by Thalia Frost
Skye sighed. “Maybe this is stupid, but okay.”
But she didn't think it was. His voice just then had been...so kind. It was something she had never experienced from a man—kindness. Not in any solid way, beyond someone opening a door or smiling politely. Her own father had walked out when she was very young, and her mother's succession of boyfriends had been sleaze balls—not one of them kind.
“It's not. Let's explore. It's a great cave, actually.” Niall offered his hand. “Take it. I'm not just being chivalrous. It's easy to stumble here. The light isn't great, and there are lumps and bumps in the rock underfoot. I have a pen light, though.” He took it out of his pocket and shined it on the ground in front of him, raising one eyebrow in her direction.
Skye took a deep breath and walked the few steps forward to take his stretched out hand.
Here's hoping I don't end up on the news in a few weeks in some lurid headline like, Body of American Woman Discovered in Off Limits Scottish Cave.
* * * *
Niall felt the jolt of electricity run up his arm when Skye took his hand. He squeezed it gently, hoping it wouldn't give her the wrong idea. He loved being with her, touching her. He wanted so much more from her, and he wanted to give her so much more.
This is all a dream.
He scowled at the inner voice, reminding him of Morighan and the complications of his situation. When he had given the low whistling signal, that sent all dragons into hiding. It was a sign from any clan member that an outsider was entering—someone who didn't know about dragon shifters or that they inhabited this place as a home. At least he didn't have to worry about running into Morighan, though she might see Skye with him, and she wouldn't like that one bit.
He groaned.
“What's wrong?” Skye's voice held a note of fear.
“Nothing. Just thinking about something I forgot to do in Emberside proper today. It will wait until tomorrow.” He stopped, still holding her warm hand. “So, what do you think about this place?”
“It's...magical, somehow. I feel like I've been here before.” Skye shrugged, gazing at the rocks around her and the high top of the central part of the cave, brown and damp from rain and moisture seeping in. “But I've only been to one cave as a child. I don't remember much about it at all.” She smiled.
“Oh, that's a shame. Well, plenty of caves here to enjoy this summer, and maybe beyond, if you stay, lass.” Niall smiled at her as he saw the question in her gaze. He wanted to pull her close and kiss her.
“Excuse me!”
He jumped a step back at the voice, releasing Skye's hand. It was Morighan. Blast that dragon woman!
“Did you see the sign? You know this cave is closed to the public.” She shot daggers through both of them with her icy blue stare as she came into view, pulled up to full height, golden blonde hair trailing down her back, her nostrils flaring.
“I'm sorry. I'm not from here.” Skye sounded distressed.
That pissed Niall off even more than Morighan's interference had. “As you know, I am. The weather's terrible out there. We needed shelter before we were struck by lightning and killed.” He heard the razor sharp tone in his voice. Niall didn't care.
“Well, you need to be leaving soon. I'm doing a survey of the cave—for the government.” She cleared her throat.
Sure you are, you lying fire breather.
He gave her a sardonic smile. “We'll clear out soon.”
“Thank you.” Morighan turned on her heel and disappeared into the black center of the cave.
Niall wanted to punch the wall, but that wouldn't be a good idea with Skye here. He would give Morighan a talking to later. How dare she?
But she did dare. She was his betrothed and had every right to breathe fire when she saw him holding a human woman's hand. He had no rights in the matter. All he could do is tell her it was over, and damn the consequences.
“I think it's slacked up a bit. Are you ready to go?” Skye cleared her throat. She tapped her foot impatiently.
The spell between them was broken, and he led the way to her cottage in sad silence.
* * * *
“Well, here we are. Thank you again. I'm glad I didn't brave that for hours trying to find my way back.” Skye laughed as she opened her front door.
Niall followed her inside, desperate to be with her. The last thing he wanted right now was to return to the cave and to what was waiting to be done.
“Any time. I'll be 'round tomorrow to do some weed trimming and the like. It won't be too early, though, and I'll try to keep the noise down so you can write.” He studied her flushed cheeks and full lips.
By Zeus! She's pretty.
“That would be great. Hey...” she trailed off and bit her lip as if thinking. Niall waited, not wanting to push her. She was like a skittish yearling dragon, unsteady and not trusting of anyone—at her core.
“Would you like a cup of tea and a scone or two? It's the least I can offer. I noticed my cabinets were stocked for me when I arrived.” Skye shrugged and inclined her head.
“Of course. Thank you.” Niall eased himself into one of the kitchen chairs. “Can I help with anything?”
“No. I just have to find everything.” Skye shrugged. “New place and all. I'm still opening the wrong cabinet just to find a cup.”
“Right. So...what kind of novel are you writing? I'm sorry to ask when I'm sure you get the same question all the time.” He stared at her shapely form as she reached high to get to the tea bags.
“Oh, it's a romantic suspense novel.” Her cheeks grew pink.
“Does that embarrass you?” He gazed into her eyes as she took the tea bags down.
“No. Why should it?” Her tone was curt.
“You blushed.” He grinned, enjoying putting her on the spot.
“No, I didn't.” Skye went to the sink and then slammed the teapot down on the burner.
