by Tully Belle
He didn’t want her to fall because of him.
She was fast asleep, not caring that he was in the room. She wasn’t scared of him, but he wasn’t sure if she ever was. He knew she wouldn’t hurt him and she knew the same of him. Whether she still believed that stupid rhetoric about dragons must die or not, he doubted it. She couldn’t. Not after the time they'd spent together.
He stood up and crept to the door. He could see the light from the hallway underneath the sill casting shadows in the dust. It would be so easy to slip away now. Dragonspark had Princess's location, he could tell Mac that was all they could do.
Elle stirred in her sleep, tossing her head from side to side, the blanket falling off her shoulder as she rolled. The shape of her body under the covers was calling him, especially in the dim light of night. If it had been any other woman, he would have escaped the very first chance he got. Instead he was drawn to her, if only so he could lie next to her, protect her from whatever bad dream she may have.
But she wouldn't appreciate his need to want to protect her. It was already clear that she could look after herself. Still, that didn’t stop him wanting to stop any more bad things happening to her. Like Tessa. Tessa wasn’t good for Elle, but how could he convince her of that? Elle needed to come to that conclusion on her own. Otherwise she would never believe it.
Lyson struggled about what he should do next. The only thing he could do right now, was return to his corner, go to sleep, talk to Elle in the morning. He walked back over, and sat back down, staring at her in the darkness. What could he say to her? He couldn’t tell her about the equipment he’d stashed in her bag, or the tracker he’d hidden on his body. What would she think if she knew that her whole escape was planned, and that he knew she’d use every advantage to leave, including taking him as a hostage.
“Lyson?” she murmured, half awake. She turned over and propped her head on her hand. “Are you awake?”
“Yes. I can’t sleep.”
“Come.” She held her hand out for him. “Just hold me. I want you close.”
There was no point resisting her any longer, he had to be next to her. He didn’t argue, just picked up his pillow and laid down next to her on the bed.
“You have to escape,” she whispered. Her gorgeous blue eyes pleading with him.
“I can't. You’ll get in trouble.”
The corners of her mouth tugged up. “You’re worried about what will happen to me?”
He reached up to move a strand of hair away from her face. “Yes.”
“Why?”
Why? Because it was his fault that she was in this mess with Tessa. He wanted out of the plan now. As much as Tessa needed to be watched and taken down, Elle shouldn’t be a part of that. Not after everything that she’d been through. “Because you aren’t safe while I’m in your bed.”
“What are you going to do? Handcuff me again? Kiss me against my better judgment?”
Yes, to all those things. “I mean from Tessa. She will be planning what to do about me now, and she’ll involve you.”
Elle shrugged. “I can take care—“
“—Of yourself. I know you can. That doesn’t change the fact that I don’t belong here, and the longer I stay, the more danger we’re both in.”
“Which is why you have to escape.”
“Not until I know you won’t get hurt.”
She sighed, her soft lips parting. “Why didn’t you try anything earlier. When I walked out of the bathroom and let the towel drop.”
“It wasn’t the right time.”
“Is it the right time now?” She moved closer. He could feel the warmth of her body against his. Damn, he was struggling to stay cool. She was inviting him in, giving him all the signals.
“What will happen if I go. What will Tessa do to you?”
Elle rested her head on his chest. “She’ll start a war. We know where both camps are now, it’s just about who strikes first.”
“And what side will you be on?”
Elle looked up at him. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again. They both knew it was no good. Neither of them had the answer. Elle had to stay with Tessa. As much as he wanted to have Elle by his side, they still hadn't known each other long enough to fully trust each other. Not yet. “Will Mac order an attack on us?” she asked.
“He doesn’t want this war. This is Tessa’s doing.”
“I could talk to her again, convince her that this is madness. We shouldn’t be fighting each other over this.”
“I agree, but Tessa won’t. She won’t give up until she’s won.”
Elle sighed and rested her head back on his chest. “Just hold me. I’ll figure something out in the morning.”
“We'll figure something out together.”
She held his hand, kissing the back of it. “Stay here with me all night. I need you beside me.”
So he stayed.
31
The morning light fell on Elle’s face waking her. She could feel Lyson’s chest against her back, the slow steady rhythm of his breathing in sync with her own. She wanted to stay in bed forever, held in his arms like this, but she knew that wasn’t possible.
Today she would face the consequences of bringing him here. He would either leave or Tessa would plan something awful. Elle couldn’t let that happen. Not to him. She felt safer lying next to him than she had in a long while.
She still hadn’t know him for very long, but there was something indescribable about how she felt. It wasn’t mind control or any other tricks like she originally thought. He’d proven that he wasn’t going to hurt her.
If anything he’d become protective of her. No one ever cared about her that much to worry how she’d react or what she’d do next. She was so used to handling her life on her own, that she wasn’t sure how to respond.
It wouldn’t be a normal relationship.
Normal. The word amused her, and she smiled. Why was she so concerned about normal when her whole life had been anything but? For as long as she could remember there had been nothing normal in her life. Why would this be any different?
