Lord of Rain (The Dragon Demigods Book 5)

by Charlene Hartnady

  “Don’t go too OTT,” I say.

  Emily smiles, and it looks downright evil. “Wait until the engagement. Then you’ll see OTT.”

  My girl’s eyes get huge, and not in a good way.

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Emily,” I say.

  She laughs. “The hardest ones to fall always fall the hardest.” She winks at me and then leaves.

  “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Ashley asks. “We don’t have to do this if it’s too soon. You said we were taking it one step at a time.”

  “That was two days ago. I’ve loved having you in my bed. I loved being in your bed last night.” I went over to her place and never left.

  “Caused a bit of a stir,” she says. I parked my Aston Martin outside her apartment. What can I say, it got some interest from her neighbors. She puts her arms around my neck. “So, I’m really your girlfriend?”

  “Yes.”

  “We’re doing this?” She licks her lips, looking more nervous than happy.

  “We’re definitely doing this. It feels right.”

  “I think it feels right too. Just one thing, you can’t keep calling me Miss Shaw, and I probably have to resign as your PA.”

  I feel everything bristle. “You need this job.”

  “I can work in another department.” She lifts her brows.

  I would hate not seeing Ash all the time, but she’s right. I can’t concentrate with her just outside my door. “Okay…we’ll talk to HR.”

  “Then, one other thing. It’s something I’ve been wondering about you, and something I should know if I’m going to be your girlfriend.” She gets this amused look.

  “What do you mean going to be? You are my girlfriend.”

  She laughs. “You know what I mean. I was just wondering what the ‘W’ stands for. I know the ‘S’ is for Steven, but what does the ‘W’ stand for? It’s obviously your second name.”

  I feel myself go cold. I need to come clean about who I am. Who I really am. It needs to happen soon. I’m serious about Ashley. I never planned for this to happen. In fact, I fought against it. I tried hard to set boundaries. Ashley pushed back harder, and here we are. I think we can be good together.

  “Candice said she’s sure it stands for Wicked.” She laughs, but I can see that my silence is worrying her.

  I want to tell her, but now isn’t a good time. Plus, I should really check with the guys. I’m ultimately making excuses, but fuck, I’m not human, and I only hired her because she looks like someone who fucked me up. Someone who I loved and hated in equal measure.

  “Out with it,” she says, trying to mask her discomfort with humor.

  “You really don’t want to know.” I shake my head, smiling.

  “I really do.” Her voice is timid and unsure. “You don’t have to tell me. I won’t mind.”

  “It’s terrible.” The truth is that the ‘W’ doesn’t stand for anything, and the Steven part is a lie, too. I’m Bolt, and that’s it. The rest is for the humans. Superstars are allowed to have one name, but the rest of us, not so much.

  “Nothing about you is terrible. I’m sure you’re worried over nothing,” she says.

  I choke out a laugh. “Willa,” I finally blurt. “It’s a version of Wilhelm. It’s German.” I actually know a guy called Willa. It’s what came to mind on the spur of the moment.

  “Willa.” She smiles. “Steven Willa Bolt.”

  I wince.

  “It’s not that bad,” she says, then she goes all serious. “Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me. It means a lot.”

  Fuck! My heart is hammering. I want to tell her the actual truth. I’m such an asshole! Fuck my next appointment. Fuck everything else but her! I realize that I’m afraid. I have no idea how she’ll feel. I’m not human. It’s a big deal. I also hired her because she looks like Gabby. That is a very big deal. I need to come clean about all of it.

  “Pink,” she says, her eyes are bright.

  “Pink?” I frown. “What about it?”

  “It’s the color of my underwear.” She bobs her brows.

  I choke out a laugh and then look at my watch. “Eight minutes, Miss Shaw.”

  “I’m pretty sure you can do it…Sir.” She winks at me. There she is. Not uppity at all.

  I pull at the hair tie at the back of her head, and her hair tumbles out of her bun and down her back.

  “Not a very professional look.” Her voice is husky.

