Curse of a Dragon's Claim

by Ciara Lake

  “What?” Arianna paused brushing her hair.

  “You know, she said sex was good for you, made you more beautiful. I think it’s true.”

  “You listened to our whole conversation.” Arianna huffed.

  “I have great hearing. Nothing is a secret when discussed in the front parlor. I couldn’t help but hear. Plus, she was talking about a male’s favorite subject.” Picking up a strand of her hair, he twirled it between his fingers. “So soft.” Bringing it closer to his nose, he sniffed. “I do like lilac soap best.”

  “It’s my favorite too.” Arianna gave him a bright smile. Her smile made his gut clench with desire.

  “I want you. Being intimate with me is awakening your dormant traits, your immortal traits. I can see it.” Watching her in the mirror, he studied their reflection. “We make a nice-looking couple. Don’t you think?” Clayne reached for the other brush on the dresser. “Here, relax, let me brush your hair for you.”

  Arianna hesitated. Her eyes met his in the mirror. “You want to brush my hair?”

  “Yes, I’d like to.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek.

  “Have you brushed a woman’s hair before?”

  “Let me think.” Clayne looked up at the ceiling. “No.” He shook his head. “This is the first and only time I’ve shared this sort of familiarity with a female.”

  Arianna treated him to one of her most beautiful smiles.

  “Your hair is like silk. I want to bury my nose into it as I fuck you while you scream my name as you come from the pleasure I give you. You look alluring in your sheer gown. Have you worn this for me before?”

  Arianna nodded.

  “I thought so. Last time I did not take the time to admire it as much. You’re a vision of loveliness in it. I’m pleased you’re mine.” Tenderly he ran the brush through her tresses.

  Arianna closed her eyes as if fully enjoying each stroke of the brush.

  “Does it feel good, my lovely mate? I can see your nipples peak under your gown. They’re rosy, perfectly shaped, like every part of you.”

  “Yes, it feels nice.” She opened her eyes, watching him. “I enjoy having my hair brushed.” Arianna laid her brush on the dresser. “It’s very relaxing.”

  Clayne put his brush down too. “Here, stand up for me.” He helped her stand then moved the chair away. “Now turn and look into the mirror. Put your hands on the dresser and lean forward.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  “Do as I ask, mate. Obedience is a preferred wifely quality,” Clayne teased, kissing her on the lips before he turned her to face the mirror.

  “Okay.” Her bright eyes watched him unbutton his trousers to release his erect cock.

  “Did you tell Sarah my cock’s enormous?” He rubbed his stiff cock against her soft, rounded bottom. “Did you tell Sarah I satisfy you with it?” He pushed her hair over her right shoulder. “Look at you, you’re stunning.” Clayne pushed her gown up to her waist. “You’re even lovelier when I’m fucking you.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “You don’t know yet, my mate? I would think it was obvious.” He winked at her in the mirror. “I’m going to fuck you. You can watch me fuck you in the mirror and see how beautiful you are, we are together, as we love each other. Would you like that?”

  Arianna nodded. Her face to her neck blushed deep pink.

  “I love how you turn pink. So sweet and innocent. Spread your legs wide, my love,” Clayne coaxed. Swiftly, he impaled her with his cock.

  “I’m hot. You’re hot, so good.” She moaned. The heat of their passion was addictive, soothing.

  “Oh, sweet girl, you’re wonderful. Nice and tight. You’re mine, mine alone.” Clayne moved in her. “You like my cock?” Their heat intensified.

  “Yes.” Arianna watched him as he moved against her.

  “What?” he asked close to her ear. “What did you say?”

  “Yes.” Arianna moaned. “I like your cock.”

  “I told you we were an attractive couple. Look at us now.” Their eyes met in the mirror. Clayne moved against her harder. The dresser along with the mirror hit the wall, making a banging noise. “Look at your eyes, see the fire inside? Your eyes are like mine, like a dragon. See the flames within?”

  Arianna moaned as she pressed her bottom back into him.

  “Move with me.” Clayne grabbed her breasts. Squeezing them, he kissed her shoulder. He ran his tongue up her neck. Arianna pushed back each time he plunged, meeting him. Clayne felt as if he was about to explode. The building heat he had inside begged to escape, to be shared with her and only her.

