Page 10 of The Pakhan's Forced Bride

That makes sense.

“It’s probably not as fun as Las Vegas anyway. The shopping in Vegas is unmatched,” I snap, hoping I sound snarky and pompous.

“There is plenty of shopping in LA. My city has everything a person could desire.”

“Like what?” I may as well use my time on the flight to try and get as much from him as possible.

“One of the biggest, most extravagant malls is right around the corner from where I stay. People travel to LA just to shop there. And we have the best clubs in America—I know because I own a number of them.”

He isn’t pleased that I’ve apparently insulted his city.

“You own clubs?” I ask, thinking I should avoid those if I manage to go out.

“I own most of the clubs in LA,” he snaps.

Shit. That doesn’t help.

“What about—"

“Enough,” he snarls.

I come very close to rolling my eyes, but manage to catch myself in time, and instead, I flinch, letting out a small yelp.

He sneers and clenches his jaw. “No more talking,” he commands, as grumpy as ever. Sheesh, a girl can’t even ask questions.

I look down at my hands, then out of the window, keeping my mouth turned down at the corners to ensure I look sad.

The truth is, I’m ridiculously excited to finally see LA.

I’m nervous, too—I’ve never traveled without my family before—but that just means I get to do more things without being told it’s too dangerous.

I can’t wait to go shopping there. They must have a different culture, new things to see and do.

This is an incredible adventure.

Ardalion stares out of the window, too. He looks deep in thought with his eyes focused on the dark passing us.

I’m watching the ground, far below, as the lights of Vegas fade away in the night. A yawn sneaks up on me. My eyes water.

It must be pretty late. I was already bored and tired at the date and eager to get home—then all of this excitement happened. I blink, trying to stop the tiredness from getting worse, but it’s no good.

I close my eyes, unclip the seat belt, and curl my legs up onto the chair. Ardalion says nothing, but I can sense his eyes on me as I drift off to sleep.

I’d rather arrive in LA fresh and rested.

***

Ardalion leans over me, whispering my name. His breath is hot against my lips as he stares into my eyes. He reaches his hand up, brushing it over my cheek, letting his fingers linger on my skin as his eyes devour me.“Belle.” He says my name again, and my heart beats faster, racing, excited. The deepness of his voice, the mischief in his smile, his touch, moving slowly over my jaw and down my throat. His fingertips graze over the valley of my cleavage.

His moves closer, his lips inches from mine.

When he kisses me, it's like a fire is lit in my soul. I tilt my head back and let him claim me with his mouth.

“Belle,” he says, his hand on my shoulder and his thumb touching my neck as he shakes me gently awake.

My eyes shoot open, and just like in my dream, he’s leaning over me.

Kiss me.