“Yes, you did. But maybe it's just because you're shy.” He wriggled his brows.
“I'm not. I didn't blush. I'm like most writers—neurotic about my work and worried the next novel won't be any good. The first was a bestseller.” Skye dug for something else in the pantry. “I know there are scones in here somewhere. I saw them earlier.”
“Wow. A bestseller. That's great. Congratulations.” He watched her rummage for a moment. “Hey, I know where they are.” Before she could protest, Niall walked up behind her, a hair's breath from her body. He leaned over her and put his hands right on the package—just not the package he really wanted to touch.
Damn. He wanted to whirl her around and kiss her—hard.
She bumped into him as she backed up, obviously flustered. “Thanks.”
He touched her back, and she stopped and slowly turned around.
“If you'll just move, I can finish putting together our tea.” Skye's smile was tight lipped, her pulse beating in her throat like a little dragon's wings.
“Sorry.” Niall put his hands up. I can't win with her. “So, tell me more about writing romantic suspense.” He chuckled.
“What's funny about it?” She dumped some scones onto a plate with an angry thud.
“Nothing. I just pictured you writing something...more serious—like historical novels.” He shrugged. It was true.
“Well, you pictured wrong. I happen to adore the romance genre and cut my teeth on my Gran's old Scottish highland romances.” Skye's cheeks pinked again.
“There you go again.”
“What?”
“You're blushing.”
“Dammit!” Skye stamped her foot as the tea kettle whistled. “If I am, it's not because I feel...embarrassed, or—or uncomfortable around you or anything.” The words dropped like bricks between them.
Niall let the silence roll out. He wanted her to hear what she had said. Oh, but you do. You're so afraid of me. I think you like me, my sweet dragon girl.
“Let's eat.” Skye sat down with the plate of scones, a scowl on her face.
“Yes, ma
'am.” Niall grinned.
I'm going to find out if you are a dragon shifter, sweet Skye, and I'm going to do it tomorrow, so help me gods. My time is ticking fast with Morighan and the clan breathing down my neck.
* * * *
Niall managed to avoid Morighan that evening and the next morning until he left Emberside Cave, as his clan called their dwelling place. He feigned illness and stayed in his room. He knew he could only buy a couple more days. She would come to him, demanding sex and to know if he was in love with someone else.
I have to find out today whether Skye is a shifter.
If she wasn't, he still wanted her, but if she was, making his case to the clan was so much easier. Besides, dragon mating was the hottest thing in the world—much better than sex in human form or sex with a non-shifter.
Not that all I want is sex.
It was true. He thought Skye was smart, plucky, and a match for his bullshit where most women didn't have a prayer of keeping up with him. She was also kind, though. He could see that in her—and a bit shy. Morighan didn't hold a candle to her. She was all hard edges and meanness that served to get her way.
He'd tossed and turned all night until it was time to go to Skye's. Niall hoped against hope that he could catch her at a compromising moment. It wasn't a gentlemanly thing to do, but he had to know if his suspicions were correct.
The next morning, he covered the distance between the cave and her cottage with speed, anticipation driving him. It was early. Niall had told her he would be at her place around 8 am to do some work right before he had left the day before. She mentioned something offhand about that giving her time to get ready and have a shower before.
Bingo. His plan had hatched. It had been hard for him to avoid shifting, just thinking of Skye in the shower, her sweet body lathered and clean.
“Damn. Quit thinking about it, you idiot. You have a goal here beyond just getting into her pants, which isn't happening today.” He punched himself in the gut, something he often did to center himself in his human body. It was easy to let the dragon mindset take over with its hyper drives for sex and stimulation.
As he approached the cottage, he slowed down and bent over. He fought the feeling of being a sneaky bastard for doing what he was doing.
It's for love and the future of the clan. And to see her naked.
Niall suppressed a laugh, shaking his head at himself.
He moved silently around the cottage to the bathroom window. He knew the blinds didn't come together well, and he could see inside. It wasn't something he had ever wanted to do or tried to do before. Now, it was imperative that he do so. It was worth the risk.
Running water alerted him to the fact that his plan had worked. He waited by the window. She was in the shower. He couldn't see her yet. His pulse thrummed deep inside of him, and he fought with his whole being not to start shifting.
She's going to kill me, she's so desirable.
After what seemed like an eternity, the water stopped running.
Heat built inside Niall's chest as he peered in through the window.
Skye stepped out of the walk in shower, facing toward him. He was distracted by her body, rivulets of water running down her arms and perfect legs. Her skin was white and pinked with heat.
Holy dragon goddess.
He bit his lip as his erection surged to life. Hiding it was no small feat since it was—rather large, especially in human terms. Nine or ten inches was laughable for a dragon shifter in human form.
Everything about Skye was perfect, pastel, pink, and peach. She was the essence of femininity.
But what else is she?
Niall studied her left inner thigh, or what he could see of it as she reached for a towel.
“There.” He licked his lips, hungry for a taste of her.
He knew it was a dragon shape—light brown, as expected. He could see the tail portion of the birthmark, looping to the front of the thigh. “Sweet goddess. She will be my mate.”
Niall wanted to whoop and run inside and take her there and then. He restrained himself with great effort and averted his gaze from her luscious form.