  “I’m so hot.” Arianna threw her head back against him, arching her back. “I’m on fire.”

  “I am too, my love. You make me burn.” He pulled her away from the dresser against him. “Get on the floor on your hands and knees.”

  Obediently she did as he asked. The heat made them both shake with need. He was behind her, never breaking their connection, leaning over to kiss her neck and shoulders.

  “You taste sweet.”

  “Clayne…” She shivered under him. “I’m hot, on fire inside. I love how it feels.” Arianna shook as he pounded into her.

  “Sweet Arianna. I’m going to explode.” Growling loud, his roar was thunderous. It shook the room as he released his seed. “Incredible.” He stopped moving, momentarily spent. “I’m sorry. The floor’s hard on your knees.” Pulling from her, he picked her up, carrying her to their bed. “Here, lay on top of me.” He lay back on the pillows. “Sit down on my cock.”

  Arianna caressed his cock with her hand then pulled her gown over her head and straddled him.

  “That’s right.” Positioning her over his cock, he slipped inside her wet pussy.

  “Oh…” She sighed, arching her back.

  Clayne cupped her breasts with his hands. “You feel fantastic.”

  Arianna continued to move on top of him, squeezing his cock inside her pussy every time she paused. With ease, his cock slipped in and out of her wet pussy.

  “Look at your cock move in and out of me. Isn’t it beautiful?” Her bright, flame filled eyes looked at him.

  “You’re beautiful.” He stroked her back.

  Moaning, Arianna leaned down and kissed him. Her hair draped over them like a soft blanket. It tickled his shoulders and arms.

  “I like it slow.” She kissed his chin, his nose, and lastly his mouth. Her kiss was fervent. He shuddered. Finally, when the kiss ended, he rolled her over and was on top of her.

  “I like it slow too, but we did slow, now let’s do faster.” He kissed her mouth as he pumped into her at a quickened pace. “I like it slow and fast. Fuck, I just like it.” He pushed deeper inside her. Arianna hugged him tight. She ran her hands up and down his back. “Your hands are soft, I like them on me.” The entire bed moved as he pumped into her, the headboard banging against the wall.

  “We’re tearing down the house. The whole household will hear us.”

  “I’m not tearing the house down yet. The household will know I loved you well, as you deserve.” Clayne pounded harder until the heat consumed them.

  Arianna screamed his name. The sound of his name vibrated down his spine to his cock as he released.

  “Dear gods.” He collapsed on her. Arianna wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his shoulder.

  “I love you,” Arianna whispered in his ear.

  Clayne stilled, and then hugged her to him, rolling them to their side. “I love you.” Feverishly, he kissed her face, working his way to her breasts. Taking each breast into his mouth he suckled them. “I love you from head to toe.” He rose up on his knees to kiss his way down her body. Arianna squirmed. “Be still, my love, let me kiss you.” He ran his tongue into her belly button.

  “Clayne, it tickles.” Arianna giggled as she tried to squirm away from him. Holding her still, he continued to kiss her, stopping at her mound. “Oh, Clayne.” Arianna tried to push him away.

  “
What? Why did you push me away?” He ran his tongue inside her, lightly nipping her labia.

  “Oh, stop.”

  “Why, is it unpleasant?” He looked up into her eyes. “Don’t you like it?”

  “No, I mean yes.”

  Clayne ran his tongue further inside, over her clit. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” Arianna screamed again as she came. The sound of her voice was mesmerizing, nearly enthralling. It made him shudder all over. Her voice caused energy to surge through him, nearly arresting his movements, yet it freed him, it thrilled him.

  “Arianna, you must sing like a siren. I long to hear you sing to me.” He kissed her inner thighs. Arianna pressed them together. “Relax, my love. Don’t resist, allow me to kiss you. I told you I love you from head to toe. Let me show you.” He continued a path of kisses down her legs to her feet. Affectionately, he kissed each one of her toes.

  Arianna giggled uncontrollably. “Oh, your kisses tickle.”

  Sitting at the end of the bed, he watched her. “You make me happy. You please me like no one else.” Clayne pulled back the bedding, helping her beneath it. “Let’s sleep now. I have a big meeting tomorrow. Copeland will take you, Timka, and Sarah on your outing in the afternoon.” He pulled her back into his arms.

