Dragonfyre

by Donna Grant

  Kyndra waited until the door closed behind him before she let out her breath she’d been holding. If ever there was someone who could make her throw away everything she had worked toward, it was Aimery.

  All Fae were sensual creatures, but Aimery held an essence of wildness about him, a streak of uncertainty that called to her on a level she hadn’t experienced before. And, oh, how she wanted to experience more of the thrill that raced through her whenever he was near.

  With a sigh of regret, Kyndra dropped her towel and reached for her new clothes.

  * * * * *

  Aimery leaned his head against Kyndra’s door and cursed himself for ten kinds of fool. What kind of idiot stayed in her chamber when she was bathing? It was an enticement he didn’t need, one he couldn’t ignore. Every fiber of his being told him to leave, but his mind couldn’t make his body work.

  Instead, he had soaked up her beauty. Her hair was slicked against her head from the recent rinsing, and beads of water clung to her skin as if they desired her as much as he did.

  When she had risen from the tub, the glimpse of her body had made him break into a cold sweat.

  Ripe, full breasts that tapered to a narrow waist and flared hips to her long, luscious legs that he wanted wrapped around his waist as he buried his cock inside her.

  She had surprised him by getting out of her bath, and few people did that.

  He needed to tell her to stay with him, to be careful, but when he had whispered in her ear, he had smelled her fragrance of jasmine and sunshine, and all thought fled. Then, she had met his gaze, her lips parting.

  She had wanted his kiss. Of that he was sure. Yet, he couldn’t do it. He knew deep in his soul that if he took Kyndra, he could never let her go. And if she accepted him, it would only be for a moment in time.

  One or the other would be hurt if they gave in to the desire. Which is why he intended to stay strong and resist her lure.

  Aimery blew out a breath and forced his attention away from Kyndra to Eldar. He had managed to hide Theron’s missive with his weapons that he kept near him while he bathed. He wouldn’t put it past Eldar to try and take his weapons as well. They were so near to gaining a great advantage over Isran that Aimery could hardly contain himself. It was eating away at him that he had to wait to speak to Eldar. All the time wasted, when they could have readied the castle.

  He paced the hall in front of Kyndra’s chamber. At least he had managed to have their rooms near each other. Eldar had wanted him across the castle from Kyndra, but Aimery refused.

  Time crawled at a snail’s pace until Kyndra’s door opened and she stepped through.

  Aimery was struck anew at how stunning she was. Her dark curls, unadorned, floated about her shoulders. The cream gown hung to her slippered feet and hugged her slim frame. The material was gathered at her shoulders and held together by gold bands. The front draped becomingly down her front, giving a hint of the swell of her breasts.

  He smiled and motioned her forward. Then stopped dead in his tracks as he stared at the back of the gown. She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder, and his balls tightened.

  The gown bared her back with the material draping below her waist, giving any one who looked a glimpse of her hip.

  “Isn’t it lovely?” she asked and spun around. “I feel…wicked.” She looked good enough to eat. Aimery licked his lips. “No man will be able to keep his eyes from you.”

  “Just because of what I’m wearing?”

  “Whether you know it or not, men watch you. In that gown, they’ll devour you.” She tilted her head to the side and regarded him. “Has a woman ever held such power over you before?”

  Only you. “Nay.”

  “Maybe it will help us convince Eldar.”

  Aimery grunted and walked to her. “Only if you want to become his concubine.” She shivered and fell in step beside him. “I’d rather not.”

  “I didn’t think so. Just make sure we are always together. Don’t leave your chamber with anyone but me.”

  “I am a warrior, Aimery. I can take care of myself.”

  “You haven’t seen what they do to women they take captive, Kyndra. If they want a woman, whether she wants to go or not, they will have her.” Her steps faltered. “Should I wait in my chamber?”

  “Nay.” Aimery steadied her with a hand on her back. As soon as he touched her bare skin, he wished he hadn’t. Her skin was soft, warm, and he wanted to feel more of her.

