Page 42 of Courting the Dragon Prince

“That wasn’t an insult. You have a talent for making others comfortable.” Onyx gestured to the room. “You seem to get along with everyone. It’s a good skill to have.”

“Thanks.” Luther lifted his mug in a toast. “To the couple’s quest completed!”

“To the couple’s quest completed,” Onyx repeated and clinked their mugs together.

Luther lifted the mug of ale to his lips.

And suddenly, Onyx was remembering kissing those lips. He looked away as he drank from his mug.

He needed to focus. They were getting along. He needed to keep their relationship simple and straightforward.

No need to diverge into realms and spaces that would complicate matters. If they could manage a civil relationship, that would be best for the treaty and for their kingdoms.

Luther leaned towards him, pressing their shoulders together. “We should celebrate our victory.”

Onyx laughed. “Isn’t that what we are doing?” He gestured with his mug to the villagers dancing, before gazing back at Luther.

His stomach tightened. Because the look in Luther’s green eyes told Onyx exactly what type of celebrations he was thinking of.

Luther smirked. He lifted his arm and rested it on the bar behind Onyx. Warm fingers grazed the nape of Onyx’s neck. Onyx’s pulse stuttered. He sucked in a breath.

“I was thinking of a more private type of celebration,” Luther said softly, leaning in close. “They have rooms to let upstairs.” The light from the candles danced on his skin.

Onyx imagined moving in closer, touching Luther’s soft, warm cheek, tasting his lips, hearing his delicious groan.

He blinked. No. Onyx needed to keep in control. Not make another mistake.

He needed to keep this relationship uncomplicated. That was what he’djustdecided. He needed to stick to that. They didn’t need a relationship where they flung between fighting and fucking.

That would help no one, no matter how much he wanted to spread Luther beneath him and sink his cock inside his tight arse. His cock thickened as the image sprang to mind.

“No.” Onyx gave a jerky shake of his head. “That would be a mistake.”

Luther smiled tightly. “Okay.” He leaned back and dropped his arm. “That’s fine.” He turned his gaze to the people. But before he did, Onyx saw the hurt flash in Luther’s eyes.

Onyx cleared his throat. He needed to explain that this would be the best for their kingdoms and the treaty. “I just think?—”

“It’s fine, Onyx. I accept your decision. You’ve made it crystal clear what you think,” Luther interrupted, voice steady and tight. “You don’t have to explain.” He didn’t look at Onyx. He just kept staring straight ahead. “Earlier was a mistake. That’s what you said.” He lifted his mug and drank. “I’m sorry I offered.”

Onyx took a deep breath. “I just think, if you thought about it sensibly and reasonably, you’d agree with me.”

Luther reared back and glared at him. “Excuse me? If I thought sensibly and reasonably, is that what you said?”

“I mean …,” Onyx stammered. “We need to focus on our duty. On doin?—”

“Can you give the sanctimonious bullshit a rest for a single fucking minute?” Luther bit out. “If you don’t want to fuck me, that’s fine. I’m not going to press. I’m not going to try and convince you. But don’t talk to me like I’m a fool.” He shook his head. “You think you’re so much better than me.”

“I never said?—”

“And I’m so sick of being lectured about doing my duty.” Luther inhaled sharply.

“Duty is import?—”

“I’m here! I’m marrying you! I turn up to meetings. I’m going through the courtship rituals. I did this couple’s quest. I am doing my duty for Draconia!” Luther stabbed his finger in the middle of Onyx’s chest. “I have done everything I have been told to do.”

The annoyance spiked inside Onyx. He knocked Luther’s hand away. “Would you stop interrupting me and let me finish a single damn sentence!”

Luther’s nostrils flared. “Fine.” He leaned back. “Go ahead.” He crossed his arms. “Say whatever you want to say that’s so important.”