  “Can’t we go shopping in the morning?” Arianna snuggled against him.

  “Copeland will be with me in the morning at our meeting with King Arach. But he’ll return to go with you. If you wait another day, I’ll be able to take you myself.” Clayne placed a kiss on the back of her head. “Arianna, did you hear me? Arianna? Are you asleep?” There was no answer. “I’ve worn you out, my love.” Hugging her closer, he surrendered to sleep.

  * * * *

  Sarah lay tangled in the bedding, her heart racing, her body burning. She could hear the thuds from the room down the hall, feel the very earth move with the force of passion. Arianna indeed had a man worthy of her. Sarah felt a tiny kernel of jealousy flare. Why couldn’t she have one to love her? A lone tear slid down her temple.

  Chapter 9

  “Good morning, Sarah. Did you sleep well?” Arianna greeted Sarah as she walked into the dining room. “Have a seat.” Arianna pointed to the chair next to hers. “Zeller will bring our food to us. It’s a gorgeous day.” The sun shone bright through the windows of the breakfast room, it reflected off the crystal chandelier over the dining table.

  “Yes, I’ve never slept better. I’m sure the hot bath had something to do with it. As soon as my head hit the pillow I was out.” She pushed her hair over her shoulder. “I’ve worn my hair down this morning. I couldn’t bring myself to put it up yet.”

  Thank goodness she didn’t hear the noise we made last night. She’d tease me to death. Arianna giggled.

  “What’s so funny?” Sarah sat down in her chair.

  “Nothing really. I was thinking about something amusing.”

  “Where’s Timka and your handsome husband?” Sarah asked. “And where’s the solemn Copeland?”

  “Clayne took them with him this morning. They had something to see to, business of some sort. He promised that Copeland and Timka will be back later to take us on our outing.”

  “Mind sharing your amusing thought that has you giggling? Is it something juicy?” Sarah grinned and wiggled her eyebrows.

  “Good morning.” Zeller pushed open the service door with his foot, saving her from having to answer. “I have ham and eggs for your breakfast. I’ll leave it on the buffet, you can serve yourselves.” Zeller’s smile was bright, cheerful. “You both look pretty and perky.” Zeller set the large tray down and unloaded it onto the buffet.

  “Thanks, Zeller.” Arianna stood and picked up a plate.

  “I’ve prepared hot tea too.” Zeller set the teapot on the table.

  “Yum, everything smells great. I love your cooking, Zeller,” Sarah expressed with exuberance.

  “Thank you, Signorina Sarah. I enjoy cooking for you. If you need anything else ring the bell.” Zeller bowed, turned, and left the room with his tray in hand.

  “Arianna, let’s go shopping after we eat. Lillian and Rufus are ready to take us, we can sneak out. This works out perfectly with everyone gone this morning.” Sarah stood and followed Arianna to the buffet. “Going in the afternoon is too late. It’ll ruin everything.” Sarah’s voice had a whine to it.

  “I don’t think we should.” Arianna made a face and shook her head.

  “Oh, come on, where’s your sense of adventure? Marriage hasn’t made you blindly obedient, has it? So boring.” Sarah playfully rolled her eyes.

  “No, I do have a mind of my own. But Clayne arranged for Copeland and Timka to take us.” Arianna returned to the table with her full plate. “Marriage does make me hungry.”

  “It’s all the fucking.” Sarah giggled. “Besides, we’ll save them the trouble by going without them. They won’t be bothered with having to go. Anyway, I sent a note yesterday letting the dressmaker know we’re coming this morning. They’ll have lunch for us too. I’m so excited. I really don’t want Copeland to drag us down with his…his mood changes. He’s handsome and all, but I’m sure he’ll be frowning the whole time and dampen our fun. Do you blame me?” Sarah smiled at her as she cut her slice of ham. “It’s one thing to have dinner with Copeland. It’s another to go shopping. And really, what butler eats dinner with your guests, with his master? Your husband and his household are unusual. I’m not complaining, only commenting.”

  “No, I know. I don’t blame you. Copeland is grumpy, but…”

  “But what?”

  Arianna shrugged. She couldn’t explain without revealing secrets.

  “See, there’s no reason we shouldn’t go, right?”

  Arianna hesitated and nodded.