Except it did feel different. There was something about lying next to Lyson that felt right. And they hadn’t had sex yet. That was the most astounding thing. In her past, she’d only developed feelings for someone once she’d slept with them. She had read an article once that described the phenomena as something women did. Biological chemicals were released or something that made women cling to their lovers and want more. Men didn’t have that same chemical reaction. Lucky bastards.
This, however, was the first time she’d had those same feelings without consummating the relationship. But god she wanted to.
Elle shifted so she could face him. His face was soft and relaxed, deep in sleep. His lips were strong and without thinking she leaned in and kissed him.
Lyson murmured in his sleep, his lips parting, responding to her touch. She could feel him harden against her leg, his morning arousal becoming more and more evident.
Elle pulled back, staring at his face, studying his jawline, the way his chin dimpled ever so slightly. She traced a finger across his cheek, feeling the stubble pushing out from his skin. The roughness arousing her.
She continued trailing her hand lower, first to his chest. He was still wearing a t-shirt, but she could feel his strong body underneath. Her hand teased lower, wanting to feel all of him. Tight muscles tensed as she reached his stomach. She paused there, tracing the pattern his ab muscles made over his firm skin.
Lyson murmured again and opened his eyes. “And what do you think you’re doing?” he asked sleepily. He made no attempt to stop her exploration.
“Good morning,” she whispered, leaning in, pressing herself against him.
“I thought we decided not to pursue this,” he said, grabbing her hand and kissing the back of it. He moved until he was on top of her. His hands pinned her to the bed. Lyson’s lips hovered close to hers. “However tempting it may be.”
“You tempt me,” he said. “That makes you very bad.”
“Bad?” She raised a brow. “You have no idea.”
“Jeez, Elle.” Lyson groaned. He maneuvered himself between her legs, pushing them apart as he lay between them. Only their clothes separated what she so desperately craved now. He leaned down and kissed her neck, sucking her flesh into his mouth. “I’m trying to stay in control,” he murmured against her skin. His voice making tiny vibrations against her flesh. “You’re not making it easy for me.”
Elle arched her back, sighing softly as his tongue moved closer to her ear. “I don’t like easy,” she groaned, as his teeth brushed against her ear lobe.
“We should stop,” said Lyson. He let go of her wrist and moved his hand under her top, pulling it up until her stomach was exposed. He moved from her neck down to her stomach.
Elle’s breathing quickened, the heat in her body rising so much that she wasn’t thinking straight. “Tessa will be calling me soon,” she said. “I’ll have to go see her.”
Lyson trailed soft kisses around her belly button and began his way back up, taking his time, exploring every part of her torso. “Then go,” he whispered. "I'm not stopping you."
He reached the bottom of her bra, his breath warm against her skin. Elle reached up and pulled her top away, leaving her bra exposed.
Lyson used his teeth to pull at the fabric. Slowly the lace slid down, exposing her left nipple. He eyed it hungrily. Elle shifted, making it easy for him to taste.
Desire was bursting through her body and her breath sped to match her racing pulse. His lips brushed against her nipple as his hand wrapped around her back, pulling her closer.
Elle moaned as his tongue swirled around it, sucking it into his mouth. She slid her hands to the back of his head to hold him there, never let him go.
Lyson pulled back, his eyes glazed with lust as he took both hands and held them above her head. His mouth crushed down on hers again, parting her lips and devouring her with lust. "Lyson," she groaned desperately.
He let her arms go as he tugged her underwear down, then followed with his own clothes, discarding them to the floor. She took her own bra off, throwing it away from her.
Lyson was back on top of her, twisting his fingers with hers and tasting the hot flesh of her breasts. With a groan, he yanked her forward and buried his mouth between them.
Elle gasped, her body responding with need as he moved lower, around the curve of her hip, down the side of her thigh. He was between her legs now, his hands spreading them apart as he planted a soft kiss below making her groan again.
He held her hips, pressing his fingers into her flesh as he tasted her, his tongue swirling from clit to opening and back again. She could barely talk her breathing was coming so fast now.
She thought she would come, his touch so primal and intoxicating. Then he moved, his hands grabbing hers and pressing her down on the bed until his swollen cock was between her legs.
Unspoken words passed between them as he waited for her.
"Yes," she whispered, desperate for him to be inside her.
Lyson held her arms above her head as he pushed forward. In one thrust he was deep inside her. Elle cried out, her body in utter ecstasy as he moved, slowly at first, then with more force. "You're gorgeous," he whispered.
She whimpered, knowing she was lost to him now. He had so much power over her, yet she trusted him. Each thrust sending shivers of delight from her core to every part of her body.
Lyson was steady, but she was lost to the moment, didn't care that she had succumbed to him. Glad of it. He leaned down and sucked the flesh of her neck into his mouth.
She was close. A primal moan escaped her lips as she came closer and closer. Then . . . Elle threw her head back as her body exploded into orgasm. "Oh god," she cried.