  “Perfect for what I have in mind.” I pick up my phone and someone from reception answers. “My next appointment is Elliot Ross. He’s due to arrive any minute now. Don’t let him up before two.”

  “Certainly, Bolt,” the receptionist says.

  I put the phone down. “You need to unbutton that jacket, Miss Shaw. Now! I don’t like waiting.”

  She squeals when I pick her up and turn her around so that she’s bent over my desk. I ease up her skirt and take two seconds to admire her ass. I groan because lace and her skin are two of my favorite things.

  Ash makes quick work of her jacket buttons while I unzip my pants and take my cock out.

  I shove her panties aside. Then I suck on a finger and start to rub on her clit. Ash places her hands on my desk and starts moaning right off the bat. I slip a finger inside her. “Naughty, Miss Shaw. You’re fucking wet, and I haven’t even started yet.”

  “You make me naughty,” she groans.

  I give her ass a light slap, and it shakes a little. My sexy girlfriend moans harder. “You’ll fucking kill me, Miss Shaw,” I groan out the words. My balls are in my throat.

  My fingers are soaking in half a minute. I slide them up and down to coat my cock. Then I give her panties another hard yank to the side and thrust into her tight, hot pussy.

  She yells.

  I think I do too.

  I keep my finger on her clit and fuck her hard. Using my free hand, I pull back at her jacket. Her tits are encased in pink lace.

  Holy shit!

  Holy fucking shit!

  I go harder on her clit, strumming her nub with everything I have. It’s slippery as fuck. I’m grunting with each stroke. Ash is making those noises I love so much. The ones that tell me she’s close. I let go of the jacket and grab her ass instead. I squeeze, opening her up for me. I see her mouth fall open.

  “Oh…Bolt! Yes…there… Fuck! Oh, shit…oh… Harder! Yes, that’s it…” I feel her pussy flutter as she sucks in a deep breath. I grab a handful of her hair. Then she’s yelling my name and a couple of other choice profanities.

  I growl long and low. I feel my scales. I feel my teeth have sharpened. Fuck. I keep holding onto her hair while I slow down. I put my forehead between her shoulders and breathe while I keep rocking into her. I count to ten, and I feel everything return to normal.

  “Oh, my gosh! That was…that was…insane.” She’s breathing hard.

  I let her hair go and look at my watch. “We have less than two minutes, Miss Shaw.” My cock is still inside her.

  She gasps. “Oh, no! I still have so much typing to do. My boss is very strict.”

  I chuckle. “Don’t tempt me to tell reception I’m running late. I’ll make you use those notes you took earlier.” I give her ass another playful slap as I pull out.

  Ash laughs as she disappears into my bathroom. I have my own facilities, including a shower. I tuck my cock away and fix my clothes. That’s when I see them on the floor. I smile. She returns a minute later with a frown.

  “Looking for these?” I hold up her torn panties.

  Ash scowls at me. “Those were new.”

  “That’s why you need that allowance we spoke about.”

  She takes her panties out of my hand. “I do not!” She kisses me softly and heads to her desk. I love how flushed her cheeks are. Ash most definitely has a ‘just fucked’ look about her.

  I turn towards my desk and realize that there are two perfect handprints on the otherwise pristine glass surface of my desk.

  Not
ten seconds later, my phone rings. “Yes?”

  “Your two o’clock is here.” Miss Shaw informs me.

  I shrug. “Send him in.”

  29

  Ten days later…

  Ashley

  Bolt holds the spoon out to my mouth, and I wrap my lips around it, enjoying the last of the chocolatey goodness. I moan around the bite, and then swirl the dessert around my tongue, before finally swallowing. “That’s really good.” I lick my lips.

  “How is it that you manage to make eating look so incredibly sexy?” His gaze is on my mouth.

  I shrug. “It’s a talent.” I smile at him.

  “A rare…wonderful talent.”

  I giggle. I’ve never felt more admired, adored, revered. I’ve never felt sexier in my life. Not just that, Bolt and I have talked for hours too. We’re getting to know each other and spending plenty of time together. We can’t get enough of one another, and it’s not just sex. We have yet to spend a night apart. I’m either at his place, or he’s at mine.

