Black Dragon's Blood

by Anita Philmar

  But William's pace didn't slow. He plunged past her pulsing muscles, driving her farther, taking her higher.

  Posed on the edge of her next climax, she waited. His breath panted in her ear, and his arms bruised her flesh with his strangle hold.

  "You don't know the hell I've been through.” His voice rumbled through his chest, his misery apparent. “I thought I'd lost you forever."

  She drank in his words, convinced by his tone that the love he'd written earlier was real. Then the wild hot convulsions of his body took her over into a mind-numbing bliss of desire.

  * * * *

  A few ticks later, William slowly slid from Amanda's arms. Not wanting to break the connection, he put one hand on the wall of the pit. “I think from now on you'd better not leave home without me. I don't think my heart can stand the strain.” He gave her a quick kiss and moved to climb out of the pit. The floor shifted, rising under his feet.

  Stepping out, he turned to help Amanda. She was still chest deep in bubbles. “I think this pit is trying to keep you prisoner."

  "Yes, York was planning to sell me to different male customers of the hotel.” Amanda searched for William's hand. He lifted her over the side and helped her stand.

  Grabbing his arms, she dragged him toward the door on the other side of the room. “William, he spiked the pit with dragon serum. We have to go wash off."

  William smiled. If the serum worked like it did last time, he was in for a busy few days. “I think it's too late to worry about it."

  "But it might help.” Amanda opened the door to a large bathing tub and pushed him forward. “You go ahead. I'm going to go use the wash room, and then I'll be right back. We need to figure out what we're going to do about getting out of here.” She walked to another door down the wall.

  William watched her, waiting until she'd closed the door before he made his way to the room's entrance.

  "Jake,” William stuck his head out the door.

  "Hey,” Jake answered, coming quickly around a corner in the hallway. “You find her?"

  "Yes, but we need some clothes.” William didn't open the door any wider when Jake stopped in front of him. “Have the police taken York away yet?"

  "No, his lawyer was in his suite and is causing a stink,” Jake answered.

  "Good, get up there. Tell them I'm sending up an eyewitness to kidnapping charges.” William shifted his gaze to the other two agents joining them. “Has Seth arrived?"

  "On his way, will be here momentarily,” Jake stated.

  "All right, knock on the door when you have the clothes ready. I want a nice dress for Amanda.” He started to close the door but paused. “Give us at least fifteen ticks so I can talk to her."

  William shut the door on their chuckles and turned.

  Amanda was staring at him. “Who was that?"

  "The other agents I brought with me.” He slid his arm around her waist and guided her toward the bathing room. “Let's go wash off."

  "Are they going to bring us some clothes?” Amanda held onto the railing as she stepped into the deep pool of water.

  "Yes.” He hit the switch beside the door and started the whirlpool.

  "We're not going to be in here that long. There's no reason to turn on the water pulse. It'll only aggravate our skin."

  Amanda took a seat on the other side of the tub from the stairs. “I just want to rinse off."

  She slid under the water. Her hair floated for a moment before she came back up. She stood and started past him. He stayed her with his hands on her shoulders. “There's no hurry. The boys won't be back for at least fifteen ticks."

  Her green eyes narrowed. “Did you tell them to delay?"

  His hands slid down her slick muscular arms to her hands. “I wanted you to have a moment to relax and unwind."

  "There's no way I'm going to be able to calm down.” Amanda's antsy squirming and warm hands on his chest told him she was burning up with need. “I feel as if my blood is jumping through my veins."

  He took her seat and pulled her down on his lap. The hard pounding of his erection screamed for release again. His body wanted her as much as she needed him. “I could help."

  The bobbing of Amanda's breasts in the clear water caught and held his attention. He seized the creamy swells and toyed with the tips. Her eager hands slid down his chest, not stopping until she had his cock. She lifted her hips and directed him into her heat.