He followed soon after. He had waited until she was satisfied before he took his own pleasure.
When he let go of her hands Elle grabbed him and held him close, not wanting to let him go.
He continued to kiss her. Her lips, her cheeks, her forehead. She wanted to do it again. All of it.
He reached over and curled a stray strand of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear as they smiled at each other.
Then her phone buzzed. They both jumped. Lyson stayed in position, but he too was frozen. They looked at each other for a moment longer until the phone buzzed again.
Elle wasn’t sure what to do. Answer it? Leave it? If she didn’t answer it, Tessa could send someone in, and that was the last thing she wanted right now.
She had to answer it. “Hello?” she said.
“I’ve been so worried. Is everything still good, you’re okay?” asked Tessa.
Elle bit her lip nervously. “Ah, yeah, it’s all good here.” Lyson raised a brow.
“I need you to come here right away.”
“Um, you’ll need to give me a minute.” She kept her gaze fixed on Lyson.
“No, Elle, right now. I could come there if you prefer.”
“No, nope, that won’t be necessary.” Her heart was pounding.
“Good. Be here in five minutes.”
“Five. Okay.” She hung up.
Her lip quivered. “Tessa wants to see me.”
He gently kissed her nose. “Ahuh.”
“No really. If I don’t go she’ll come in here.” Elle shifted underneath him, moving off the bed and throwing her clothes back on. “I’ll be back soon.”
Lyson propped himself up on his elbow. “And who says I’ll still be here waiting?”
She threw her discarded tee at him and grinned, grabbed her phone and left the room.
Elle leaned against the door, catching her breath before she made her way up the next floor to Tessa's office. She didn't know what just happened, but she was damn glad it did.
32
The hair on Lyson's neck rose and he jumped out of the bed alert and ready to fight. There was nothing in her room that wasn't here a few minutes ago, so it had to be outside. He could feel the threat in his veins and knew someone was coming for him. And they were coming fast.
Tessa. She wasn’t stupid, she knew there was more going on between Elle and him. Any fool would realize it. She didn't need cameras or spy equipment. She would just know.
He found his clothes and dressed. He needed to get out of the room, he was trapped here, especially now that Tessa had lured his only ally away. He wondered how much she knew. It had been convenient that she called Elle right after they'd had sex.
Lyson grabbed his shoes and pulled them on. He ran his hand through his hair, looking for something to alert Elle what was happening. He was in danger, every part of his body was pricking with dreaded anticipation. He didn’t have much time.
He opened the drawer on the bedside table, hoping that she wouldn't mind that he had opened one of her drawers. Inside was a journal. He ripped out a blank page and grabbed a pen.
He had to be careful about what he wrote, he couldn’t get her in trouble. That meant he needed to keep up the pretense that he was still her prisoner. Damn, what was he going to do with the surveillance equipment? He didn't have time to get rid of it. He couldn't worry about that, he didn't have enough time anyway.
Lyson scribbled down his note: “Elle, can’t stay, must fly. Later.” It was vague enough that it didn’t hint at any possible involvement yet would give her the information she needed to know that Tessa hadn't captured him.
He hoped she would understand why he had to go like this and he wasn't abandoning her. Everything had changed and it was because of her. He would be back.
He slipped the note under her pillow.
Lyson went over the window. He glanced down at the street below. If he threw himself out and then changed would he make it? It might be enough time, but he couldn’t be sure. He couldn't take that r
isk. He needed to find another way.
The sting of danger surged through him. They were coming, he had to get out of here. But how?
The building would be on alert for him. Every inch of this place would be secured, waiting for him to make his move. He had to go up. The roof, he was already close enough to make it. He could easily change up there and get out of here.
Lyson moved the door and listened. Quiet. Too quiet? He couldn’t tell if it was because they were silently waiting for him or there hadn't reached this floor yet. Only one way to find out. He reefed open the door and braced. No one came jumping at him. Good. Still he could feel they were close.
No one in the hall so he ran to the stairwell at the end of the floor and burst through the door. He didn't need to be quiet. This wasn't a stealth mission, it was a get-out-of-here-before-they-shoot-off-your-head task.
Lyson made sure the door closed behind him before rushing up the concrete stairs to the roof. He hoped it was unlocked, otherwise he was trapped.
Three flights up and he reached the door to the roof. He was sweating as he tested the doorknob, every cell pricking for him to change and survive. It turned. Breathing a sigh of relief he hurried outside.
“There he is,” shouted someone behind him. He turned to see a group of three women advancing toward him. They were armed with bows and knives. No guns. He had a chance.
Lyson didn’t waste anytime. He tensed every muscle in his body, his skin stretching and pulling, ripping away from his bones. He roared until the pain disappeared.
He was dragon. He spat a flame of fire at his assailants to keep them back. One loosed an arrow that narrowly missed his head. He backed away, stretched out his wings.
The leader of the group came rushing at him, but it was too late, he leaped into the air, feeling another arrow fly past him. He had only one thing left to do. Get the hell out of here.