  “Whatever happens, stay with me.”

  “I don’t have my weapons. I didn’t even think.”

  “That’s what Eldar wanted you to do. Few women can pass up a beautiful gown, even one where wearing their weapons is impossible. If it comes down to it, I’ll toss you one of mine.

  Stay alert.”

  She nodded. “Where are we going?”

  “To the great hall. We’re to stay there until Eldar summons us.” The music he had heard whispering through the castle grew louder the closer to the great hall they ventured. Guards were placed at every entrance, and Aimery was sure if he tried to go anywhere but the great hall they would be stopped.

  He and Kyndra followed the corridor down several flights of stairs to another hallway.

  The beat of the music filled the castle, echoing off the stones. The music was soft, erotic, as it washed over him.

  “Aimery,” Kyndra murmured as she leaned against him. “The music. It has magic in it.”

  “I know.”

  He stopped her before they entered the great hall. “Be careful, Kyndra. For me.” She swayed with the music before she rose up on her toes and placed her lips against his.

  “I’m glad you’re with me.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Aimery held himself still, the feel of Kyndra’s soft curves brushing against him was the worst kind of torture. She ended the kiss with a seductive smile before she turned her back to him. His gaze lingered on the small of her back where the cream material of her gown moved with her skin, tantalizing him, urging him to brush his fingers against the spot.

  He took in a calming breath and followed Kyndra into the great hall and down the long rows of tables. Fortunately, she sat near the end, leaving the end seat for him. He slid onto the stool and gazed at the abundance of food that covered the table. From whole roasted boar, various birds, boiled potatoes and cabbage, fruit and bread, it was a feast for a king.

  Kyndra licked her lips. “I thought I was full, but I find the smell divine.” Aimery had to admit the food smelled delicious, and he couldn’t wait to get a piece of the boar. The magic was lulling him, taking his worries away. He fought against it and, when that didn’t work, all he had to do was look at Kyndra.

  She smiled at him, her swirling blue eyes heavy lidded as she swayed on her seat. A lock of hair fell over her eye, the curl stopping near her lips. Aimery tucked the strand behind her ear and let his fingers graze the smooth skin of her jaw.

  “Dance with me,” she whispered.

  Aimery shook his head. He dared not hold her in his arms. The music was too erotic, the pull too great to ignore. His cock throbbed with need, begging him to take Kyndra. He wouldn’t allow them to be put in a situation where she woke the next morning aghast at what they had done.

  “Please, Aimery. I cannot fight the music.”

  With the way other men were staring at her, Aimery knew if he didn’t dance with her, someone else would. There was no way he was allowing any other man to touch her. Not his Kyndra.

  “One dance.”

  Her eyes sparkled as she smiled. “One dance.”

  Aimery got to his feet and held out his hand. As soon as Kyndra placed her palm in his, heat stole up his arm and surrounded his body. The music was slow, steady, the beat of the drums rhythmic and captivating. The notes of a flute floated through the air and accompanied the haunting strings of the violin.

  He held out his hands and groaned when Kyndra’s body pressed against his. The feel of her full breasts made his
balls tightened, but it was her parted lips and closed lids that caught him in her spell.

  Their bodies swayed as one, giving in to the seductive, erotic music. Magic flowed over them, between them…through them.

  Aimery could feel his defenses crumbling. His hands spread over Kyndra’s bare back, her skin beckoning him to touch more, take more. He caressed a finger down her spine, stopping just short of her buttocks. She shivered and let out a breathy moan. He pulled her against him and buried his head in her neck, inhaling her sweet scent.

  “Aimery,” she whispered as her fingers threaded through his hair.

  His heart pounded. His blood boiled. His hands shook from the effort to keep from ripping the gown from her body and laying her on the table so he could plunge inside her regardless of the crowded hall and the eyes that watched them. How he wanted to feel her clenching around his rod, to hear her scream her release. He cared about nothing else but her, Kyndra, the woman who had invaded his mind.

