Hearts Under Fire (Dragons of Ember Brooke Book 2)

by Victoria Zak

  “You shouldn’t have gone to the trouble.” She laid them back down on the seat, shutting him out again.

  “It was no trouble,” Stone said dryly. “I’d do anything for you, Cyn. You know that.”

  Cynthia glared at him, not because he’d flown all the way back to Ember Brooke to retrieve the roses, but because the moment she’d seen the flowers, she’d decided tonight she’d leave the past behind and take what her dragon was craving—the sexy Godzilla beast with the steel-gray eyes.

  Not ten minutes into entering Pinewell Grand Hotel, Stone was approached by two men from the Dragon Flight Unit who Cynthia didn’t know. By the looks of their expensive suits and gelled hair, they must be higher up in the agency.

  Cynthia smiled and excused herself to the bar while Stone and the men chatted and finalized Stone’s generous contribution to the DFU. Sharing Stone with others was something she’d grown accustomed to. No matter where they went someone knew him. It was painfully obvious they were schmoozing with him for their own gains.

  To be quite honest, she needed a strong drink to calm her nerves. Cynthia picked her poison and ordered a bourbon. She walked into the main dining room where tonight’s celebration would take place.

  The venue was extravagant. The lights were turned down, giving the room a romantic feel. Long tables were dressed with crème-colored, satin tablecloths and surrounded a lighted dancefloor. The platform twinkled like stars.

  A few guests meandered around with drinks in their hands. Some closely examining the items on the silent auction table. A few were already seated and eagerly awaiting dinner as if they really didn’t want to be there. Cynthia knew exactly how they felt. She didn’t want to be there, at least not alone.

  Admiring an ice sculpture, Cynthia walked over to the table. An ice dragon had been carved out of a huge block of ice. Red tealights circled the beast. She whispered, “Fire and ice.”

  The thought of Stone and the painting of dragons hanging in her living room found its way inside her head. She couldn’t hold back the smile claiming her face.

  She sipped her drink as she took in the ice dragons. She must have been deep in thought for she about jumped out of her skin when Bryce approached her.

  “I didn’t think I’d see you here,” Bryce said.

  Cynthia closed her eyes and sucked in a calming breath. She hadn’t realized she was still jumpy from the attack.

  Concern creased Bryce’s face. “Are you all right?” He placed his hand on her lower back and stepped in front of her. “Are you having a heart attack?”

  She opened her eyes to find Bryce standing way too close for comfort. “You startled me.” She took a step back.

  “I’m sorry. I should have been more mindful. Still a bit jumpy from the attack, huh?”

  “Yeah, I guess I didn’t realize how much.” Cynthia paused. “Wait, how do you know about the attack?”

  “Zee told me.”

  Cynthia nodded. “Well, word of advice, don’t ever sneak up on a She-Dragon like that. If I hadn’t been caught off guard, I’d have thrown an ice dagger at your head.”

  “Ouch.” His face scrunched as if he was in pain. “Isn’t that a bit harsh?”

  Cynthia shrugged. “Just one of the perks of being an ice dragon.”

  An uncomfortable silence grew between them, an awkwardness that made her feel uneasy. Not that she felt threatened by him. For fuck’s sake, he was human. He wanted something more, something Cynthia could never give him, her heart.

  “So, are you here alone?” He asked the question she knew was brewing in his brain.

  “Um…kinda. It’s complicated.” Cynthia took a long sip of her drink as she turned to the now crowded room searching for Stone.

  Bryce shrugged as he looked down at the floor. “It’s all right. I knew it was a long shot.”

  “Look.” Cynthia faced him. “I’m not trying to push you away, Bryce. Hell, for a human, I like you. But there’s things about my kind that are beyond my control. I don’t have a choice of who I fall in love with. It has already been determined.”

  “Like soul mates?”

  “Yeah, sort of.”

  “Whew, thought I was losing my swagger.”

  Cynthia gave him a sideways glare. “Don’t push it,” she said seriously, then smiled, letting him know she was only busting his balls.

