Page 15 of Conning Her Dragonkin Boss (Mated to the Monster: Season 3)

Chapter Fifteen

THE CROWN & THE CLAIM

Khanner Rokoth

The Celestial Masquerade is a spectacle of light, magic, and illusion—an extravagant culmination of the convention’s final night, where fantasy comes to life.

And Sunny?

Sunny is radiant.

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.”

She melts.

And then she shoves the plushie into my chest, grabs my hand, and practically drags me to our suite.

The moment we step inside, the door barely clicks shut before I have her pressed against it.

Her breath comes fast, her fingers clutching at my tunic.

I kiss her deep and slow, savoring her, drawing out the moment because I have waited long enough.

She responds beautifully, her body softening under my touch, her hands sliding up to tangle in my hair.

I carry her to the bed without breaking the kiss, setting her down carefully before following her down.

Tonight is not about conquest.

Tonight is about devotion.

About showing her that she belongs to me.

That she will never have to wonder if she is wanted.

That she is cherished.

And I intend to make her feel it.

Over and over again.

Until morning light spills through the curtains, and she is still wrapped in my arms.