  "I don't think this water is helping.” She sighed when his mouth covered her wet nipple. “It must have been a lifetime since you touched me."

  The sweet flavor of her breast played against his tongue. Her impatient body rocked against his, demanding satisfaction. Hands gripped his shoulders, digging into his muscles. Her frantic movements couldn't settle on a steady rhythm.

  He smoothed his hands over her, trying to calm her, soothe her desperate pace, but she cried out, “William, I can't wait."

  Lifting his head, he looked at the long curve of her neck. Head thrown back, eyes closed, he relished the rapture on her face. Her excitement radiated from her skin.

  She was close. He wanted to take her higher, sliding one hand between their bodies. He found her sweet spot buried between her thighs. She screamed with pleasure, “Yes."

  He applied feather light strokes.

  "Oh, William, I'm coming.” She slammed repeatedly down over him.

  Passion built, her need growing to consume her until a glorious peace spread across her face. Her sobs of pleasure marked her release. Only then did he let himself follow her over the edge.

  His body exploded, vibrating with the aftershocks of their joint orgasm. She collapsed against his chest. He gathered her close, content for the moment to just hold her safe in his arms.

  Chapter Sixteen

  William ran his hand down her back a few moments later, hoping to prepare her for what was to come. “We need to get ready for our meeting with York."

  "What?” She shivered, and he tightened his arms around her.

  "I don't want to see that man. I might be tempted to kill York for what he could have done to me and our baby."

  This was the first opportunity William had to more fully question her about what happened. Until this moment, he hadn't been able to think beyond satisfying her hunger.

  He pulled her closer and slid her wet hair away from her face. “Do you want to tell me how you ended up here?"

  She shook her head, her eyes filling with misery. “I wanted to talk to my dad. I thought after reading the report this morning, he might fill in the blanks about Mark's murder. Something in the file reminded me..."

  Tears fell. He caught them on the pads of his thumbs. The pain of not being able to protect her from this abuse knotted the muscles in his stomach. He'd not done a very good job of safeguarding her. “And?"

  "I had trouble with my engine.” Her troubled green eyes searched his. “I told you my location."

  He nodded but didn't interrupt her story. She needed to relay the events without him needling her with questions.

  "Someone grabbed me after my vehicle crashed, and I...” She lowered her gaze to his chest as if something bothered her. “I ended up here."

  A blush bloomed across her cheeks. “York was in the room when I woke up. He was talking to another guy."

  William anger rose. “What did he do?"

  She bit her lip then gave a deep sigh. “He was talking about using me to..."

  William knew what York had wanted. “Did he touch you?"

  Her eyes closed in confirmation. “Only with the drug he used to capture me, but...” His hands tightened into fists at her waist, and she rushed on. “I couldn't move. His hand brushed against my..."

  Green eyes, full of misery, opened. She gripped his wrists and placed his hands over her breasts. “I couldn't stop him."

  Hoping to ease her pain, William cupped her breasts in his hands and bent to lay a kiss on the tip of each. “He didn't hurt you did he."

  "No, but they w
ere planning to kill me like they did Mark.” Amanda's eyes filled with tears again. She buried her face in the curve of his neck. Her arms circled him, squeezing him close. Deep sobs broke from her throat.

  He rubbed his hands over her back, unsure exactly how to console her.

  York, he wanted to kill. But Amanda's state of mind at the moment was what concerned William most.

  She'd been searching for the answers to Mark's death for so long, hounded by the uncertainty of what happen. Even with York's admission, she still didn't know how to let go of the past. Would she ever let go of Mark's memory?

  "I...” she lifted her head. “I thought I lost you."

  He blinked. The abrupt change in the flow of the conversation confused him. He shook his head and wiped the tears from her face. “Not an easy task."

  "You sent me a message."

  He grinned, curious as to her response to his note.

  "I ... uh ... want to have your baby,” she stuttered.

  He nodded. “Good."