I have to woo her first, and I know just what she'll love.
He looped behind the cottage to a nearby field of wildflowers. Humming a happy tune, he picked a handful, thinking of Skye—her wet body.
“Damn. I have to stop that.” He took deep breaths in and out to avoid shifting and added a few more wildflowers to his makeshift bouquet.
* * * *
No one was outside when she peeked out the windows and the front door. The strange feeling of being watched was only that—just paranoia that sometimes came with a new place.
“Too bad it wasn't Niall peeping in.” She giggled at herself. It had been difficult to sleep the night before. Her lower body tingled, as if ready for something she didn't even fully understand. But Skye knew what had set the desire off—the green eyed hunk who had stayed for tea yesterday.
I won't invite him in today. I have way too much to write, to do...
She sat down at her laptop. The words flowed like water from a magical fountain today. The hero had emerald green eyes, a tall build, and lean muscles. He looked like Niall Gregor.
“Ugh! No.” Skye growled. “This is fiction, not reality.”
Maybe he's inspiring me.
Skye gritted her teeth, not wanting to let her mind stay too long on Niall's muscular torso, his full lips.
She moaned. “Dammit. This is ridiculous. How have I gone all this time, never even slept with a man, and now all I can think about is this guy two days into my new life?” Skye stared into space, willing her mind to go blank to return to the flow of writing she had been in. But her mojo was gone.
“This is stupid.” She slammed the laptop shut with a bang, feeling hot all over.
She needed to move. She couldn't sit in the chair, thinking about him. A walk might clear her head, but he was the last person she wanted to run into.
A knock sounded at the door.
“Oh, great. He has perfect timing,” she whispered. Her heart jack hammered into her chest.
I feel like a sixteen year old girl with a horrible crush.
Skye took her time getting to the door. She felt like Niall would be able to read her thoughts.
“For you.” Niall handed her a purple, white, and yellow bouquet of wildflowers.
“Oh, thank you.” For once all sarcastic comments left her. He couldn't have planned this better if he had read one of her romance novels. When was the last time any man had gotten her flowers—senior prom?
“You're welcome. I couldn't help but think of you when I saw them. Better put them in some water. I think there's a vase or two in the cabinet.” He grinned.
“I don't follow. Why would these make you think of me?” She lifted her chin, doing her best to be regular old, sarcastic Skye. Turning her back on him, she went to find a vase.
He's going to come in. I want him to come in.
“Their beauty, how individual each one is, among other things.” She heard the flirtatious note in his voice, and her spine tingled.
“Like...what other things?”
I am not acting like myself at all. The old feeling she had experienced before was rushing in—the one she fought by writing all the time and not dating. It was pure, unbridled lust. Skye's thighs slipped against each other as she grabbed a vase and walked toward him. She licked her lips, unable to help herself.
He wants me. He actually wants me, and I...well, what do I want?
She desperately tried to think of her fiction, of the bestseller she had 80 plus days left to write, but even that carrot wasn't reward enough to make her turn away from Niall Gregor. He leaned against a chair, looking ripped. His arm muscles were amazing in a tank shirt Skye would have found repulsive on 90% of other men.
“Like the golden color in your hair and the deep blue, almost purple of your eyes, and the pink of your--”
He stopped suddenly, and his chee
ks grew pink.
“Of my what?” Skye flushed, too, knowing he meant something illicit.
“Your lips,” he said softly.
“Ah.” Skye busied herself with the flowers. She had a strange feeling he had been thinking of something other than her lips. Sweat trickled down to her lower back. “I'll just put these in a vase, then.”
Before she could react, he was touching her—his movement as fast as lightning, covering the space between them. “Skye, don't you know who you are?”
She tensed, her arm hot where he held it. “A writer, a woman who needs to be working, like I think you're supposed to be doing.” Her voice trembled, and she hated herself for betraying her feelings to him. She wondered if he could tell it was lust that dripped from every syllable she spoke.
What is happening to me? Have I lost my mind?
“No, that's not what I mean at all.” Niall brought both arms around her, and Skye thought she would crumple to the floor with the pure sensation of it.
Her pussy throbbed with need. “Well, what do you mean?” she whispered, unsure she would be able to stand much longer.
“You belong here, Skye. You're much more than you know.” He kissed the back of her neck gently. Then, the heat of his tongue licked and probed and sucked as she moaned.
“Niall, I can't--”
“Yes, you can. But before we do, we need to talk.”
She groaned, wanting him, but glad he had stopped it—whatever it was going to lead to. “Okay.” Skye leaned against him, feeling his large erection hard against the small of her back. It was a new, but welcome sensation.
“You won't believe me, but I can prove it to you.”
At that moment, a pounding started on the door.
“Holy hell. Who is that?” Niall hissed, and the sound was something half human, half animal.
“I have no idea. Let me just see.” Skye cleared her throat, disappointment at the moment being broken flooding through her.
* * * *
Morighan strode through the door, not waiting for an invitation. “Niall, I must talk to you right now. It's important.”
“Morighan, now isn't the time.” He wanted to breathe fire, to incinerate this bitch on the spot.