Royal Secrets & Beastly Desires

11. Passion Ignited: No Holding Back

Warning!! Sexual content!!!

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When they finally arrived at his place, he opened the door, ushering her in with a gentle hand at the small of her back. The familiar space felt different somehow—charged with a new energy that made his heart race. As he closed the door behind them, he turned to find Dakota looking around, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Make yourself at home," he said, his voice low and inviting. She smiled and moved further into the room, her fingers brushing against the furniture as if she were absorbing every detail. Draiden watched her with a sense of wonder, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness swirl within him. It was as if he were witnessing a beautiful dance, the way she moved gracefully through the space, her presence transforming the mundane into something magical.

"Can I get you something to drink?" he asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. He moved toward the small kitchenette, glancing back at her as he did.

"Sure, what do you have?" Dakota replied, a playful grin lighting up her face.

"Beer, wine, or maybe some soda?" he offered, his voice teasing. "I could even attempt a cocktail if you're feeling adventurous."

"Let's go with the cocktail. I'm curious to see what your mixology skills are like," she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

With a chuckle, Draiden set to work, rummaging through the cabinet for ingredients. As he mixed the drink, he could feel Dakota's gaze on him, a warm presence that made him smile. He poured the finished concoction into a glass and turned to her, holding it out with a flourish.

"Behold, the 'Draiden Delight!'" he announced dramatically.

She took the glass, her expression both amused and intrigued. "What's in it?"

"Just a little bit of everything," he said, winking. "A splash of this, a dash of that. It's a mystery cocktail!"

"Let's hope the mystery is delicious," she teased, taking a sip. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, this is actually really good!"

"See? I told you I had some skills," he replied, taking a seat beside her on the couch. She leaned back against the arm rest and pit her legs on his lap.

As the evening wore on, their conversation flowed easily—sharing funny stories from their week, discussing their favorite movies, and discovering mutual interests. Draiden felt himself relaxing more and more. Dakota had a way of making him feel at ease, her laughter infectious and her insights refreshing.

"Okay, I have to know," she said, leaning in with a conspiratorial look. "What's your guilty pleasure?"

He laughed, scratching the back of his neck in mock embarrassment. "Alright, don't judge me, but I'm a sucker for cheesy rom-coms. There's just something about them that makes me happy."

Dakota grinned widely. "No judgment here! I can totally relate. There's something about a feel-good movie that just brightens your day. What's your favorite?"

Draiden thought for a moment, a smile creeping onto his face. "Probably *10 Things I Hate About You.* It's classic. Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles—can't go wrong with that."

"Oh, that's a great choice!" she exclaimed, her excitement infectious. "I love the poetry scene. It's both cringy and adorable at the same time."

"Exactly! And the soundtrack is pretty iconic," he added, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing between them.

Dakota shifted slightly, her legs still resting on his lap. "Okay, my turn! What's your least favorite movie genre?"

Draiden chuckled, leaning back against the couch. "Horror. I just don't get the appeal. I'd rather laugh than jump out of my seat."