  “Kiss me.” Her lips teased his ear. “I want to taste you again.” It would be so easy to give in, to take what she offered. But he couldn’t. He pushed against the magic and the music and loosened his arms from Kyndra. When he stepped away from her, her brows furrowed.

  “Aimery?”

  He took another step back. “I can’t do this. You’ll regret this later.”

  “I won’t.”

  But he knew she would. If he took her, claimed her virginity, her vows would be forsaken. Everything she had strived for with the dragons would be gone. She would hate him then, hate the very sight of him.

  “You want it now but only because of the magic.”

  She shook her head, her dark curls catching the light of the torches. “You don’t understand.”

  “I do. Please, Kyndra. I’m holding on by a thread.”

  And that thread was quickly unraveling.

  He had to get away from her, to leave the music. He needed time to get his mind and body back under control. “I’ll be back,” he said and turned on his heel.

  Kyndra watched Aimery leave with a sinking heart. She had finally made the decision to give in to her desires, and Aimery didn’t want her. At least he said he didn’t want her, but she had felt his rod, hard and thick, against her.

  Whatever the future held for her, she knew one thing for certain—she had to have Aimery. She would never forgive herself if she didn’t taste the temptation he offered. Without another thought, she lifted her skirt and hurried after him.

  Once through the double doors, she stopped and looked first one way then the other of the corridor. It was only by chance that she saw a shadow move. She knew instantly it was Aimery. Kyndra lifted her chin and followed him.

  He wandered aimlessly, unaware she was behind him. Many times he would stop and brace his hands against the wall, his head bent forward as if the weight of the realms rested on his shoulders.

  Tears pricked her eyes when she heard him whisper her name. She could stand it no more. Her feet made nary a sound as she approached him. When she was steps away his head jerked up, their gazes meeting.

  “What are you doing here?” he demanded as he straightened.

  “What I should have done earlier.” Kyndra walked to him and rose up on her tiptoes as her arms slid around his neck.

  His hands grasped her arms. “Kyndra. Nay.”

  “Aimery, I’m tired of fighting this desire for you. I know what you’re trying to do, but I want this. I want this more than anything else in the realms. Please. Make love to me.” It was as if her words had burst through his walls. His arms wrapped around her tightly, molding her to his body as his mouth slanted over hers. Again and again he kissed her until she was breathless and aching for more.

  He pulled back and took her hand. “Not here.”

  Kyndra blinked, her gaze blurry from the desire. She managed to lift her skirts before she tripped on them while Aimery pulled her to his chamber. Excitement pooled in her belly, making her heart beat faster.

  He slammed and bolted the door before he turned to her. “Last chance.” She could say all the right words, and still he wouldn’t believe her. There was only one thing she knew she could do that would prove to him she really did want him. She reached her hands on to her shoulders and unclasped the gold bands. Her gown fluttered to her feet, leaving her completely bare.

  He growled and in two steps had her in his arms. Kyndra couldn’t get enough of his kisses. Her hands yanked up his tunic, eager to feel his skin against hers. Aimery broke the kiss long enough to jerk off his tunic and toss it to the floor.

  Before he could claim her mouth again, Kyndra knelt at his feet and pulled off his boots.

  She looked up at him and rose to her knees. Her hand ran along the length of his rod, feeling his heat through his breeches. His breathing quickened, and his eyes darkened. Her fingers fumbled as she tried to unlace his breeches.

  His hands covered hers, stilling her fingers. Slowly, he pulled her to her feet. Kyndra’s hands braced against his chest as his fingers caressed her sides. The hunger in his gaze only fanned the flames of her desire. Her eyes closed when his hands cupped either side of her face.

  “So beautiful,” he whispered. “It hurts just to look at you.” He kissed her jaw, her cheek before placing his lips on her. His tongue flicked out and licked her lips. She wanted a deeper kiss, but he pulled away. Fearing that he might have changed his mind, Kyndra’s eyes flew open to find him removing his breeches. Her lips parted in awe as she stared at his cock that sprung free.

