Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 485

Chapter 485: Unwelcomed Lunch with Two Royals

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Chapter 485

~Zara’s POV~

"Cancel my three o’clock," Zara said without looking up, fingers flying over the keyboard. Her voice was clipped but calm.

"Again?" Taylor asked from the doorway.

She finally looked up. "Yes. And push the Baxter review to tomorrow. I want no interruptions for the rest of the day."

The door had barely shut when another knock followed—softer this time.

Zara’s jaw tightened. "What now?" I groaned. "Unless someone died or the building’s on fire, turn around."

I didn’t even look up from my screen. My tone was clean, clipped, and dangerously close to losing its edge. Today wasn’t the day.

But of course, Taylor didn’t turn around.

"Hello to you too," came that unmistakable voice—smooth, teasing, and laced with just enough arrogance to make me want to throw something.

Davion.

I looked up slowly, and there he stood, framed by the office door like he owned the damn building. Fitted black jacket, the faintest shimmer of scaled embroidery at the cuffs, and that dragon-born smirk he wore like a weapon.

His hair was neatly styled and left in loose waves at the back of his head.

"How did you get past Taylor?" I asked flatly.

"She’s on break," he said with a shrug. "Told the intern I was family."

"You’re not."

"Yet," he added with a wink, stepping in like he hadn’t just trampled past all my boundaries.

I stood, not to greet him, just to create space. "I’m working, Davion."

"Which is why I’m here. Lunch." He gestured vaguely, like the idea should charm me. "You’ve been locked in here for hours. I figured you needed a breather."

"I don’t," I said, voice firm. "Not with you."

His smile dimmed, but only slightly. "I thought your girls’ outing reminded you there’s life outside of quarterly reports."

I stared at him, expression hard. "And I thought I made myself clear the last time. I don’t want this—you. Whatever... game you’re playing."

"Afraid of what Snow would say?" he asked, voice dipping lower, more careful now.

"No," I said coldly. "I’m trying not to snap your neck in his office, that’s what I’m trying to do."

A flicker of something passed behind his eyes. Regret? Frustration? It was gone too fast to read.

"I’m not here to fight," he said after a pause. "Just one meal. No past. No pressure. Just food."

I hesitated. Davion was relentless, I’d give him that, and I was... tired. Too tired to argue with a dragon prince who didn’t know how to take a damn hint.

"I won’t push," he added softly. "Unless you make me."

I gave him a tight smile. "So we’re threatening now?"

"Mildly. But it got your attention. And you know I can take it further if I wish."

My glare was evident, judging by the pleased look on his face and I sighed. "You have one hour. No questions. You drag anything about us being together into it, I’m walking."

His smile returned—smug, victorious, and way too pleased with himself. "Deal."

Somehow, "just lunch" turned into a two-hour movie.

I sat with arms folded and my jaw clenched, watching the screen but seeing nothing.

He, of course, looked perfectly at ease beside me, occasionally tossing popcorn into his mouth like we were on a first date.

"Enjoying yourself?" he murmured, leaning in.

I didn’t answer. The low rumble of his voice had a way of slithering into my skin, like heat under the surface.

The problem wasn’t that he made me uncomfortable. The problem was that part of me noticed him at all.

Davion was danger wrapped in a charming smile. And I’d had enough danger to last me a lifetime.

***************~Upscale Bistro – Late Afternoon~

By the time we sat for lunch, I was already regretting the entire day. I stirred my drink absently, watching the ice clink against the sides of the glass.

Davion was saying something—probably charming, probably pointless, but I tuned him out until my gaze flicked past him. Then, my eyes locked on Kaid.

He stood at the entrance like a shadow, tall and unreadable, eyes sweeping the room before landing on me. He froze.

I sat straighter, grip tightening on my glass. Damn it.

I knew better than to let them meet, but that was unfortunate as Kaid wouldn’t see me or come over.

So rather than making a move, I smiled softly.

Kaid moved toward us with slow, measured steps. His presence struck like a silent warning—the calm before the storm.

"Zara," he said when he reached the table, his voice calm, sharp.

"Hey."

Kaid suddenly had his ears perk up as his muscles tensed. I knew he felt him. "What’s going on here?"

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