Page 57 of Real Scale Blazer
“And yet here you are.” His free hand came up to cup her cheek. “Still investigating, still fighting, still refusing to run even when it would be safer.”
“Well, you know us scientists.” Her attempt at lightness came out breathless. “Terrible self-preservation instincts. It’s practically a job requirement.”
“Is that what we’re calling this?” His thumb traced her lower lip. “Professional dedication?”
“Definitely not.” She leaned into his touch, pulse racing. “Pretty sure making out with research subjects violates several ethical guidelines.”
“I won’t tell the ethics board if you won’t.”
She meant to laugh, to maintain some semblance of their usual banter, but the sound caught in her throat as he closed the remaining distance between them. The kiss started gentle, a question more than a demand. But when she wound her arms around his neck, fingers sliding into his hair, it quickly blazed into something deeper.
A distant crash in the library stacks snapped them apart. Kai’s eyes flared fully gold as he spun toward the sound, pushing Quinn behind him in one fluid motion.
“Really?” She peeked around his shoulder, torn between exasperation and amusement. “The protective dragon thing again?”
“Habit.” But he didn’t relax his stance until a sheepish-looking page emerged from behind a toppled stack of books.
“My apologies, Your Majesty.” The young dragon shifter scrambled to gather the scattered texts. “I didn’t realize... that is, I wasn’t trying to... um...”
“It’s fine.” Kai’s voice held barely contained laughter. “Though perhaps more care with the ancient texts?”
FORTY-THREE
The page fled as soon as the books were restored, face flaming. Quinn collapsed against Kai’s chest, giggling.
“Poor kid. Probably traumatized by catching the king in a compromising position.”
“Hardly compromising.” But his arms came around her, holding her close. “Though if you’d like to discuss actually compromising positions...”
“Down, boy.” She patted his chest, still laughing. “Some of us have mysteries to solve before we can focus on... other activities.”
“Other activities?” His growl vibrated through her. “Such a clinical term for?—”
“Don’t you have kingly duties to attend to?” But she softened the deflection by stretching up to press another quick kiss to his lips. “Go rule things. I’ll find you when I’ve sorted through the rest of these reports.”
“Promise?”
The simple question carried layers of meaning: Promise you’ll be careful. Promise you won’t face danger alone. Promise this thing between us is real.
“Promise.” She met his gaze steadily. “We’re in this together now. Magical destiny or not.”
He stole one more kiss before reluctantly releasing her. “Together,” he agreed. “Though perhaps we could discuss this further over dinner? Somewhere without prying eyes and falling books?”
“Are you asking me on a date, Your Majesty?”
“I believe I’m past seeking permission to court you.” His smirk made her knees weak. “But, yes, if you prefer Earth terminology, I’m asking you to dinner. Properly this time, without political agenda or assassination attempts.”
“Wow, you really know how to sweep a girl off her feet.” But she couldn’t hide her smile. “Fine. Dinner. But I reserve the right to bring my research notes.”
“I would expect nothing less.” He backed away, still holding her gaze. “My chambers, two hours after sunset?”
“Your chambers?” Heat pooled in her stomach. “That’s not very proper for a king.”
“Fortunately, my intended isn’t known for respecting propriety.” With a final heated look that promised all sorts of improper activities, he strode from the library, leaving Quinn to collapse back into her chair on shaky legs.
“Well,” she muttered, touching her tingling lips. “So much for professional distance.”
But as she turned back to her investigation, she couldn’t quite suppress her smile. The mystery of Bhesna and the kingdom’s instability still needed solving. But maybe, just maybe, she could have both—the scientific challenge that had drawn her to Nova Aurora, and the unexpected love that made her want to stay.