Page 57 of Dark Princess Emerging

The conversation turned to food delivery options, and as the Odus served dessert, Brandon remained hyper-aware of Morelle beside him. Every movement, every casual touch sent sparks through his body, and he was both dreading and anticipating their return to her room later.

He needed to stop overthinking everything and just let whatever happened happen. He should trust Morelle to know her own desires and himself to be what she needed.

"Brandon?" Morelle's voice drew him back to the present. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes, sweetheart." He lifted her hand to his lips and brushed them over her knuckles. "I'm just thinking about how grateful I am to the Fates for bringing you into my life. I also wish that I could have been there in the Himalayan mountains, searching for you."

Jasmine snorted. "Count yourself lucky that you weren't. These two looked like skeletons. It wasn't a pretty picture."

Ell-rom leaned to plant a kiss on Jasmine's cheek. "And yet you stayed by my side."

"Of course. I knew you were fated to me, my prince."

34

MORELLE

Brandon radiated nervous energy as they entered her room, his usual graceful confidence replaced by an endearing uncertainty that made Morelle's heart squeeze.

He had lived for centuries and had been with countless females, so the only reason he might look anxious was because he didn't want to do anything that would be less than perfect for her.

"Brandon." She took his hand. "I don't want to pressure you into doing anything that you are not comfortable with. If all you want to do tonight is hold me while I sleep, that's perfectly fine."

The relief that flooded his features made her feel slightly guilty about her true intentions but not guilty enough to abandon her plans of seduction.

"I'm glad you decided to follow my advice and take it slow."

"Slow. Yes." Ella had told her to make her moves slow and deliberate. "I will take things slow." She waved a hand toward the bathroom door. "Go ahead and use it first. I need to arrange a few things in the closet."

"Are you sure? I can wait until you are done."

"No, you go first. I insist."

Brandon regarded her with a questioning look but then nodded, grabbed his overnight bag, and headed toward the bathroom. "Thank you. I won't be long."

As soon as the door closed behind him, Morelle retrieved the borrowed nightgown from where she'd hidden it in her dresser drawer. The fabric was soft and delicate, similar to that of the two nightdresses that Brandon's shopper had gotten for her. But unlike those which were floor length, this one was short.

Morelle held it up against her body, studying her reflection in the full-length mirror. Ella was a small female, considerably shorter than her, which could be a problem. The hem would definitely sit higher on Morelle's longer frame, but as long as it covered her bottom, it would do just fine. She was still very thin, so the width shouldn't be an issue.

According to Ella, the garment would make Morelle irresistible to Brandon, and that was what she wanted. Her storyteller was overthinking their intimacy, perhaps telling himself stories about fragile princesses who needed to be treated with care or they would fall apart.

She wasn't that type of princess, and maybe this alluring nightdress would help her rewrite Brandon's story.

When he emerged from the bathroom, Morelle's eyes widened appreciatively.

Was he trying to emulate her plan and make himself irresistible to her?

He needn't have made the effort because she already couldn't resist him, but he looked incredible in the loose black pants and matching shirt. The fabric draped perfectly over his broad shoulders, and even though it was loose, she could still appreciate the definition of his muscles underneath.

"Is this common night attire for males on Earth?" she asked.

Brandon chuckled, running a hand through his slightly damp hair. "Actually, I usually sleep naked," he admitted. "I got this set as a gift a long time ago, and I thought I should dress fancy for you tonight."

Or modest. She knew precisely why he was wearing it to her bed.

Silly, sweet male.

"You look very handsome," she said. The black, shiny fabric suited him perfectly, making his blue eyes seem even more striking.