  8

  From across the crowded room, Stone’s attention was centered on Cynthia and the ass hat she was talking to. He pretended to engage in the ass-kissing conversation he’d been pulled into when he’d arrived. The men stomped their schmoozing words into his last nerve like a Riverdance recital until he couldn’t take it anymore. Going into survival mode, he drowned them out with lustful thoughts of his beautiful mate.

  He gazed at Cyn over the brim of his champagne flute while he took a sip. Her thick black hair was neatly gathered into bun, giving him a full view of her slender neck. His eyes roamed further down her exposed back to her full—holy hell, her ass was one of a kind. And all his.

  He licked his lips as he brought the glass away from his mouth. Damn, his dragon growled inside. One of his claws extended as he imagined ripping that black, sequin dress off and tasting every luscious inch of her. Deep within his fantasy, he could have sworn he heard her whimper his name.

  Stone shifted his weight as he tried to ease the ache in his cock. His mate rendered him powerless. If she only knew that he thought about her all the time. She took him to places that manipulated his decisions. That’s how it had been since the day they met. She’d flipped his world upside down, and he loved every second of it.

  Excusing himself from the mind-numbing conversation, he made a beeline toward Cyn. Thinking of touching her made his body tremble with anticipation. Tonight, it was only Cyn and him, and nothing else mattered.

  A familiar sour scent invaded his senses and he stopped in his tracks. The gut-churning odor was exactly what he’d smelled on Cyn. A bizarre feeling came over him as the stench quickly faded. What the hell was that? All his dragon senses roared to life, warning him to keep on guard.

  As if his mate sensed his unease, Cyn turned and met him with a concerned gaze.

  Shaking off the uncomfortable sensation, Stone adjusted his suit and continued on his way to Cyn. He found his place next to her.

  “Are you okay?” she asked. “Is something wrong?”

  He smiled, putting up a front. There was no need to alarm her. It was apparent she didn’t smell it. Besides with him by her side, she was safe. “You take my breath away.”

  Cyn averted her gaze as she nervously placed her hand on the side of her neck. A soft glow of pink flushed her skin. It was endearing the way his comment made her blush.

  “Stone, this is Bryce.” She introduced him to the human. “He’s a detective at Pinewell Police Department.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Bryce extended his hand. “Cynthia is the best CSI Pinewell has. I’m beyond honored to have her on my team.”

  Stone shook his hand. “It doesn’t surprise me. She’s an amazing woman.”

  Cyn rolled her eyes. “Seriously, ass kissing?”

  “And her attitude is always professional.” Bryce smiled at Cynthia.

  “Don’t I know it,” Stone added.

  He met Cyn’s heated gaze as it radiated through him like he was being burned alive. It was apparent she didn’t find the joke amusing.

  “So, Detective.” Turning the conversation to Bryce, Stone rubbed his chin. “I’ve noticed a strong human presence in the DFU lately. Why?”

  “Stone,” Cynthia warned.

  “No, I want to know. We have Dragonkine to take care of dragon business. Why would we need human involvement?”

  “Well,” Bryce stammered. “Combining resources makes us stronger for Pinewell citizens.”

  “But wouldn’t that cut the DFU resources short?”

  “Stone,” Cynthia warned again. “Stop it.”

  “For years, Dragonkine have ke
pt peacefully to themselves,” Stone added. “Why are the humans sticking their noses where they don’t belong?”

  Bryce took a quick sip of his drink. “I understand your concern. I truly do. Trust me, we only want what’s best for everyone.”

  Stone threw the bullshit flag. He trusted no humans.

  “Look, I do understand,” Bryce added.

  “No, Detective, I don’t think you do,” Stone said. “One of your humans attacked Cynthia.”

  “And we’re investigating,” Bryce added.

  “This does not go over well with our kind.” Stone flashed his silvery reptilian eyes. “I want my dragons safe in Pinewell. Do you understand me?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Good.”

  “Now that we have come to an understanding, I’ll leave you two to enjoy the night,” Bryce said as he walked away.

  Cynthia turned to Stone. “Did you have to do that?”

  “What?” Stone shrugged as he took a drink of champagne.

