For once, Finn hoped his dragon was right. While he’d only known Arabella a short time, a future without her would be lonely, and all of his plans to bring out her playful side would be for nothing.
And Finn lived for the day he could make Arabella laugh and play without her past weighing her down. The lass had better give him the chance to do it.
~~~
At Finn’s words, Arabella’s heart warmed. Part of her still cautioned that Finn was lying and would say anything to get her naked, but she pushed aside her old, paranoid and skeptical self. She would no longer allow that version of Arabella MacLeod to be in charge.
Her dragon spoke up. Good. I don’t like her. Now kiss him.
She hesitated a second. Are you also losing control each time? I’m not ready for a sex-crazed dragonman.
I am strong and in control. I want another kiss.
She smiled at her dragon’s grumpy tone. We can’t always get what we want.
Huffing, her beast replied, This will be my warning against denying me the kiss of our mate.
Instantly, desire flooded her body, making every nerve sensitive. Wetness rushed between her legs at Finn’s heat and scent. As her pussy pulsed, Arabella drew in a breath.
Finn’s eyes turned concerned. “What’s wrong?”
Her dragon was smug. That is what I’m holding back. Give me a kiss, or I’ll give you the full force. He is our mate and I want to fuck him until we carry his young. Then everyone will realize he’s ours.
Arabella blinked. Somewhat shocked at her dragon’s demanding nature, she made her voice work to answer Finn. “My dragon.”
“Is she not strong enough to hold back?”
“She is, but she’s taunting me. All she wants is to fuck you.”
Finn grinned. “Oh, aye?” He leaned close. “That can easily be arranged, for a price.”
She frowned. “What the bloody hell are you talking about? I’m not about to pay you just to sleep with you.”
“Oh, it’s not money I want, Arabella. I want you to agree to stay with me.”
“That again.”
“Yes, that again. There’s no way I’m allowing you to stay here with Fraser and Fergus under the same roof. Even when I’m not home, I’ll have Aunt Lorna, Faye, and maybe one of the other female Protectors guard you.”
Arabella had an idea. “Can they train me?”
His brows came together. “I’m the one who will be training you.”
Using her newfound power over him, Arabella leaned against Finn’s chest and he sucked in a breath as her hard nipples made contact. “But you’ll be busy. It’s a win-win.”
Rubbing her fingers against the warm skin of his neck, Finn’s voice was strangled as he replied, “If I agree, you’ll move in with me, no questions asked?”
Deep down, Arabella knew moving in with Finn was a bad idea. If her dragon lost control over the frenzy, she’d be naked and in bed with Finn in two seconds flat.
Although, leaning against Finn’s hard chest with his taste still in her mouth, the idea wasn’t as frightening as it had been a few minutes ago. Her dragon had given her a glimpse of how desire could be a good thing. While she was inexperienced, even Arabella knew dragonmen treasured their true mates. “Will I have my own room?”
“You’ll have an office, but you’ll be sleeping with me.” A small sense of panic crept up her back, but Finn’s voice drowned it out. “Just to sleep, Ara. Nothing else as long as I can hold out. I give you my word.”
Some of her confidence faded. Even if Finn could hold back, could she?
Her dragon chimed in. For now. But once we have his hard cock pressed against our back, even you will want more.
I—who are you?
Your dragon. This is the real me. Get used to it.
Finn brushed her cheek again. As soon as she met his eyes, the corner of his mouth ticked up. “You can even decorate it in rainbow kittens, if that will help.”
She laughed, erasing most of her tension. “Maybe I should. Redecorating should include your wardrobe. I’m sure there are a few rainbow cat t-shirts online somewhere.”
“No cat shirts, full stop.”
Staring into his flashing dragon eyes, Arabella yearned to have this closeness every day, to be able to tease and argue. Finn would keep her on her toes, that was for sure.
And with a few words, she could have it.
Keeping to her new mantra of no longer hiding away, Arabella raised her chin. “Even without the cat shirts, I suppose so.” She narrowed her eyes. “But if you expect me to cook and clean for you, Finlay Stewart, you’re in for a surprise. I have my own work to do.”