  "I—"

  A knock sounded on their hotel door. Amanda slid off his lap. He wanted to stop her, but this wasn't the time to demand she say the words.

  In the not to distant future, she was going to have to admit how she felt about him. He just hoped it was what he wanted to hear.

  * * * *

  "Now that everyone is here, I think we can get started.” William glanced at the different occupants in York's living room. Each had a part to play in the scene about to unfold. He would give Amanda the answer to Mark's death she needed, then he would banish the man's ghost forever.

  After changing into the clothes his agents provided, they had gone straight to York's suite. She now sat beside him on the couch. York and his lawyer inhabited the wingback chairs with their backs to the glass wall that overlooked Sin City. The police, his agents and Seth sat in straight back chairs or stood in an outer circle around them.

  "Is your wife claiming Mr. York kidnapped her?” York's lawyer, Mr. Smith, asked as soon as he was introduced to William. “Even if she was found in one of his hotel rooms, there is no proof he procured the room."

  Amanda's hand gripped his thigh. His arm around her shoulders tightened. This inquiry was not going to be easy, but he would not let anyone badger her.

  "My wife is stating that your client not only kidnapped her, but was intending to kill her, just like,” William raised his hand when Mr. Smith started to interrupt again, “he murdered her first husband.” William glanced at the nervous man in the other wingback chair. York couldn't sit still. “Didn't you?"

  "I—"

  "You don't have to answer.” Mr. Smith turned to his client. “This is police business, and even though Mr. VanHorn is head of the Dragon Center, you are not required to answer his questions."

  William couldn't help but smile. He turned to the police chief. “Seeing as my wife has been found, and we don't intend to press charges. I don't see any crime here. I guess you and your men can leave."

  Police Chief Perkins, who was standing by the glass wall, strolled to the center of the room. “Are you claiming this is Dragon Center business?"

  William nodded.

  "I'll honor your decision, William.” Perkins motioned for the other officers to head for the door. “But we have a number of open investigations into a number of murders and a host of criminal activity associated with this hotel. You know, we can always use your help in gathering information."

  "I will make sure your office is informed of any leads we might uncover,” William offered, knowing he'd see the man as soon as this meeting was over.

  The policemen by the suite door led the way out. Perkins followed them but paused on the threshold. “I'm confident I will be hearing from you soon."

  The police chief saluted William then shut the door.

  Turning back to York's lawyer, William addressed the man. “Now, that the police are gone, I don't think York is going to need your services any longer."

  Mr. Smith stood and turned to his client. “I might not agree with the way the Dragon Center handles their problems, but I have no legal way of protecting you from their rulings. You're on your own."

  "Are you telling me to turn myself in to the police?” York's gaze darted between his lawyer and the door.

  "I'm not telling you to do anything.” Smith turned and pointed to William. “He is."

  York's gaze jumped to William. His hands shook where they lay on his thighs. His eyes darted around the room. He lunged to his feet and raced across the room for the suite door.

  The Dragon Center agents followed and intercepted York. After a slight struggle and a few well-placed punches, the man fell.

  William enjoyed each blow they landed. He only wished he was the one administering them, but he didn't want to leave Amanda alone on the couch.

  Glancing down into her pale face, he whispered in her ear. “He won't get away."

  She snuggled closer as his agents dragged York back to his seat.

  Jake threw the criminal back into the chair. “I wouldn't try that again if I were you."

  Mr. Smith, who was now standing in the middle of the room, turned to his client. “I'll see you at the police station in a few bongs. I'm sure by then Mr. VanHorn will have decided what he wants you to do."

  William gave a slight nod of his head, and the lawyer said his good-byes.

  As soon as his lawyer walked out the door, York started squawking. “I don't have dragon slayer blood so I don't fall under your jurisdiction."

  "True, but you can provide us with information.” William was tired of toying with the man. There were questions to be answered.

