“Send me all the details.”
“Already done,” Jake replied.
Connor ended the call and focused his gaze on the detective. “Jenna is no longer a suspect. Two more of our people were murdered in California and New York. Same MO. They’re sending me the details.”
Jenna gasped, her hand over her mouth.
“Well this does indeed change things, but I’d still like to officially clear Ms. Dunne. I’d like to see those files as well,” Ethan replied.
Connor gave a quick nod before he turned to Jenna. “You shouldn’t be alone.”
“I have a shift at the station tomorrow.”
“Fine, but you’re not going home.” He led her outside, his senses on full alert as he opened the door to his truck and helped her climb in. Once he slid into the driver seat, she spoke.
“Do you really think it’s necessary? I mean I’m not in any danger.”
He pinned his gaze on her. “I’m sure the others felt the same.”
Her anger flared. “You can’t hold me hostage. I have a life, and I don’t belong to you. You promised to let me go.”
He teetered on a knife’s edge. “The game has changed. You’re mine and that’s final.” He hadn’t meant to shout, and the look in her eyes said she was about to go ballistic on his ass. He’d fucked up yet again. Raking his fingers through his hair, he tried to approach things from a different angle. “Damn it woman, I love you, and you can’t expect me to sit by and watch another man take you.” He held up his hand to silence her. “I know what I fucking said about Derrick, and I was wrong.”
The fire in her hazel gaze dimmed slightly. “Then why did you tell me––”
“I’m a fucking idiot. I thought if I allowed you some freedom”––he swallowed––“you might come back to me.” His grip on the steering wheel tightened until his knuckles turned white, as he waited for some kind of response from her.
“The turmoil rolling off of you is almost as suffocating as the heat outside. How close are you, exactly, to your Kamirth?” She folded her arms and continued to stare at him. He’d just confessed his feelings and she was still pissed?
He felt his lip curl into a snarl and his fangs began to extend. “I’m fine.”
“Hmmm. You lie like shit too. Apparently, you've forgotten I can read you like a book. Need I remind you, we’ve been down this road before?” When he finally dared glance over at her, both of her brows were raised giving him a questioning look.
How the hell was he supposed to answer her? She was right though, and there was no way he could lie to her. “I can get through this.”
This time, lines of worry furrowed across her forehead. “Are you sure? Cause from where I'm sitting, you look like you're about to explode. Do you have any idea how close you were to shifting in there? If I may be so blunt, when was the last time you got laid?”
Shit, did he dare tell her? He looked away, unable to meet her gaze. “Not since you.” He hoped like hell she didn't offer to share with him the last time she'd had a man between her thighs. Because seriously, he was on the edge. It would take just one little thing to push him over. Right now, he had no common sense left.
“Oh. I see.”
He started his truck. “Don't sound so damn disappointed.” He shoved the gearshift into reverse and backed out of his parking spot. “I don't mean to be so grouchy and snap at you. It's just... It's hard to be around you right now. Your scent alone makes me feel like a damn, drooling dog.” He pulled out onto the street, realizing he wasn't even sure where the hell he was headed. Right, the hotel. How was he going to be in the same room as her? Maybe he could request an upgrade to a suite.
“I’m not disappointed. Surprised maybe but not disappointed. You’re a handsome man, Connor, and any woman would be happy to have you. I...” She appeared uncomfortable with the conversation and shifted in her seat. “Look, I promised to help you through this so you wouldn’t take off anybody's head. I haven’t been with a man since we were together.” She let out a sigh. “What can it hurt for us to let off a little steam? It might even clear your head so you can continue with this investigation.”
He knew he should say no and drive her ass — as fine as it was — back to her place. Being with her was only going to make matters worse for him, but the head between his legs was busy shouting out “take her up on her offer!” There was also the fear for her safety, and she’d been ready to say something important. He got the feeling she was glad he’d not been with anyone since her. Damn, maybe there was still a chance for the two of them.
****
He loved her. She’d wanted to say the words back but they got stuck. Instead, she offered to have sex with him. There was a tinge of guilt about Derrick. She had sort of led him on earlier, and now things had changed. Hadn’t they? Connor loved her, and if he could forgive her, maybe they could start over.
She swallowed, looked over at him, and watched his jaw tick. “Unless of course you have other plans.”
“None that can’t be changed,” he responded.
They pulled up to a red light, and he finally met her stare. “Are you positive? Because teasing me right now would be the worst idea you’ve ever had.”
Was she? Her body sure as hell was. Her mind? Maybe not as willing, but it would certainly follow along. Things were crazy right now, and a little bit of companionship might be exactly what they both needed. Even so, she knew it was what he needed. He was closer to his Kamirth than he was willing to admit, and soon he would be a danger to everyone.
“Positive.” She made sure to add confidence to her reply or he might back out.
The light changed and traffic ahead of them began to move. Connor nodded. “Fine. I'm not going to ask again.”
Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the hotel parking lot. Connor hardly had the truck in park and turned off before he was at her door and helping her out. He whisked her across the lot and into the lobby, where the cool air caressed her hot skin. Just the thought of what they were about to do sent a shiver down her spine and heat to her core.