  “Excellent.” Sarah rubbed her hands together. “After we eat we’ll head right out the front door. No one will even notice we’ve left. Zeller’s busy and the others are doing whatever they’re doing. This is an eccentric household. We’ll use that to our advantage.”

  “Sarah, this household’s no different than yours.”

  “Oh, really?” Sarah chuckled. “Our servants seem like servants or staff, whatever you want to call them, not warriors. Anyway, we’ll just leave after we eat. In fact, if we have to we can tell Zeller we’re going to your room to do needlework.”

  “I hate lying to Zeller.” Arianna played with her food.

  “Don’t think of it as lying.” Sarah pouted. “I don’t like to lie either. It’s creative storytelling.”

  “You mean lying?”

  “You shouldn’t be a prisoner. Zeller’s your cook, not your superior.”

  “I’m not a prisoner. I like Zeller.”

  “Are you sure you’re not a prisoner?” Sarah raised her eyebrow. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “I like Zeller too. Like I said, your servants aren’t typical in any way.”

  “Goodness, Sarah, I’m hardly a prisoner in my own home. I realize Clayne’s staff is unusual, but they’re far better quality than are in most households. Look at how perfectly the household runs. How clean it is. But…” She caught Sarah’s disgusted look. “Okay, after we eat, we can leave. I do hope he won’t be too angry.” She sighed and toyed with her eggs.

  “Oh, Arianna, just do the thing you do with him.” Sarah winked. “And he’ll forgive you soon enough. Begin to learn your power, the man’s smitten.”

  “Sarah you sound like… I don’t know.” Arianna waved her hand. “But love’s different. You don’t love then use the power to get your way. I assume the thing is sex?” Arianna sprinkled salt on her eggs, dismay a band around her throat. “It’s not like that between us, or at least I don’t want it to be.”

  “You’re in love?” Sarah yelped as she pushed back from the table. Jumping out of her chair, she danced around the table like a nymph.

  “Have you lost your mind?” Arianna watched Sarah twirl around, while skipping to the other side of the room.

  “No, I’ve
not lost my mind. I’m happy for you, I’m celebrating. Do you know how rare it is to love one’s husband? Especially so early in a marriage. Most people are lucky to even stand each other.” She stopped next to Arianna’s chair. “This is wonderful news. To be in love is wonderful. To be in love with a husband like yours must be heaven. He’ll forgive you the little transgression of going shopping. Stop worrying so much.” Sarah grabbed Arianna’s hand. Her face gleamed with happiness. “Pray for some of your good fortune to come my way. I want to have what you have.” Sarah kissed Arianna’s cheek. “Come, Lillian and Rufus are waiting for us.” Sarah rushed around to her chair, gulping down the rest of her cup of tea.

  Arianna stood up. “Okay, let’s go. It’s a good thing I’m fully dressed. I don’t have to sneak back upstairs. I guess we can go with our hair down.”

  “Yes, we can. I had a backup plan if you weren’t ready to go, but you are ready, so come on, let’s go shopping.”

  Arianna couldn’t help but feel Sarah’s enthusiasm even if it was tempered with a healthy dose of unease. They rushed out of the breakfast room, through the great hall, and out the front door without being seen by any of the staff.

  “We made it.” Sarah let out a big breath as they boarded the coach where Lillian was waiting inside. As soon as they sat back, the coach took off down the street. “I told Rufus to be ready for an escape.” Sarah winked at Arianna. “The shop isn’t far.”

  The coach weaved through the streets of Florence. It seemed to hit every hole and bump in the road. The day was beautiful, but inside the coach, it was stifling.

  “Dear me, it’s a bumpy ride.” Sarah fanned herself. “I’d forgotten how much the streets of Florence need repair.” The coach came to an abrupt stop. The three women nearly fell out of their seats. “My goodness, Rufus is really bumping us around today.”

  Within moments, Rufus opened the coach door. “Signorina Sarah, we’ve reached the dressmaker’s shop.” Rufus offered his hand and helped them step down.

  Sarah led the group into the shop. As they entered, a bell sounded. A petite woman with her graying hair pulled back in an elegant bun approached them. She was dressed in a pale green morning dress decorated with an elaborate needlepoint design. No doubt, she was advertising her handiwork.