  Amanda shifted restlessly beside him and tugged out of his arms. William could tell she was upset by the events going on around them and still wired by her extended confinement in the bubble pit. She needed to rest.

  He pointed to the chair York's lawyer had vacated, hoping to get this interview over with as soon as possible. “Seth, why don't you take a seat over here?"

  * * * *

  Amanda felt the tension radiating from her husband. He'd not raised his voice or become excited by York's attempt at escape. He appeared as if he were in complete control.

  Only because she was so close to him did she understand the fire racing through his blood. On a hunt, William's adrenaline was pumping, filling the room with the spicy scent of his skin.

  Her own excitement grew as the action escalated. Her heart pounded in her chest. She was finally going to get the answers to Mark's death she wanted.

  "Now, let's review what we know. Then we can let you, Mr. York, fill in the gaps.” William took her hand and placed it over his thigh. The smooth fabric of his suit caressed her palm as she ran an uneasy stroke back and forth over his leg.

  "The file we have states Mark Helman was killed in this hotel. My wife, Amanda, heard you tell someone you ordered him killed. Would you like to tell us, Mr. York, why you would do such a thing?"

  "Go fuck yourself.” York spit out before the agent behind him grabbed his hair. Twisting in his seat, York tried to escape the abuse. “I don't have to answer any of your questions."

  Another agent took out a device that stunned the man. York screamed. Amanda jumped in reaction to the jerking spasms of his muscles.

  "Bad form,” William responded, “let's give you a rest.” He turned to her father. “Seth, do you want to explain your connection in all this."

  Her father looked over his shoulder at the agent standing behind his chair. “Why do you think I'm involved?"

  William shifted his arm around her, and Amanda's pulse increased. Fear leaked from her palms.

  She stared at her father. The guilt on his face almost made her sick. Her stomach rolled and threatened to give her back the small snack she'd eaten before the meeting. “You were Mark's superior. Why did you send him to see York?"

  "I didn't, my girl. I just went along with that story.” Seth turned to the man sitting beside him. “York, here, threatened
to kill you if I didn't go along."

  "Right, tell her the real truth.” York jerked his arms free of the agents holding him in his chair. They released him but didn't step back. “I've paid you well over the years for your silence."

  York turned to Amanda. His snicker ignited her anger. She wanted to punch him, but William held her in place when she started to rise.

  "Didn't you ever wonder how your sweet daddy got out of debt?” York shook his head and gave her father a disgusted look. “It wasn't your second husband who helped Seth. That hundred thousand gobbals you got him didn't even make a dent in the amount he owed me. It only covered the amount he borrowed from the Dragon Center."

  "What?” Amanda turned quickly to look at William. “Did you know about this?"

  He nodded. “We discovered Seth's clerical error just recently while we were reviewing this case."

  She shook her head and looked over at her father. “But why did you need so much money?"

  "Now, girly, don't look so shocked. I had my expenses, and Mark needed chemicals for his testing.” Seth spoke as if she didn't have a brain. The man never learned when he was in over his head.

  "Mark? You knew about him working on a dragon serum?” Amanda couldn't believe her ears. Mark never mentioned he had her father helping him with the cost of his experiments. Or that anyone other than herself knew about him trying to develop a dragon serum. “You hated him."

  "Well, I don't know that I'd be saying such a thing, but we had our differences.” Seth pointed at the man beside him again. “Mark is the one who thought selling the serum to York was a good idea."

  "I gave you a percent of the profit and got rid of your son-in-law as well.” York lifted his chin, snubbing her father. “I don't see that you have any right to complain."

  "Did you tell him to kill Mark?” Amanda was floored her father would have asked for such a thing. She slumped back against William.

  "No, I only discovered he'd killed Mark when he approached me about Mark's formula.” Her father shook his head and turned to stare at the man next to him. “Seems Guy Brilliant over here forgot to verify the list of ingredients before he slaughtered the man with the miracle serum."