Chapter 116: Jack Johnson - Banana Pancakes
"Oh, that was days ago. Get over it." Luna rolled her eyes and smacked Damien’s bare chest lightly—though her touch lingered longer than necessary, fingers grazing warm skin as though they didn’t want to leave. Her tone was flippant, but the soft curve of her lips betrayed her amusement.
Damien grinned lazily, propping his head up on one hand while the other reached for her again, a low, sleepy magnetism drawing her closer. "Come on," she urged. "It’s still early. You can make it to your castle, get changed, and head to the Royal Empire, even if for just a few hours."
He let out a dramatic sigh, as if the idea of clothes and politics was a direct attack on his soul. "Right..." He tugged her forward instead, his arm sliding around her waist until she collapsed onto his chest, landing with a soft huff and a muffled laugh. "I never got to ask..." he murmured, brushing his lips against her temple. "Was it good for you?"
Luna’s eyes widened and immediately, a flush bloomed across her cheeks. It spread fast—forehead to collarbone—her entire face lighting up.
"I’ll take that as a yes," he chuckled, thoroughly pleased with himself. "Although, I wasn’t in the best shape at the time." His grin deepened. "Not exactly peak performance. But I’ll still mark that night down as a win."
He nuzzled her neck, placing a slow kiss there, and she melted all over again, her hands settling instinctively on his shoulders.
"And now?" she whispered
Damien exhaled. "It’s odd..." he said softly. "I feel great, actually. Better than great. Like... every bone in my body has been reset." He tilted his head, thoughtful. "Days of sleep for a vampire might be all the healing we need and never knew it."
Luna smiled, heart twisting. She sent the old sorcerer a silent, reluctant thank-you. A part of her still wanted to stab him in the eye, but perhaps that could wait.
Damien suddenly pulled her forward with unexpected strength and plopped her onto his lap, his hands settling firmly around her waist. She let out a squeal of surprise and giggled as she found herself perfectly perched on his thighs, her knees hugging his hips.
"You’re a menace," she accused, breathlessly amused.
He smirked, inching his fingers beneath her nightdress, tracing slow circles on her skin. "I don’t have to be at the Royal Empire for a few more hours," he said.