“Aye, of course you do.” His lips were currently an inch away from hers. “How about a kiss to seal the deal?”
“I don’t know. Your control is in jeopardy. Maybe I want to wait until you’ve had time to cool down.”
With a growl, he pressed her even tighter against him. “Now, Arabella. Otherwise, my dragon will drive me insane.”
She raised an eyebrow. “So I’m supposed to agree to kiss you to placate your dragon? Aren’t you supposed to be a mighty clan leader?”
“I am with everyone but you. Around you, Ara, I lose my fucking mind.”
Kiss him.
As soon as she gave a slight bob of her head, Finn’s lips touched hers. Unlike last time, she knew what to expect and didn’t hesitate to open to him.
And damn, as his tongue stroked inside her mouth, filling her with his delicious taste and heat, all she could think about was how much she wanted to feel his tongue on other parts of her body.
Her dragon spoke up. Yes, it would feel good on our nipples. Or between our thighs.
Before she could reply, Finn stroked harder and fisted her hair with one hand. He was trying to take control, but Arabella fought back, tugging his hair and twining her tongue with his. Finn’s growl sent a shiver through her body, straight between her legs.
She moved her hands to his back and pulled him close. His solid, broad chest should terrify her and remind her of being pinned. Yet terror was the farthest thing from her mind. Finn’s lean, hard body made her feel feminine in a way she couldn’t remember feeling since she’d been a teenager.
Finn finally pulled away, gently kissed her lips twice, and then murmured, “You’re a quick learner, Ara. You already have me wanting to beg for more.”
Unable to judge whether he was telling the truth or spouting nonsense, she interpreted it as the latter to avoid discussing the future. “Then you can reward me with some dinner and get me a laptop, or you’ll be dealing with cranky Arabella.”
He smiled. “Oh, aye? I think cranky Arabella would be quite adorable.”
Rolling her eyes, she pushed against his chest and he let her go enough to look into his eyes. “Can I add another requirement to living with you? You can stop with the cheesy lines. They’re unnecessary.”
Squeezing her hip, his eyes twinkled. “We already sealed the deal with the kiss, Ara. No add-ons allowed.” He grinned. “Just wait until tomorrow. I’ve been saving my best lines for my future mate. I finally get to use them.”
“Great. My eyes will soon be sore from rolling so much.”
“Eventually, I’ll have you laughing.” Patting her side a few times, he released her. “We best take some of Aunt Lorna’s leftovers and go home, lass. I need to touch base with my Protectors and sort a few clan matters out before bed.”
Her dragon chimed in. Yes, bed. We can tease him and drive him crazy, all without even taking our clothes off.
No. He’s the flirt, not me.
Her dragon tsked. I am part of you and I want to try. I can wait until tomorrow, but no longer.
She replied sarcastically, Great.
As Finn went to the kitchen and packed up some dinner, Arabella watched him in a new light.
The blond Scot was all but hers. Despite the fact they’d only kissed twice, the thought of another female kissing him caused her to clench her fingers. W
hether it was her dragon’s influence or not, Arabella didn’t know, but she was already growing possessive of Finlay Stewart. If only he would tell her more about who was trying to take away his clan leadership, she could help.
She would ask tomorrow. First, she had to survive sharing a bed with the dragonman.
While it’d been months since her last nightmare, she hoped like hell one didn’t come in her dreams later. Parts of her were still damaged and she wasn’t ready to show those to anyone yet, not even Finn.
Chapter Three
A few hours later, Finn frowned at Faye. “Convincing Arabella of that will take some doing.”
“Aye, but if she’s living with you, Finn, you need to let the clan know why. A gathering to show off the lass will help.”
His dragon spoke up. It’s a good idea. Other males will know to stay away.
Fine, I will try. But you need to restrain yourself. Ara doesn’t seem like the type to kiss in front of just anyone.
We will see.