This is only about the sex. We both need a release. Later we can figure out where our relationship stands.
With his hand at the small of her back, he escorted her into an empty elevator and pressed the button. The doors closed, leaving them alone. Before she could exhale, he had her arms pinned over her head and her back against the wall. His mouth slammed hard over hers, and his magic slid across her skin like a silk scarf.
There was no way the dragon in him could wait another minute. It needed to be satisfied and she could only surrender. Allow him total control of her body. This was where most human females got into trouble. Anything other than compliance would cause the dragon to use any means to make them submit. She understood the species and knew Connor no longer had control.
They would not leave this elevator until the beast was sated.
Sparks snapped along the panel, and the elevator stopped abruptly. The lights dimmed. A dragon’s magic was unstoppable when they entered sexual lust, and apparently, Connor’s had just played havoc with the circuitry.
His free hand slid up the back of her thigh and under her shorts. Cupping her ass in a firm grip, he spoke against her lips. “I need.”
Dear god, so did she. The thought of him taking her here sent throbbing heat to her sex. “Yes.”
He released her and took a step back. His brown eyes shifted between hazel and green. He was fighting to stay in control. “I shouldn’t do this, not here.” His voice was ruff and low, and she knew he struggled.
Without hesitation, she shoved her shorts and panties down her thighs and stepped out of them. Next, she pulled her top off and freed her breasts. “Yours.” She dropped her gaze to the floor and stared at his boots. The sound of his zipper being lowered met her ears.
Chapter Twelve
Connor pulled the belt free from his jeans and lowered the zipper, thankful he went commando. “Hold out your hands.”
&n
bsp; She did as he instructed, and he looped the belt around her wrists, pulling it tight. “On your knees and suck my cock.” Again, she obeyed. The woman took his breath away. Her full breasts and rounded hips were made for fucking, and he hated himself in this moment. Hated what he was and how he would take her. Thankfully, she never tempted fate, knowing a male in his lust also had a need to be in total control and expected compliance. Even so much as eye contact could send the beast into a fit.
He dropped his pants enough to free his cock. The tip glistened with anticipation, and he could scarcely believe he was going to have her again. God, he’d missed her. She wrapped her lips around the tip of his shaft and sucked.
“Fuck.” He groaned, finally had her where he’d imagined her earlier. It was no longer a dream, and he wasn’t jerking off. It didn’t get any more real.
She took his entire length, working her mouth up and down his shaft. He fisted her hair and rocked his hips. He inhaled. Her musky scent said she was ready. If he kept up this pace, he’d soon explode, and he wanted to be inside her when he did that.
“Enough. On your feet and face the wall,” he commanded and she readily obeyed. “Bend over.” She fell into position.
He slid up behind her and ran his hands down her back. A quick slap across her ass turned the cheek a nice pink. She didn’t flinch or cry out, but her breathing increased. He fisted his throbbing member and parted her folds with the tip while kicking her legs apart. She let out a soft moan, and he thrust, entering her until her sex wrapped around him like a velvet glove. He bent, his lips next to her ear.
“I promise to make it up to you.” Claws extended from his fingertips, sinking into the flesh of her hips and thick fangs elongated from the top and bottom of his mouth. His magic chilled the air around them until he could see every breath he exhaled.
Perfect. He sunk his claws deeper until Jenna’s blood trickled down her legs and the coppery scent filled his nostrils. He moved and began a pounding thrust, eliciting a moan from her. Wings emerged from his back as he went into a partial shift.
“So hot and wet,” he growled, pistoning faster. He fought the urge to finish their bond. Make her completely his. It would only take a few uttered words, a little magic, and a bite to her shoulder and she would be bound to him. She’d also hate him, and he couldn’t live with that.
His balls pulled tight, and the release he desperately needed worked its way up his shaft. Too soon. He wanted to bask in the closeness he shared with Jenna, but the beast in him wanted to spill his seed. Later, he’d have to find a way to take things slower. With one last thrust, the fog around his brain lifted and his muscles tightened with ejaculation. With the last spasm, the chill faded in the elevator and he pulled free.
“Shit.” He rubbed her hips as she straightened. Already, bruising marred her perfect skin along with the bloody wounds. “Let me heal you.” He reached around and freed her wrists, rubbing them.
Jenna looked over her shoulder at him and smiled, giving a nod of approval. Damn, he loved this woman. He laved his tongue over her right hip, allowing his saliva to close the wound and ease the pain. By the time he began working on the other side, her skin was unmarred. Not a trace of what he’d done. He placed his palm on her waist and turned her to face him.
“You okay?”
“Yes.”
He grabbed her panties and helped her slip them on. Next her shorts, then he handed her the top that was across the floor. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, before zipping up his pants and flaring out magic to restart the elevator.
****
Sorry. Connor always apologized after they’d had sex during his Kamirth. She knew he felt bad that he was unable to control his actions and always worried about hurting her.
As the elevator started upward once again, Jenna smiled. If things remained as they always had, Connor would want sex again, but this time it would be slow and sweet. His attention directed toward her pleasure. When the doors opened, a couple stepped aside so Connor and Jenna could exit. She was certain by the looks they received, it was obvious what had gone on inside a stuck elevator.