  “Scare him?”

  “Hey, it’s not my fault he’s pissing in his pants. He should be doing his job.”

  Cyn stepped in front of him with her arms crossed over her chest. “You’re jealous. You can’t believe someone else finds me attractive.”

  Stone closed the gap between them and pulled her close. “Beautiful, I’m painfully aware that every man in this room wants you in his bed tonight. It gives me great pleasure knowing I’ll be the one taking you home.”

  “A bit too confident, aren’t you?”

  “Maybe.” Stone admitted. “How far off am I?” God, he prayed his aim was true.

  She took his champagne flute and set it down on the table with hers, then gave him a wicked smile. “Dance with me?”

  Fuck yeah! She didn’t have to ask twice. He took her hand and led her to the dancefloor. He found a clear spot, pulled her close, then took the lead. With their bodies pressed together, she rested her hands behind his neck, while he rested his on her lower back.

  Stone brushed a stray tendril from her heart-shaped face and tucked it behind her ear.

  “I’ve missed this, beautiful.”

  “Missed what?”

  “You in my arms.”

  She slid her hand to his lapel, avoiding his stare. He didn’t know how far to push his luck with Cyn, knowing she still hated him. One wrong move and she’d have his balls in a death grip.

  "I've missed you, too," she said softly.

  He put his finger under her chin and tipped it, so she had to look at him. “I’ll never stop loving you, Cyn. You are my world.”

  She closed her eyes. There was a sadness in the air as he heard her dragon’s mournful cries. Guilt slammed into him. “I’m so sorry, Cyn…” he said telepathically.

  In a flash, her eyes opened. He swallowed hard and his hands began to sweat. Had he said the wrong thing? Saying sorry was only a temporary relief for the deep hole in her heart. He’d never heal the damage he’d caused.

  “Stop.” She placed her hand flat against his chest. “You’re ruining the mood.”

  “I didn’t realize I was setting a mood.”

  “Are you serious?” She flashed her reptilian eyes. “You step into a room and the mood is set.”

  “And what kind of mood would that be?” he asked, prompting her to say what she truly wanted, for he knew exactly what she needed.

  She scraped her nails up his neck. “I think you know.”

  He pulled her closer. Desire burned their bodies, melting them together. Her heartbeat quickened, and her skin prickled as he lightly brushed his hand down her back. Her flesh was soft, he had to taste it. He dipped his head and slowly kissed her neck. “Tell me what you want.”

  Lost in his kisses, Cynthia exposed her neck. His lips and tongue relentlessly teased her skin. His hot breath sent an electric wave zinging through her body, awakening her dragon. Animalistic hunger rose to a level where it was hard to keep her composure.

  He was aware of what she wanted. Only Stone could smell her desire. There was no masking that mating musk. Cynthia leaned in and whispered near his ear, “I want you inside me.” She nibbled and sucked on his earlobe.

  Stone’s body stiffened.

  “Fast and hard,” she continued.

  Stone immediately took her by the hand and dragged her to the lobby. He pressed the elevator down button and stared at the silver doors, impatiently waiting for the doors to open.

  “Kinky.” She grinned. “Love in an elevator.”

  Stone’s gaze scorched her as he growled in response.

  The doors slid open and he pulled her inside the empty elevator. The doors were barely shut as he pushed her up against the cold metal wall and cupped her face, kissing her passionately. An untamed intensity coursed through her veins as he pushed her legs apart with his thigh. “You drive me wild, beautiful.”

  Her chest heaved as she tried to gain her breath from his kiss. “So, is this where it’s going to happen?”

  “If you want. We’ll have to be quick before the next stop. However, I highly recommend the thirty-fourth floor.”

  As he trailed kisses down her neck, she looked over at the lit numbers; three rows of eleven circles? Odd, she thought. “Stone, there’s only thirty-three floors.”

  “The thirty-fourth floor is private.” The corners of his mouth lifted into a knowing smile.

  “You bought the whole thirty-fourth floor?” Why wasn’t she surprised?