Faye’s voice snapped Finn out of his head. “Cousin, stop with your dragon and listen to me. It’s important.”
“Aye, I’m listening. What is it?”
“We scoured the cottage from top to bottom, but all we found was a small piece of blue fabric, ripped from a shirt. It may or may not have to do with the break in.”
“It’s from the break-in. The cottage was pristine, and Arabella hasn’t worn anything blue yet.”
“Ask her to make sure. Even if it belongs to the intruder and not Arabella, I can’t go through all two hundred cottages in the clan and look for a ripped garment. It’s a dead end, Finn.”
He tapped his fingers against his arm. “Now with Ara’s safety on my mind, we’re going to have to grow bolder and flush out the wannabe traitors. I’ll think of some ideas, but I also want you and Grant to brainstorm together.”
“I can brainstorm on my own.”
“Grant stands up to you whereas most of the others are too scared or inexperienced. Learn to work with him, Faye. It’ll do you good.”
Faye sighed and waved a hand in dismissal. “Fine. Even though he’s worse than Fraser or Fergus at getting under my skin, for you, I’ll try.”
“Good lass.” He uncrossed his arms. “That’s it for tonight. I’ll meet with you tomorrow after I hear the last of the clan disputes and we can discuss your ideas.”
She nodded. “Right. I’ll also set up the gathering for tomorrow evening. Mum and I should have most of it planned before our meeting.”
“Since it’s your idea, you’re also in charge of Ara’s dress and getting ready. As much as I’d like to undress and dress her, she’s not ready for it.”
Faye’s gaze turned sympathetic. “Don’t worry, Finn. It’ll happen sooner than you think. Anyone who can put up with the MacKenzies has the strength to tackle you.”
“Gee, thanks.”
Faye laughed. “You know I love you.” She turned toward the door. “Until tomorrow, then.”
As soon as he heard his cousin exit the front door, Finn let out a sigh.
Work had served as distraction for what came next. Spending the night in bed with Arabella without touching her would be the ultimate test of his self-control.
Going to the bathroom, he undressed and put on a pair of pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. Scratching at the material against his chest, he wished he could do without the extra fabric, but too much skin might set off his lass.
Arabella was strong, but not even Finn was naïve enough to think she could shed her past in a matter of hours, let alone days.
Careful not to make a sound, he slipped into his mostly dark bedroom. The moonlight from the window highlighted Arabella’s sleeping face. He scrutinized her features and listened to her breathing, but as best he could tell, she was truly asleep.
Taking the opportunity, he studied the planes and curves of her face. The scar across her cheeks and nose was faint. It reminded him of her story earlier in the day, of how she received it. Even hours later, it still stirred anger in his belly for what they’d taken away—her innocence and a decade of her life.
As his eyes moved to the healed burns on her neck, he wondered at the rest. A few lines from her TV interview weren’t enough for man or beast; if he could pinpoint her attackers, he might be able to repay the bastards for what they’d done to his female.
Arabella snuggled into his pillow and he smiled. The pillows were the ones he used every day and it stroked his ego to know she was covering herself in his scent.
Aware he had to get up in about five hours, Finn tiptoed to his side of the bed and carefully slid in next to Arabella. Holding his breath, he waited to see what she’d do. But not even her breathing changed from its slow, steady rhythm.
His dragon’s voice was sleepy. Hold her close. Her warmth will give me the strength to restrain myself.
I would think quite the opposite. Touching her skin will make it harder not to kiss her and wake her up.
I never said skin. Now who’s impatient?
Too tired to argue, Finn inched closer to his female and gently laid his arm over her waist. A few seconds passed before Arabella turned over and nestled against his chest.
As her breathing turned into a soft snore, he smiled and snuggled closer. When Arabella MacLeod was asleep, her past and stubbornness melted away to reveal her true instinct and desire. His lass felt safe in his arms.
Closing his eyes, Finn inhaled Arabella’s sweet scent, which helped to calm his dragon. It wasn’t long before he also fell asleep, dreaming of the lass he’d been waiting his whole life to claim.
