Forbidden Dragon (The Bride Hunt Book 5)

by Charlene Hartnady

  Louise pretended not to notice. She fixed a coffee for herself and then turned back to him. “Can I make you a cup?”

  Granite shook his head. “I’ll have some juice.”

  She gave a nod and poured him a glass, placing it in front of one of the plates. Louise took a seat, sipping her coffee. He liked that she didn’t feel the need to fill the silence. Most females had that urge.

  “I’m nearly done here.” He poured the last of the batter into the pan, going through the pancake-making motions.

  She gave a nod. “No problem.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  Louise cradled the mug in both her hands. “Tired,” she smiled, hiding behind the mug. “Good though.” Another shy smile as she took another sip of her coffee. The scent of her arousal wafted towards him. Still peaches and cream but mingled with a good dose of his own scent.

  He tried hard not to take it in too deep into his snout and failed. Despite coming half a dozen times in her tight body, his balls pulled tight. Granite ignored his body’s reaction to her. This wasn’t the time. He needed to get her fed, so he flipped the pancake instead.

  He willed his semi to go down. Thinking of anything and everything to make that happen.

  Maybe they could have breakfast and a quickie, if she was up for it. He didn’t normally rut females once the sun came up but he’d make an exception for her. She could use one more fuck. He’d take it slow and careful. He’d make sure it was good for her.

  Twenty minutes! Just twenty! He made the promise to his dick. Go down! Not right now. Granite slid the pancake onto the stack. He said a prayer of thanks as he felt his erection subside.

  He placed the pancakes and bacon in front of her, sliding in on the seat next to hers. “I’m sorry! We don’t eat straight eggs.” Straight eggs. What the fuck were straight eggs? Who said that?

  She gave a nod. “I know. I’ve been living with the dragon shifters for a couple of months now,” she said it in a mocking tone.

  Of course she knew, what was wrong with him?

  “I completely understand,” she added.

  “Help yourself.” He pointed at the pancakes.

  Louise took one.

  “You’re supposed to add a slice or two of bacon and lather the whole thing in maple syrup. It’s delicious.” All he could think about was her pussy as he said the word. His mouth watered. Delicious. It was an understatement.

  She nodded, taking a pancake.

  He took two, suddenly needing to fill his mouth with something sweet. He had a feeling the maple syrup wouldn’t cut it. She still scented of arousal and need. His reaction was perfectly normal.

  They ate in silence for a few minutes. He polished off the first pancake and started on the second.

  She took another small bite, chewed and swallowed before putting down her knife and fork. Louise grabbed a napkin and wiped her mouth.

  “I hope you’re not done?” He raised his brows.

  Louise shook her head. “Nope, still eating. There was something I wanted to say though.” She wrinkled her nose.

  Shit! She didn’t strike him as the type to give a declaration of love. To go all gaga on him. It happened on occasion though, despite ensuring that females understood that it was only sex. Despite making it clear that there would be no tomorrow or future of any kind. Fuck, he rarely ate breakfast with them. Of course, he’d feed them, he wasn’t a complete bastard but he’d be sure to stay on the other side of the kitchen. Once that last mouthful was down the hatch, he’d get them on their way. Every now and then, there were tears. He had not expected this from her and quite frankly he was disappointed.

  “I crossed the line. This thing between us … not that there’s an us …” she sucked in a deep breath. “This can’t happen again,” she shook her head. “I’m going to finish eating and be on my way. I need to go past my apartment anyway.” She looked down at herself. “I could do with a long shower.”

  “You can shower here.” What a pathetic thing to say. If the female wanted to leave she should go already. He gave a shrug to show that he didn’t give a shit either way.

  Louise shook her head. “I really need to change. I can’t be seen in last night’s clothes.”

  “My scent is all over you,” he blurted. “Some of the males saw us leave together. They will know.”