  “Well, I do a lot of business in Pinewell and needed a place to stay,” he said. His tongue trailed between her breasts warming her skin. Slowly, he pulled down one of her dress straps, exposing a breast.

  “No love in an elevator?” She pressed her lips together and summited to Stone’s caress.

  He looked up, pinning her with a smoldering, lustful gaze that sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine. “Beautiful, I’ll fuck you anywhere you want.” The elevator stopped and the doors opened. “Your call.”

  Cynthia ached for Stone in a way she didn’t know was possible. Her heart thundered in her chest…urgent need pumped through her veins. She wanted him inside her now…maybe the thirty-fourth-floor suite was best.

  Keeping her eyes locked on his, she pulled the strap of her dress up. “I’ll take the suite.”

  “Excellent choice.”

  “Why is that?”

  “So I can cook you breakfast in the morning.” Stone winked. “Besides, what I want to do to you involves more time than an elevator ride.”

  Cynthia’s nipples tightened, her breasts became heavy with lust. She knew exactly what this dragon was capable of and she wanted every bit of it. She cupped his face, then kissed him gently, taking his bottom lip between her teeth. “By the way, I like my eggs scrambled.”

  She walked out of the elevator, feeling Stone’s heated gaze on her body. This night wasn’t going to be for the faint of heart.

  9

  Cynthia stepped inside Stone’s luxurious penthouse and placed her purse on the table next to the door. She turned around, straight into Stone’s arms and a hungry kiss. He kicked the door shut behind him, his hands were all over her, touching her back, squeezing her ass.

  She yanked his jacket off. Needing to feel his skin on hers, she gripped the top of his dress shirt and tore the fabric in two. Buttons popped off and flew to floor.

  Desire wasn’t the only thing running like wildfire through her veins. Pure, raw anger still lurked deep within her. She hadn’t forgotten he’d broken her heart and lied to her. She knew she’d wake up in the morning hating herself, but the walk of shame would be totally worth it.

  She kept her lips locked on his, not wanting to let go. That time would come too fast. She missed the way he tasted, and he teased her mouth with his tongue. Dear Goddess, she was drowning, pulled under by the riptide of his masterful touches—laying claim to her one inch at a time.

  She yanked his pants down his hips, desperate to get him naked. Her sex throbbed at the thought of him
inside her. “Stone,” she moaned against his ear. “I need you, baby.”

  He growled and picked her up. In one swipe, Stone cleared a table, lamp and all, then sat her down on the cold marble tabletop. In a heated rush, Stone pushed her dress up. She wrapped her long legs around him, pulling him closer.

  In one thrust, Stone entered her. She gasped at the initial sting of him stretching her, but as he pulled out and pushed back in, the pain faded into a delicious sensation. Her brain shut down as Stone invaded every fiber of her being. All she could do was react.

  She dug her heels into his ass, pulling him deep inside. He shoved his hand through her hair and tugged her head back as he attacked her neck with kisses.

  “You feel so fucking good,” he murmured against her skin. He squeezed her ass cheeks and pulled her up on his length. “I want all of you, beautiful.”

  She moaned as he pumped harder and faster, filling her with his throbbing cock. Her legs began to quiver as a wave of heat flushed her body. “Fuck, Stone, I’m coming.”

  A growled escaped him like she’d just unleashed a wild beast. Gripping her hips, he fucked her like only Stone could—one dominant thrust after another until she shattered into a million pieces. A second later, Stone followed.

  Feeling boneless, Cynthia’s legs slid off his hips. She caressed his cheek as he rested his head on her shoulder. They stayed connected for a moment, neither had the energy to move. She leaned her head back, listening to their labored breaths.

  “Seeing you, being with you again, fucking hurts,” Stone said as he circled her nipple with his fingertips.

  “I know exactly how you feel.” She threaded her fingers through his gelled hair. “But it was worth the heartache.”

  “Yeah, it was.”

  A dark cloud loomed over her. Tomorrow she’d hate him all over again. Why did she have to be so damn stubborn? Why couldn’t she accept Stone’s secrets? Would it be all that bad to go back home and have her mate in her life?