Rias lay stretched across the bed, pale skin glowing in the soft light, every curve an invitation, every breath a silent plea. It was the kind of beauty that made your heart race—and Draconis couldn't look away.
He slipped off his shoes, climbed onto the bed, and settled himself gently atop her. Magic flickered at his fingertips as he began to massage her back and waist, working slow circles into her muscles.
Her skin was impossibly smooth, white as fresh cream—enough to make any woman jealous. The warmth beneath his palms, the softness, the way she melted into his touch—it was almost addictive.
He let his hands glide upward from her tailbone, magic easing every knot. Rias couldn't help but let out a soft, contented hum, burying her face in her arms, her fiery hair tumbling over one shoulder.
"Heh, you're awfully sweet tonight," she teased, glancing up at him.
"Oh? Am I not usually this charming?" Draconis shot back, hands never pausing their work.
Truth was, he knew exactly what he was doing—every pressure point, every technique. All those books he'd read hadn't gone to waste.
Rias sighed happily, her voice a low purr. "You always make me feel good, but tonight… you're so gentle, I can't help falling for you all over again."
Draconis leaned in, voice quiet. "I know you're carrying a lot. I just wanted to do something for you."
She fell silent for a moment, then smiled, a little wistful. "Of course you'd notice. You always do."
"It's your family, isn't it?"
Rias nodded, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Yeah… but I'm holding up. For now."
Draconis pressed his lips together, then spoke softly: "If you ever want out, just say the word. I'll stand with you."
She blinked, surprised. "How? You're strong, but… not enough yet."
He didn't answer right away. "Don't be so sure."
She couldn't see his eyes from this angle, couldn't catch the quick flash of gold that danced in them. But she felt his presence—a quiet, steady confidence that made her pulse quicken.
Rias propped herself up, turning to look at him. He was calm, collected, that signature self-assurance in his gaze.
"What are you staring at? Lie down." Draconis gave her a playful smack.
Rias let out a soft gasp, eyes sparkling, and obediently settled back. "Funny—I feel safe with you. You're making it really hard not to fall for you tonight."
"Isn't that what a man's supposed to do?" Draconis replied, then added, "And Rias—I'm serious about helping you."
He kept working, gentle and thorough, until Rias's eyes fluttered shut in bliss.
"I get it. You must have some kind of plan… but I don't want you risking yourself. I can handle the pressure, for now."
Draconis paused, then murmured, "Just don't lose yourself in all this."
Rias smiled. "I won't. I am the next head of the Gremory family, after all."
Draconis just snorted internally. That title hadn't done much to ease her troubles.
Suddenly, Rias caught his hand, stopping him. "Okay, let me turn over."
He shifted aside, and Rias rolled onto her back, her eyes playful, a teasing smile curving her lips.
"Front needs some attention too."
"...Alright." Draconis didn't hesitate—he'd done this before.
Wave after wave of sensation crashed through her, and Rias's breath grew heavy. She reached out, arms open, voice husky. "Hold me…"
Draconis leaned in, letting her wrap her arms around his shoulders, and kissed her—slow, deep, unhurried. They lost themselves in each other for more than a minute before finally breaking apart, both a little dazed.
Rias kept her hands on his shoulders, eyes locked on his. After a moment, she whispered, "Take me."
Her voice trembled with longing, eyes burning with need.
Draconis met her gaze, close enough to feel her breath, and gently shook his head. "Not yet."
"Why?" Rias blinked, flustered. "I'm still a virgin!"
"That's not the point." Draconis's tone was steady. "If we act on impulse now, you'll pay for it later. You're the future head of your family—one reckless move could trigger a war. You know how your engagement works."
He wasn't exaggerating. Rias's betrothal—forced by family duty—was a delicate matter. If she broke the rules now, her fiancé would have every reason to retaliate, and the fallout wouldn't be pretty.
Draconis wasn't afraid of the consequences, but he refused to make life harder for Rias. He had to think ahead, for her sake.
Rias sighed, resignation in her voice. She understood—of course she did. It was just, for one brief moment, she'd wanted to break free, to choose her own happiness.
If Draconis hadn't kept his cool, she might have let herself get swept away.
She hugged him tight, whispering into his ear, "Draconis, I love you most."
Seeing her so vulnerable, Draconis smiled, then slipped out of his shirt and pressed close.
"Hey, didn't you say we couldn't do this?"
"I said we couldn't go all the way. Everything else? The family won't find out…"
He dipped his head, leaving a mark on her neck—a strawberry-red kiss.
Rias giggled, happy and breathless, and they tangled together, losing themselves in each other's arms.
…
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