~~~
Arabella awoke to an empty bed.
The faint sunlight streaming through the window told her it must be midmorning. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept so late; usually she woke with the sun.
Looking to the empty side of the bed, the indent in the pillow and mussed sheets told her Finn had slept there, yet she’d never woken up. Maybe her dragon’s desire to be near her mate had overpowered Arabella’s usual light-sleeper tendencies.
Her dragon yawned. I didn’t do anything. You simply trusted him.
Somehow I don’t believe you.
Giving a mental shrug, her beast continued, It doesn’t matter. Our male carries faint traces of our scent now. The other females will stay away.
Since Arabella had yet to drink her morning coffee, she ignored her dragon, stretched, and rose out of bed. Trudging to the window, she saw the wild forest of a garden Finn had mentioned yesterday. His room must be at the back end of the cottage.
Looking to the left, the sight of some unknown peak in the distance caught her eye. While different in shape from her home in the Lake District, the barren beauty poking into the sky reminded her enough of Stonefire to smile. As long as she had mountains nearby, she felt right at home.
Footsteps echoed down the hall. Just as she turned toward the door, Finn appeared in the door with a mug in his hand. Holding it out, he said, “Good morning, sunshine. Coffee?”
Frowning, she took the mug. “Do I look like sunshine to you?”
Putting on a mock serious face, Finn gave her a once-over. Then he winked. “You are as radiant as the sun.”
She resisted rolling her eyes and instead took a sip of coffee. The milky sweetness made her sigh. “As much as I hate to compliment you, this is good coffee.”
“I was trained by Aunt Lorna. Bad coffee isn’t tolerated in the MacKenzie household.” He dropped his voice to a whisper. “Faye inherited her crankiness from her mother, and you don’t want to talk with Aunt Lorna before she’s had her coffee.”
She took another sip. “At least you’ve been trained. That means we shouldn’t starve.”
He took the two steps between them and brushed a hair off her face, his warm skin sending a tingle through her body. His accent thickened as he murmured, “I was starved until I met you, Arabella.”
She was about to reprimand him, but the heat in his eyes stilled her
tongue. She half-expected his eyes to flash to dragon slits, but they remained round. It was his human-half talking.
To give herself a second to reply, she took another sip and then another. Once the spell of Finlay’s words and gaze had broken, she cleared her throat. “So, any clue as to who was behind the attack on my cottage?”
Finn’s smiled faded, replaced with a frown. “Not much. The only clue we found was a piece of torn fabric. You haven’t ripped anything blue since arriving, have you?”
“No.” She took a sip of her coffee, the strong, sweet brew clearing the sleepy fog from her brain. “So I know you don’t have any proof, but do you have an idea of who did it?”
“Aye, Duncan Campbell, the male who wants my job.”
“Tell me about him and maybe I can help think of a plan.” Finn scrutinized her and she raised her brows. “I know all you see when you look at me is a runway model, but I assure you, despite the dazzling exterior, I have brains.”
Finn cupped her cheek. “I know you meant to jest, but you could be a model, Ara. A few scars don’t make you any less beautiful.”
Shaking her head, Finn removed his hand. “Don’t start flirting. I want to know about Duncan.”
Finn opened his mouth just as her stomach rumbled. Moving to her side, he placed a hand on her back. “I’ll tell you while I make you something to eat.”
The thought of spending a normal morning with a handsome dragon-shifter cooking breakfast for her made her heart beat a little faster. “But don’t you have things to do?”
“Aye, in about an hour. I worked for a bit while you were sleeping.”
As he guided them out of the room, she looked up at him. “You should’ve woken me. I’m behind on my work.”
“I bet you are, but I’m still working on getting you a powerful enough laptop to do what you need to do. All of mine were given away last year.”
They entered the kitchen. Finn took away his hand to pull out a chair. Rather than tell him she could sit herself, Arabella sat down. “That’s right. You used to help with the IT department.”
Healed by the Dragon: Boxed Set (Parts #1-4) Page 8