  She pulled another face, like his males knowing about them was the worst thing that could happen to her. The fuck! Louise scrubbed a hand over her face. “Last night should not have happened. Look,” she held out a hand as if to placate him, “I’m glad it did. We needed to get that out of our system, out of the way, but,” she paused, “we both need to move on like nothing happened. It’s business as usual. I don’t want this interfering with our working relationship. With the work I am doing.”

  “It was fucking, Doctor, plain and simple. Just fucking.”

  She flinched and something eased in him. It was good that they were on the same page. He could’ve used one more rut but hey, some things were not meant to be. “I think it’s safe to say that we enjoyed ourselves. The research you are doing is vital to my people. I can assure you that nothing will get in the way of that. Let’s finish up and I’ll give you a lift.”

  “No need,” she shook her head like taking a ride from him was the worst possible thing. “I’ll call a cab.”

  “You’re not calling a cab …”

  She shook her head some more. “No really.”

  What the fuck difference did it make? He didn’t offer lifts to any of the others. “Suit yourself.” He made himself another pancake. Throwing on an extra piece of bacon for good measure. He could tell that she wasn’t going to eat much more and it would be a shame to let all of this food go to waste.

  Granite took a big bite, chewed and swallowed. He took another bite and then another. The food tasted of nothing but he needed his energy, so he ate anyway.

  Chapter 20

  Two days later …

  Breeze held the baby to her breast and Crystal suckled greedily. The shifter wrinkled her nose. “I still can’t get used to this whole breast-sucking thing. It is so strange. To think I need to do this for the next year,” she shook her head.

  Louise gently patted Gem’s tiny back. The little one was slung over her shoulder, already halfway to falling asleep. She gave a toothless, milky yawn. Then again, it wasn’t milk they were drinking but an essence. At least Breeze described it as such. From what she could ascertain, it was a nutrient-rich liquid perfect for a growing dragon baby. It was weird to her, then again, not so weird as the other dragon species. All of their young were born with teeth and began eating solids right off the bat. No breastfeeding. Earth babies were born tiny and defenseless.

  They were minute and yet perfect. “I’m so happy that the girls are thriving. You are such a good mother.” She reached for her coffee and took a sip. It was still early, her work day had yet to properly start. This was her first appointment. Checking in on the new family.

  “You are a great doctor, I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “Yes, you could have.”

  Breeze shook her head. “No way! It wasn’t just the birth, it was the days that followed. I had no idea how to change a diaper or how to bathe them or feed them,” she laughed. “Especially the ‘feed the baby’ part. They would’ve been dirty and hungry if not for you. My girls are the first babies to be born on Earth soil in twelve years.”

  Louise tried not to show how shocked she was at the admission. “You would’ve done just fine.”

  “I’m always told of these instincts that females are supposed to have. I don’t think I was given any,” Breeze frowned. “You are apparently supposed to know when your baby is hungry or if she’s messed her diaper. The cries sound different. I don’t hear any difference. I end up running around. I have to check the diaper, put the baby to my breast, then I burp them. Sometimes I try everything and nothing works.” Her eyes were wide and there were black smudges underneath t
hem.

  Louise leaned forward and touched her arm. “You are doing great. Babies cry, it’s normal. As long as they are clean, fed and burped, there is nothing more you can do. You must remember that it’s difficult for them too. They were all wrapped up in this warm confined space and now they’re here, in this big, wide world. It can be a bit overwhelming and a little scary.”

  Breeze nodded. She let out a huge sigh. “I always feel so much better after you visit. Thank you!”

  “You are most welcome.”

  Breeze cocked her head, a strange look appeared on her face. “You aren’t going to bring it up are you?”

  Louise gave a tiny shake of the head. “I’m not sure what you mean.” She knew this was coming but had hoped and prayed that the shifter would let it go.

  Breeze rolled her eyes. “You and Granite. The fact that his scent is still all over you. You reek of him two days after the fact,” she gave a sly smile. “It must have been some night.”

  Louise felt her cheeks heat. “It was … good. It was fine. I’m not proud of myself.”

