My gaze drifts up to the vast purple moon hanging heavy in the sky, its light casting an ethereal glow over us. The unknown stars twinkle above like distant jewels. Is Carmen up there somewhere right now?
An idea pops into my head as I stretch, reaching for my discarded clothes, rummaging for the strange drink the Jungle Book guy gave us. Canteen in hand, I snuggle back into Dracoth’s warm, solid embrace, his rough hands still caressing my skin.
Who knew the dragon could purr?
I unscrew the cap and take a sip, almost spluttering as the roasted malt taste hits my tongue, quickly followed by intense burning, lots of burning.
Klendathian drinks could probably fuel delivery trucks. But screw it! This is a celebration—not to mention my red dragon has my mouth more parched than the Sahara Desert. So, I take another long swig, welcoming the heat as it slides down my throat and spreads warmth through my limbs.
“Want some?” I offer, lifting the canteen. “It’s really strong though.”
Dracoth halts his lovely attentions, taking the canteen from me. He gulps down a large swig, barely reacting as he hands it back.
“Weak Draxxus ale,” he grunts.
I frown, eyeing the now much lighter canteen.
“You sure drank a lot of that ‘weak ale,’” I say, scrutinizing the container before drinking from it.
There’s a moment of blissful silence as the cool night air brushes against my pale skin, contrasting with the heat of Dracoth behind me as he continues spoiling me with kisses and soft strokes. I melt into him with a moan, never wanting this feeling to end.
How different things are between us now. Only a few days ago, any question I asked would have been met with a cold shrug or silence. But now... We’re together. The thought sends my stomach fluttering with excitement.
Almost married, it’s crazy!
Maybe a little test?
“Any news about Carmen?” I ask, trying to sound casual as I glance back to gauge his reaction.
“None,” he halts abruptly, his face neutral—not annoyed. Good, though more detail would be nice. I turn away, assuming he’s done, In typical Dracoth style. But he surprises me by adding, “The junker ship I sent hasn’t returned.”
My heart clenches.Carmen... I hope you’re okay out there.
“Let me know as soon as you hear anything,” I murmur, glancing down at my hands as the familiar weight of worry presses down on my chest.
Then, without thinking, I blurt, “Did you want it to be me?” The words slip out before I can stop them.
Damn traitor lips!
I brace for the inevitable awkwardness, or worse, the blunt pain of his answer. After all, our relationship started as anything but smooth. More like a crash course on hownotto begin one.
Dracoth is quiet for a moment before finally speaking. “When I took you from Earth,” he begins, his voice low, “I named you the most beautiful female.”
My heart skips, a smile tugging at my lips as I glance back at him. “Oh, so that’s what you said before you shot me?” I laugh, the memory of that surreal, terrifying moment flashing in my mind. “I thought I was about to die while you were shopping for a wife.” Shaking my head, a faint grin softens his face. “Good thing I was wearing my best makeup, or you might have thrown me over the Brooklyn Bridge instead.”
“No.” Dracoth doesn’t laugh, instead his expression hardens. “It was never my intention to harm any of you.” For a second, his fierce crimson eyes falter. “I failed Kazumi and Carmen.”
A fist of disappointment clutches my chest. I don’t like this new side of him—this uncertain Dracoth. It’s like discovering your fierce guard dog might be a little chihuahua. But it’s okay though, I’ll keep him strong. We’ll both have to be if we’re going to reach the top, just like back in boarding school.
“It was no one’s fault. Least of all yours, Dracoth,” I say, my fingers tracing his firm chest. “You’re the War Chieftain. You can’t concern yourself with the past. Only the future... our future.”
“Wise words,” he grunts, his crimson eyes flashing with fierce intensity, sending a thrill through me. “Nothing will stand before us.” His voice is like freshly baked cinnamon rolls to my ears, warm and delicious.
I groan as his fingers tangle in my long blonde hair, his kisses trailing along my shoulder and neck, growing more intense. Tingles race over my skin, pooling between my aching thighs as I lean into him.
My hand traces the hard contours of his impossibly muscular body, gasping as I feel the rigid length of his cock once again pressing against my back. I’m tempted—so very tempted—his merciless yet tender touches keep me purring. But my body can’t take any more of his affections, not yet.
“Again?” I tease, peering up at him through heavy, drowsy eyes. “You’re an insatiable beast. I might have to use my barriers to cage this monster,” I laugh, my fingers trailing over his throbbing member.