  She wanted to touch it, to learn every inch of him. But when she took a step to him, Aimery clasped her hands in his. Her back hit the wood of the door as he lifted her arms above her head, their fingers intertwining. He nuzzled her neck, his tongue and lips doing delicious things to her body.

  “I’m dreaming,” he said.

  “Nay. This is real.” Any more words were halted when he ground his hips against her.

  The feel of his rod against her, free from any clothes, was more delectable than she could have imagined. He slanted his mouth over hers, taking her in a kiss that sizzled with need and an unquenchable hunger.

  Her knees buckled from the force of the desire humming through her, but Aimery was quick to catch her. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. She stared into his eyes, wishing the night would never end.

  The cool linen of the sheets met her heated skin. Dimly, she heard the strains of the music below, as if reminding her of its heady pull. Aimery’s flaxen hair fell across her breasts as he leaned over her. Kyndra plunged her hands into the silky mass and sighed.

  The first touch of his hands on her breasts made her gasp. When he circled her aching nipples with his thumb, heightening her pleasure, she moaned, begging for more. And then his lips closed over a tiny bud.

  A strangled cry of rapture passed through her lips. While his tongue and mouth suckled one nipple, his fingers teased and tweaked her other. The throbbing of her sex intensified, urging her to seek more. She shifted her hips, grinding against him. The explosion of pleasure that one movement caused had her doing it again and again, each time the throbbing grew, consuming her.

  Aimery was in heaven. Kyndra’s beautiful, soft body was beneath his, her moans of ecstasy ringing in his ears. He shifted from one nipple to the other, feasting upon her tender, delectable flesh. Each time she raised her hips to him, he fought to keep from sinking into her heat. She was everything he had ever wanted, ever dared to dream about. He wanted her first time to be something she would never forget, something she could look back on with fondness, even if she despised him. For Aimery knew, despite her words, she would hate him.

  He would have this one night to relive in his dreams for the rest of his life. And he intended to make it a night never be forgotten.

  Aimery ran his hand over her flat stomach to the soft flare of her hips. His fingers parted the dark curls of her sex before he caressed her sensitive flesh. She moaned when his finger touched he
r pearl, and he smiled.

  He glanced up at her to see her eyes closed and her lips parted. Her pulse beat wildly at her neck as her chest rose and fell rapidly. He groaned when he felt how wet she was and slipped a finger inside her.

  His cock jumped when she arched her back and whispered his name. Her arms fell to her side and she fisted the blanket in her hands. Aimery’s blood pounded in his ears as he fought the rush of longing. He kissed the spot between her breasts and licked down her stomach before nipping at her navel. She hissed in a breath.

  Aimery settled between her legs and kissed first one hip then the other before he turned his attention to her sex. She opened her legs for him when he pushed them wider. He ran his tongue along her sex, tasting her, before he teased her pearl.

  She cried out, her back arching again. Her every reaction sent his blood burning through him, making his hunger grow until he was blinded with it. He didn’t know how much longer he could hold on before taking her.

  He moved his tongue over her pearl with the slightest of touches as he pinched her nipple. She screamed his name and thrashed her head back and forth.

  “Aimery, please. I need you.”

  He could no more ignore the plea than he could ignore his own heart. He rose over her, his cock sliding against her sex. She gripped his back and returned his gaze.

  “Now, Aimery,” she said and pulled him toward her.

  He clenched his jaw as he slid into her wet heat. He tried to move slow, to get her accustomed to him before he breached her maidenhead, but she had her own ideas. She wrapped her legs around him and dug her heels in his buttocks. Every time he plunged into her, she lifted her hips and met his thrusts. He pushed through her barrier before he was ready, and he stilled instantly.

  The only sign she gave was a small intake of breath, then she smiled up at him. “Don’t stop. It feels too good.”

  Aimery leaned down and kissed her as he began to move, with long, slow thrusts. He could feel his climax building swiftly, but he refused to peak without her. He increased his tempo, their bodies glistening with sweat.