  Breeze flapped a hand and pulled a face that told her she was full of shit. “It’s better that it happened. You guys can get on with it now.”

  “Yup. Totally,” she tried to sound nonchalant and obviously failed.

  “You’re still attracted to him,” Breeze choked out a laugh. “I don’t believe it.”

  “Shut up, will you?” Louise spoke under her breath. “Someone could hear. He could find out about it and then I’m screwed.”

  “Yup, you would be.” Breeze found the whole thing hilarious.

  “This is no laughing matter. I hate that I still have a thing for him.” It was worse than before. All she could think of was his mouth on her, his hands and of course, his cock. His gigantic ‘I-can-make-you-come-in-seconds’ cock. They could not be together, they could not have sex again. It could not happen. Yet, she craved it. Ached for it.

  He’d found her scent to be needy and achy before … well, he would die when he caught a noseful of her now.

  Breezed snickered some more. “Oh my god!”

  “Stop already.”

  “So, when is his next appointment?” She winked and wagged her brows.

  “This afternoon, but don’t go there, don’t even think it.” Louise shook her head so hard some of her hair came loose. “It can’t happen again. Any type of relationship with Granite is strictly forbidden. You know that.”

  Breeze sobered up in an instant. “No, you’re right. It can’t happen. I feel a bit sorry for you guys. You’re probably hot for one another because you can’t have each other. Silly really,” she paused, “if only you could have sex a few more times, I’m sure it would fizzle out on its own.”

  “Mmmmhmmm, agreed, but it can’t happen,” Louise sighed. “I’m a bit nervous about seeing him again. How should I act? Like nothing happened or should I …” She thought on it for a moment. “I’ll act like nothing happened. That would be for the best.”

  “Sounds like a plan. If I know Granite it is what he would want. He’s the most straight and narrow, by-the-book male I know.”

  “Good to know. I’ll go and see him as soon as we are done. I need him to sign off on some new equipment. Blaze mentioned that it’s coming out of Granite’s budget and that he needs to approve it.” She’d received the directive yesterday, but had been putting it off. Now she felt stupid for delaying.

  “Yup, good idea. Just go over there and stick to business.”

  Louise put down her empty mug, sure to keep the baby securely against her, her neck well supported. “Little Gem is lights out.” The tiny baby in her arms was breathing rhythmically.

  “So is Crystal.”

  “Let’s go and put the babies down and then it’s back to bed for you.”

  Breeze shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly—”

  “Doctor’s orders,” Louise tried to sound stern, she even narrowed her eyes.

  Louise could see the other woman hold back a yawn. “Yeah, okay, maybe you’re right.”

  Louise helped put the babies to bed and then said her goodbyes. She really hoped that Breeze went for a lie down. It couldn’t be easy looking after two tiny babies. She thought of them, so tiny, downy hair on their heads, toothless yawns and lots of squirming. One of these days they would start to smile and then all bets were off, her heart would turn to a puddle in her chest. Hard work, but also rewarding, fulfilling and just plain awesome. Every single maternal instinct was firing on full cylinders and her broody button was being pushed in a big bad way. She didn’t understand how it was possible when she didn’t have a significant other. Louise gave a sigh.

  Walking quickly, she made a quick stop at her office to collect the file and request sheet and made her way to Granite’s office.

  The closer she got, the more nervous she felt. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Maybe she should get her ass back to her work chamber and worry about Granite when he came for his appointment later. Rubbish! The sooner she got this initial meeting out of the way, the sooner she could focus on her job. Her first patient was arriving just now. She hadn’t slept well last night and if she was honest with herself she was obsessing about seeing him again. How would he act? Would she be able to keep her interest in him a secret? Although lust was probably a better word … interest didn’t quite sum it up enough. Her hands actually shook. She couldn’t believe how worried she had been feeling. She should have taken this to him yesterday.