  Having said that, I get this feeling he’s holding something back at times. Like there’s more, somehow. Maybe I’m just being silly. No maybe about it, I am being silly. I need to just relax and enjoy this. I’m in love with Bolt, and from the way I catch him looking at me, I know he feels the same. I feel it deep inside.

  It’s special.

  It’s wonderful.

  It’s everything I ever dreamed it would be. We may not have a romantic story like the couple from I’anatra Grassa, but what does it matter? Not every love story needs to start with an attacking duck.

  Bolt holds up the bill folder. “Should we head home, Miss Shaw?” He gives me this look. “I bought you something I think you’re going to like.”

  I give him a dirty look. “I’m not sure I want this gift.”

  The waiter arrives and collects the bill folder. “Keep the change,” Bolt says. He locks his eyes back with mine. “You definitely want this gift. You might not know it yet, but you will soon enough.” His phone starts to vibrate. He looks at the screen and then shoves it in his pocket. Not important then.

  “Um…is it jewelry or chocolates?” I’m trying to come up with regular gift ideas.

  He lifts his brows. “Do you want jewelry or chocolates?”

  I laugh. “Okay, you got me there. I guess not. Is it roses or shoes?”

  “No.”

  “Pity…I like shoes.” I narrow my eyes. “Is it something filthy dirty…something naughty?”

  His mouth twitches. “You think so little of me.”

  “I knew it.” I laugh again. “Just tell me. What is this filthy dirty thing you bought me?”

  He shakes his head. “We need to be home and in my bedroom for me to reveal this gift.”

  “Lingerie?” I say.

  He shakes his head.

  I gasp. “I know, a nurse’s outfit.”

  Bolt laughs. “I like the way you think, Ash, but no.”

  I look down at his lap, and my eyes widen. “Did you get a Prince Albert piercing?”

  Bolt barks out a laugh. “You’re too much.” He takes my hand and then pulls me in for a kiss. “Too damned much,” he murmurs as our lips come apart. “Do you want me to get a Prince Albert?” He lowers his voice. “I thought you liked my cock as it is?”

  “I love your cock. I’m just trying to get you to tell me what you got me.”

  He smiles warmly, and his eyes get this soft look about them. “Let’s get out of here.”

  I grab my coat from behind my chair. It’s lightweight since the weather has been great. I link my arm with his, and we head out. We decided to walk, since this restaurant is just two blocks up from where Bolt stays.

  The skies are clear. I can see a few stars twinkling above us. I look up at Bolt. He’s frowning. He looks…troubled, which is puzzling because we’re having an amazing night. Our trip to New York was amazing. Everything has been great. “You okay?” It might be work-related. Why would he be thinking about work right now?

  He perks up and gives a nod. “Everything is perfect when I’m with you.” From the way he looks at me, I know he means it.

  “These last few days… Ever since I met you…have been…the best. I have something I—” Someone tackles Bolt from behind. I still have my arm linked in his, so when he’s shoved forward, I’m pulled along too, and right off my feet. The first thing I think is that I’m glad I decided to wear pants, otherwise my knees would have been torn apart on the sidewalk. I hear thudding noises, and my brain registers what just happened. What is happening right now.

  Bolt.

  I turn my head. A man – he’s older – has Bolt on the ground. He’s punching him. Pummeling him would be a better description. He’s laying into him, and in a big way. The man is huge…maybe bigger than Bolt. It’s not fat, it’s pure muscle. I realize that I’m screaming. I’m lying there on the ground, screaming.

  I start to get to my feet. My plan is to jump on the asshole’s back. I have to try to help Bolt. Thank god he has recovered to some degree and is fighting back. He’s blocking punches and getting in some body blows. I need to get the guy off of him.

  As I’m scrambling to get up, someone grabs me and picks me up, easily. “Bitch!” the person says. “You harpy piece of fucking shit.”

  “Excuse me?” Why am I being so polite? “What do you want?” I yell. It’s another man. This one is younger than the one fighting Bolt.

