Page 310 of Hunters and Prey

Chapter 9

Roman

Skye Palace

Planet Anarr

The Hai System

Roman would never admit it, but he was nervous. He stood outside Chiara’s bedroom door and ran his hand over his bare head. He checked the time on his gauntlet again. It was still two minutes before he was supposed to be there and he wasn’t going to put her on the wrong footing by knocking early.

He could hear her moving around in her room, but otherwise it was relatively quiet.

Zoya had come to see him after helping Chiara. Roman had been concerned at first by the tears still in her eyes, but then his mother had simply hugged him and told him not to mess this up.

That was part of the reason he was so nervous. His mother had refused to tell him what had transpired between her and his mate.

Now here he was, about to take her on their first official courting activity and he felt completely unprepared. He should have asked his mother for advice. She was the one who’d gone through this three separate times.

His alarm went off and he heard another alarm beeping inside her room. Roman smiled and turned his off before knocking on the door.

The door slid open and Chiara stood before him. Words wouldn’t form. Every thought in his head flew right out when he saw her.

“It looks terrible?” she asked, frowning slightly before looking down at the gown. “The tailor had to add fabric. Your mother said my breasts were too big.”

Roman couldn’t help but chuckle at that. He reached out and traced the curve of her throat ever so slightly, trailing down. He removed his hand before he reached those luscious curves. “I don’t think your breasts are too big. They’re the perfect size.”

“You’re staring at them,” she said with a hint of snark. “From what I’ve read that’s considered rude.”

He smiled and brought his gaze to her full lips painted with a lipstick as dark and deep as the red dress she wore. It took every bit of control he possessed not to touch those lips, pull her closer, and then taste them.

“My mother sent over the Drakesthai protocol then?” he murmured, finally looking into her eyes.

Who had chosen the makeup he didn’t know. But the simple look suited her. There was a bit of black eyeliner and her lashes looked darker. The makeup box was from his mother no doubt, he couldn’t recall Chiara wearing any before tonight.

“She did,” Chiara said. “It’s been very helpful. I know where to stand now.”

Roman’s smile turned into a grin and he offered her his arm. “You look ravishing, velika.”

“You look very handsome as well. I wasn’t sure you wore anything other than armor.” Chiara linked her arm through his on the left in the Drakesthai fashion.

“Did you just poke fun at me?” he asked, lips twitching.

She grinned up at him. “Yes, was it done well?”

Roman laughed loud and long. “All the gods, Chiara. You did very well.” He laughed again and then stole a quick kiss. Licking his lips he felt that laughter turn into something darker. “And you taste delicious.”

Escorting her through the west wing to the formal dining room, Roman watched her think for a moment. His heart started beating faster when she glanced sideways at him. And he had no idea why that made him feel such…anticipation, but it did.

“If things go well,” she said. “I was thinking perhaps, you’d like to taste more of me.”

Roman coughed as he felt his cheeks heat and his dick harden. “You’re going to kill me,” he growled at her.

He couldn’t tell if he wanted to kiss her or wring her neck when she just smiled at him. “You need to fix something,” she said, turning to face him. “Would you like my help?”

Chiara’s hand brushed against the hard length of him straining against his pants and Roman inhaled sharply before grabbing her wrist. “You’re feisty this evening.”

“I like it here. And I like you.” She leaned in a little closer while he adjusted.

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