  Yes, getting this over with now was for the best. It was like pulling off a Band-Aid, best to be swift and yank it in one go. She only prayed that he wasn’t still as hot for her as she was for him. If he offered to tear off her clothes and ravage her she didn’t think she’d be able to say no.

  Here goes nothing. Louise gave a hard knock before she could change her mind … again. She counted to five and entered.

  Granite was at his desk, which was littered in paperwork. “What?” he snapped. “You don’t have an appointment,” he added.

  “Sorry, I needed you to sign off on something.”

  His frown deepened. “I’m busy. You have half a minute.” His dark eyes narrowed onto hers.

  For a second, Louise was tempted to launch into an explanation. She wanted so badly to shift weight from one foot to the other. Tempted to look for pieces of lint on her coat. The last thing she wanted were those intense dark eyes boring holes into her.

  Instead, she forced herself to stand her ground for a moment in order to catch her breath and to gather her thoughts. Although she was desperate to get the words out ‒ so that she could leave ‒ she forced herself to speak carefully and deliberately. “I need supplies and equipment.” She continued to list the items in question. Some of the items were new. Louise took her time explaining why each one was needed, making sure she was quick and concise, sticking to the facts. Others were depleted or in need of replacement. Louise ended with a total sum of the costs. “All the information is in here.” She gave the file a tap. “This is the form requiring your signature.”

  He gave a heavy sigh. “It could have waited until this afternoon. You’re wasting my time.”

  Why was he being such a dick? Louise pursed her lips for a second, willing her composure to return. “It couldn’t wait. I’m at risk of running out of one or two of those items, namely—”

  “You should have come to me last week with that list then. You’ve left things until the last minute,” Granite remained deadpan. He spoke to her like he would one of his subordinates or a naughty child. It wasn’t that she expected better treatment after sleeping with him but this was ridiculous.

  Quite frankly it pissed her the hell off. Louise clutched the file a bit tighter. “For your information, Blaze has been sitting on the paperwork for two weeks. He only got back to me with this yesterday, I thought you might be busy after taking the weekend off, so I delayed things by a couple of hours. I didn’t want to delay them any further, so here I am. If you want to lecture s
omeone about this, then get ahold of him and be my guest. Now, are you going to sign this or not?”

  He pushed his chair back and stalked over to her. Granite seemed taller somehow. He towered over her. Flip, he stilled smelled so good. Pity about him being such an asshole. Then again, it was a good thing. Him being an asshole was just great. It would remind her of why they couldn’t be together. Someone ought to tell her lady parts though. They wanted more of what he had to offer. They didn’t care that he was an ass-hat of epic proportions.

  He took the paper from her hand and she handed him a pen. Granite signed the bottom of the page with a flourish and handed the document back to her. “Anything else, Doctor?”

  Yes, I’d like you to bend me over your desk. What the hell was she thinking? She’d never been all that sexual before. She didn’t care about sex either way. When she was having it, it was nice and when she wasn’t, she didn’t really miss it ‒ or she hadn’t until meeting Granite. Everything about him screamed sex. At least, that’s what her body heard, loud and clear. Louise cleared her throat. “That’s all, thank you.”

  “The work that you are doing is beyond important, I can’t stress that enough. I can’t go into detail, it’s something you will need to trust me on. Our species could end up being eradicated. There are those who wish to see us dead.”

  Louise frowned and shook her head. He had to be exaggerating. Surely.

  “Yes,” he growled. “I mean every word. It’s why I’m pushing this therapy so hard. If there is anything you need, come to me. I would prefer it if you made an appointment going forward.”

  Hot and cold.

  For just a second there it felt like he was confiding in her, opening up a little and then bam he took it back and then some, it was jarring.

  “Of course,” she forced herself to hold his gaze.

  Granite gave a small nod and went back to his desk, picking up one of the documents. He gave the piece of paper his full and undivided attention and she felt dismissed. It was like she didn’t exist. Like the weekend had never happened. Granite had gotten what he wanted from her and now it was over.