Page 291 of Hunters and Prey

Roman did as she asked and she noted the way the membrane folded perfectly so as to take up less space. That was why the scales were so soft.

“If you don’t plan to deny the bond…then what happens now?” Roman asked. The way he adjusted his body, she could tell he knew exactly where she was as she walked from one tip to the other.

“I had planned to consider the next course of action while I worked. But you insisted on talking about this now.” Chiara noticed the tips were sharp as well. No doubt he could do some serious damage with these wings if he wanted.

Roman said nothing. He didn’t try to apologize or make excuses either which she appreciated.

“I suppose we will have to spend some time together,” she told him. “Would you mind removing your shirt so I can inspect how they attach?” Chiara had expected some resistance to this request, but Roman kept quiet and stripped off the strange shirt that cut off at his shoulders so his entire arm was bare except for the gauntlets he wore.

Chiara leaned in close to his back, studying where on the shoulders the wings attached. “But as I’ll be busy attempting to find a cure for your sterility, I’m not sure how we will find time to spend together. I’m sure you have much to attend to yourself as well, being a prince and all.”

Roman turned without warning and she jerked back as his bare chest was suddenly only a few centimeters away. The way he looked down at her, she shivered even if she didn’t really know why.

“All I’m asking for is a few moments of your time a day. However I can manage it, I will. Even if it’s during one of your meals.”

Roman stepped over the couch without a back and she stepped backward, trying to put some space between them. Suddenly it felt like he was everywhere.

“And you will be patient?” she demanded, feeling defensive for some reason.

Those blue eyes seemed to darken as he took her in. “I’ve been waiting my whole life as Alexei said,” Roman told her. “If you’re not going to outright deny the bond and all you’re asking for is time to consider me as a partner and not just as a mate who was forced on you…I can be patient.”

Chiara stared up into those eyes that were so strange, so different than what she was used to. Even his brown skin was a different shade than hers – darker. Roman was made of shadows. His wings made him nothing more than a phantom in the night.

“Then I suppose I can find a few minutes to spare each day,” she breathed. Everything about him set her on edge, but he didn’t frighten her…just made her aware she supposed – aware of him in a way that she never was with other people.

Roman took another step forward and this time she held her ground, curious to see what he would do. The dragon prince kept just enough distance between them he didn’t touch her, but she could feel the heat radiating off of his bare skin.

Asking him to take off his shirt had been a mistake. Now it was all she could do to keep her eyes on his face. And she had never had problems with nudity before.

“I believe your scanner is here,” Roman said, still too close. He seemed to take up the whole bloody room. “I’m ready when you are.”

As Chiara sidled around him, she wondered what exactly she’d gotten herself into.

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