Page 51 of Naga General's Mate

He leaned closer, his presence warm and solid beside her. “Delicious.”

The city lights twinkled through the gossamer curtains, casting them in a dreamy glow. Mila tucked her feet under her, shifting closer to him on the couch until their shoulders touched.

“You’re remarkable. You know that?” His tail curled around her waist.

Their eyes met. The air between them hummed with possibility. Mila’s heart thundered in her chest as Brivul’s hand found hers on the couch cushion.

Her pulse raced beneath his touch. The warmth of his hand against hers sent tingles throughout her whole body. All her carefully constructed walls crumbled with a single caress.

“I think I’m falling for you,” she whispered.

His eyes softened. “I fell for you that first day in the market.”

The confession hung between them for a heartbeat before Brivul leaned forward. His lips brushed hers, gentle and questioning. Heat surged through her as she pressed closer, answering his unspoken question.

The kiss deepened, and the world fell away. His scales were smooth beneath her fingertips as she traced his jaw. His tail coiled tighter around her waist, drawing her nearer until she was practically in his lap.

Time stretched like honey, sweet and endless. Every brush of his lips sent sparks dancing across her skin. His hand cradled the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair.

At this moment, Mila felt complete. No fear. No doubts. Just the perfect rightness of being exactly where she belonged.

When they finally broke apart, she couldn’t stop smiling. Brivul pressed his forehead to hers, his breath mingling with hers.

“I’ve wanted to do that for weeks,” he murmured.

“Why didn’t you?”

“I was afraid you’d run.”

She laughed softly. “I’m done running.”

Mila’s heart raced as she looked into Brivul’s eyes. The tenderness in his gaze made her breath catch. She’d never felt so cherished, so wanted.

His scales shimmered as he traced her cheek with gentle fingers. “You’re trembling.”

“Good trembling,” she whispered, leaning into his touch.

Their lips met again, and this time there was no hesitation. Heat blazed through her body all over again as his mouth moved against hers with increasing urgency. His tail wrapped around her waist tighter, drawing her closer until she was fully in his lap.

His hands tangled in her hair even tighter as the kiss deepened. The solid warmth of his chest pressed against hers, and she couldn’t get enough of the sensation of smooth scales beneath her exploring fingers.

“Mila,” he breathed against her lips.

She’d never heard her name spoken with such reverence. Such desire. She pressed closer, wanting to memorize every detail of this perfect moment—the way his muscles flexed beneath her hands, the taste of honey still on his tongue, the sounds he made when she nipped at his lower lip.

In his arms, she wasn’t a slave or a fugitive. She was simply a woman being thoroughly, passionately kissed by the Niri she had fallen for.

Chapter 23

Mila

Brivul laid Mila backon the plush couch, his violet eyes dark with desire. The cool air of the room tickled her skin as he trailed his lips down her neck, each gentle press of his mouth sending ripples of warmth through her. His fingers deftly worked the ties of her silk dress, the fabric whispering against her body as it fell away.

She felt exposed, vulnerable, but the reverence in his gaze as he took in the sight of her naked form chased away any fear.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice a deep rumble that resonated within her.

Mila’s heart fluttered, her nerves jangling with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She had never been with anyone like this before, let alone a Niri. His alien beauty, the sheer power coiled within his form, was both intimidating and thrilling.

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