Connor led her to the end of the hall. “It should be quiet down here.” He tapped his card on the reader and opened the door. The room was spacious for a hotel with a king bed and a small sitting area with a blue loveseat, matching chair, and a desk. There was a wooden hutch that held a single serve coffeemaker and a mini fridge.
“Nice.” Jenna plopped onto the bed. “You know I don’t have any clothes. Not even a toothbrush.” Connor paced the room, suddenly making it feel cramped.
“I’ll take you to get some things at your place later. Will that work?”
“Sure.” She leaned back on a stack of pillows and watched as he pulled out his laptop and placed it on the desk. He was looking for the file that would have been sent to him regarding the other deaths. After several tense minutes, he finally looked up from his screen.
“Those girls died exactly the same way as Sarah.” He rested his forehead in his palms. “I detected nothing at the scene other than the gasoline used to start the blaze.”
Jenna felt the emotions roll off of him. Connor didn’t take kindly to failure. No dragon did. Being enhanced, they were good at most everything they did, and they thrived on a sense of accomplishment. It was rare a dragon gave up on a task. It simply wasn’t programed into their DNA.
A burning question hung in the air. “Were they also banned by the elders?”
He finally lifted his head. Brown eyes, a mixture of amber and green with anger, met hers. “One was, the other was betrothed. Her mate was away fighting a brush fire.”
Her chest tightened. “I can’t imagine.”
He shoved back the chair with such force it rolled into the curtains before stopping. In two strides, he stood beside the bed. A growl rumbled low in his chest. “I thought I died when you left me, but that was nothing compared to how I would feel if something happened to you.”
She sat up and licked her lips. “You never once told me you loved me. Why?”
“I wish I had an answer. I’m an idiot and I guess I assumed you knew.” The mattress dipped from his weight as he sat beside her, his hand on her thigh. “Tell me what I need to do to make this work between us, because I can’t let you walk away again. Do I need to move to Dallas? I hate this climate, but I’ll do anything that makes you happy.”
She appreciated his honesty and couldn’t lie any longer. “I wasn’t entirely truthful earlier.”
He arched a brow.
“I still love you. Every day here has been a challenge. I’ve tried to forget about you, but you’re kinda unforgettable.” This time he waggled his brows and she giggled. Something she realized she hadn’t done much of in a long time.
“You swear no matter what, we’ll always be together?” He’d told her so before, but she needed to hear it again.
He pulled her hand into his. “Nothing and no one can come between us. I don’t care about anything except you. We can be the first to work at making change. Let others see we’re together because we love each other.”
She smiled. “I like that.” His grin went from ear to ear. God, he was handsome, and he was hers.
“Sooo, not that I’m trying to be pushy, but when can we finish the mating? When can I officially make you mine?”
“Not here and not back home. There are too many bad memories in both places.” Jenna tapped her index finger on her lips. “Can we go someplace special?”
“Any place you want, baby. Name it.” He drew her hand to his lips and gave a soft kiss to her knuckles.
“I’ve always wanted to visit Denali.”
His mouth dropped open but was quickly replaced by a wicked grin. “I happen to know a perfect little cave that’s off limits to any humans. I could take you flying at night, and we could watch the Northern lights. As soon as I finish the investigation here, we’ll go.”
“It sounds perfect. I can’t wait.”
He leaned in
and kissed her. It started as a slow, soft caress on her lips then turned into a demand for more. He backed away, leaving her breathless.
“I have to go, but we will finish this later.”
She couldn’t wait.
Chapter Thirteen
Connor headed out, leaving Jenna in the room to get some much needed sleep. He’d talked to O’Donnell and decided to meet him at the police station. The attorney had assured him Jenna would be cleared of any suspicion, so he kissed her and promised to take her home for some of her things when he returned. In the meantime, she would stay with him until they figured out what was going on with these arsons.
“Well, I would have to say after looking over these files, that it’s definitely the same perp,” Ethan commented, looking over the top of the manila folder at Connor.
He sat across from the detective’s desk, deep in thought of Jenna in his bed, which was where he really wanted to be right now. “I would have to say the dragons are a target, but I’m confused by the other unrelated fires you’ve had here. If my people are who the bastard’s after, why burn those other buildings?”
The detective shook his head. “Good question and I wish I had the answer. Your people on either scene didn’t detect anything?”
“No, and that has me even more worried. Whoever it is, is good at covering their tracks. I’ll be doing a conference call later tonight with the others who were on the out of state scenes, just so we can compare notes.”
Ethan set the folder on his desk. “I hope you find something,”—the phone rang—“Excuse me.” He grabbed his cell. “Yeah.”
Tension coiled through the air as Ethan sat forward in his chair, his body stiff. Connor knew they had another fire on their hands, and he hoped to hell there were no casualties this time.
Ethan looked up. “They have no idea if it’s our guy, but the hotel you’re staying at is on fire.”
Connor shot from his seat. “Everyone get out?” he yelled as he ran out the office and down the hall. Skirting past the desks, the other officers got out of his way.
Dallas Fire & RescueHis Burning Desire Page 8