  He smiles, and I swear his teeth look sharper than they were a second ago. “I want my power back,” he yells at me. “Give it back or die!” He has to be a junkie. He just seems odd. I mean, he’s saying the strangest things. His whole expression softens. “You’re still the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.”

  Power?

  Still?

  I don’t know this guy. I’ve never seen him before in my life.

  “No!” Bolt shouts. “Stop!” I turn to him and see that he’s fighting harder. He’s struggling because the older guy is still straddling him. The older guy seems bigger than he was before, but that isn’t possible. Bolt’s attacker makes this awful moaning noise that gives me the creeps. I hear the thuds as his fists make contact with Bolt’s face and body.

  “Let me go,” I shout. “Stop! You’re going to kill him!” I scream in Bolt’s direction.

  The older guy stops the pounding. He puts a hand around Bolt’s throat. Bolt tries to punch him, but his arms are too short. How is that even possible? Bolt is six and a half feet tall. He tries to pry the other guy’s hand off his throat, but that doesn’t work either. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone more powerful than Bolt. The older guy looks up for just a second, and I think I only see one eye in the middle of his forehead. He looks away before I can say for sure. It’s dark. Too dark. I realize in the next breath that this attack was probably planned. This is the darkest part of the street. The streetlight above us is out. It’s also a quieter section. I feel a chill run through me.

  “I have some money,” I say frantically. “My boyfriend has a watch. I don’t know what kind, but I’m sure it’s worth a ton of money. Take whatever you—”

  I stagger back as his hand connects with my cheek. His slap isn’t hard enough to bruise…I don’t think, but it’s hard enough to sting. To make my eyes water. I have my hand on my face. This can’t be happening. What do they want?

  “It isn’t her!” Bolt shouts. It’s like he knows why they are here. I don’t understand. “Please—” Then there’s a choking noise.

  “No!” I scream.

  The guy in front of me grabs me by my upper arms. “Give me my power back, or Nicos will kill him. Your beauty won’t save you this time.”

  My beauty? He’s speaking like he knows me.

  “What power?” I yell. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Do not play dumb, harpy.”

  I frown. What a thing to say. Why would he say that?

  “I’m done being nice,” he snarls. Then he grabs me by the thr
oat as well. “You are going to give my—”

  I don’t hear the rest of what he says because there is this snarling sound. Then a bright flash of light and a grotesque, inhuman yell. Followed by more snarling. I can’t turn my head. It doesn’t sound like the older guy, but it has to be him. The snarl is halfway to what I imagine a lion would sound like. My first thought is for Bolt. This is bad.

  The guy holding my throat gets this look in his eyes. It’s fear. No worse, he’s petrified. “My power…please,” he begs me. “I would never have hurt you. I…please!”

  He lets me go and starts to run. I think I see— No! A huge creature going after him. It’s so dark. There’s more snarling followed by screaming. The scream doesn’t sound like Bolt. I shout his name. What’s going on? Is Bolt being attacked by someone else?

  Something else?

  “Hey, man,” the guy in front of me stutters. “Hey, I…” Something collides with him. I say something because it’s definitely not human. There’s more screaming and snarling.

  I see wings and scales and teeth. It’s a dragon. What? No! I must be unconscious right now. It has to be that, because this can’t be real. The fight is over in seconds. My captor is running. The older guy is back. I can’t see him properly, but I think he’s injured from the way he is carrying himself. He’s cradling his arm.

  The dragon snarls. Then it’s folding in on itself. It isn’t a dragon anymore. It’s…it’s a naked man. I know that body. I know that man. That back…that ass…those thighs. His muscles are bulging. They’re bigger, but they’re…his… It’s Bolt.

  I cover my mouth with my hand. I’m gaping.

  “Go!” Bolt growls. His voice is barely human. Then he braces, muscles bunch and rope, he snarls…it sounds vicious. Like it did when he was…when he was…a dragon.

  No!

  I’m trembling.

  This can’t be real. It can’t!