule.

But he never said a damn thing about Wyvern’s Dawn.

Sunny

On my way!