Flight of Dragons

by Elianne Adams, Sadie Haller, Zoe York, Shelley Munro, Zara Keane, LC Alleyne, Skye Jones, Evanne Lorraine, Ann Gimpel

  At least she had stopped crying. Instead, he eased his hands beneath her T-shirt. Her skin felt as silky as it looked, and his fingers trailed up until the curve of her breasts settled into his palms. His thumbs played with her nipples until they hardened. “Well, since I am injured, what would you prescribe?”

  Her arms snaked around his neck as Eva stood on tiptoe to kiss him. She opened her mouth slightly, her invitation urging him to delve deep into her mouth and explore her sweetness that left him gasping for air when he pulled away.

  Eva didn’t let go. She stared at him, her eyes black in the darkness of the basement. And he suddenly realized that the door at the top of the stairs had been left wide open. “You realize if Thorsson had discovered you left the door open, he would have locked it and left you down here to deal with me.”

  “But he hasn’t.” Eva moved in close until her breasts pressed against his chest. It took everything in him not to rip her clothes off and make love to her on the floor. “Let’s go upstairs. You must be pretty tired.”

  “Please say you’re coming to my room.”

  She laughed quietly. “You’re persistent. You’ll need to get up the stairs first.” She grabbed the blanket from the cage and threw it over his shoulders. “Go on. I’m right behind you.”

  He’d have to wait to get his hands on her. But as he got to the top of the stairs and reached for the door, a wave of dizziness hit him, and he fell to his knees.

  “Shit. Don’t move,” she commanded. She took off into the house. “Thorsson!”

  Moments later, Thorsson had slung him over his shoulder. “I can walk, damn you,” he growled.

  His security guard wouldn’t put him down. Balthazar struggled, but Eva grabbed his arm. “Don’t be so stubborn.”

  “Stubborn?”

  “She has a point,” Thorsson agreed.

  When he finally reclined on the bed, Balthazar pointed at him. “You have some explaining to do.”

  “Tomorrow,” Eva whispered. “You need to sleep.” She traced his mouth with a finger, then bent down to plant a swift kiss on his cheek.

  He grabbed her arm. “Don’t go.”

  She became wary. “Why? Do you think Bal will show up again?”

  Balthazar suddenly realized Eva had a very good point. He sensed Bal was not far, but his dragon made no attempt to fight. In fact, he felt his dragon’s grudging acceptance to wait. Balthazar grasped his chest, stunned at his dragon’s admission.

  “Balthazar, what is it? What’s wrong?”

  “Bal.” He stared at her. “He’s going to back off for the time being.”

  Eva’s smile brightened the room. “Thank God.”

  He hadn’t released his grip on her. “Maybe you should stay and make sure.” He gave her his best innocent expression.

  She grinned. “Smooth move, Mr. Andal. Try and get some rest.” She pulled away from him and left.

  Thorsson cocked an eyebrow. “I thought she would have run away by now.”

  “Eva’s not stupid. She’s been marked. She knows it’s safer to stay here than risk her life with Ti roaming about.” He yawned, sleep sneaking into his wearied limbs.

  Thorsson bowed. “Sleep well, my lord.” He left the door open, no doubt to keep an eye and ear on his movements.

  Balthazar propped his arms beneath his head and closed his eyes. The dragon fire slumbered, and his aches were almost gone. Eva had taken a great risk to pull him out of despair by entering his dragon’s den.

  Perhaps it was he who took the greater risk in allowing her.

  ***

  He opened his eyes to bright sunshine as it streamed through his room, and to Eva sitting at his bedside. She held a wet cloth, and as he focused on her, she smiled and gently wiped his face. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

  Balthazar noticed Thorsson standing quietly by the door. “Much better, thank you.” He grabbed her hands. “You took an unnecessary risk by entering the basement.”

  “I told you, I wasn’t going to stay in my room when I could hear you screaming like that.” She fought his grip, but he refused to let go.

  “And you.” He looked at Thorsson. “You gave her the key to the cage. I gave explicit orders that she was not to go down there. What the hell were you thinking?”

  Thorsson shrugged. “She insisted on seeing you.”

  “What do you mean, insisted?”

  “She’s very persistent.”

  “And you couldn’t ignore her?”

  Thorsson frowned. “Could you?”

  He might have accused his security guard of insubordination, but Thorsson was right—Balthazar couldn’t ignore Eva even when he was in excruciating pain last night. “Touché.”

  Thorsson’s expression turned fearful. “My lord, I didn’t mean—”

  He waved a hand. “It’s all right. We’ve both learned how charming Eva can be.”

  “Please don’t blame Thorsson,” she said. “I was a bit demanding.” She glanced back. “And I think rude, too. I’m sorry.”

  “Apology accepted.” Thorsson’s face was unreadable.

  Balthazar eased his grip on her arms. “You have a lot of courage,” he said quietly.

  Eva snorted. “Is that what you call it? Papa keeps telling me to think first before acting, but I forget now and again.” She caressed his chest, and his skin burned. Her lips parted slightly. “But if I had to do it again, I would without a second thought.”

  He fought against pulling her to him, but he was losing the battle, damn it. “Thorsson, could you give us some privacy? I’ll be downstairs in a bit.”

  “Certainly.” The blond man stared at Eva for several moments before letting himself out.

  Eva had closed her eyes. “I thought he’d never leave.” She scooted closer and wrapped her arms around him, then gently explored his body. Her fingers felt like brands of fire as they delicately traced across his flesh. Eva’s lazy smile and wriggling body made it hard to concentrate. “You should be resting.”

  “Fuck that.” Bal’s roar echoed his own sentiment.

  He wanted to take his time, but years of pent up frustration and tension had taken its toll. He crushed her body to his and swooped down to capture her luscious lips. He slipped his hands beneath the waistband of her sweatpants and massaged her firm, round ass before pulling her closer. Finally, after what felt like hours, he backed off. “If I keep this up, I’ll explode right now.”

  She grinned. “We can’t have that happen. Imagine the mess.”

  He laughed and watched as she slowly pulled her T-shirt over her head. Her large breasts beckoned him forward, and he fondled their softness before wrapping his lips around a taut nipple.

  Eva gasped. Her fingers grabbed his hair. He suckled and licked the bud until her soft cries drove him into action. He pushed her down onto the firm mattress and ground his erection into her stomach, but kept his mouth firmly planted over her nipple. Eva moaned and fidgeted beneath him, and he raised his head.

  Her eyes were half-closed with lust, and her hands splayed across his chest. Curly hair tumbled around her head, and her gorgeous mouth tilted up in a half smile. Her hands hadn’t stopped moving, and Balthazar hissed in delight as her hand slipped beneath his boxer shorts and wrapped around his swollen cock. She stroked it gently, but her fingers drove him mad. He bit back the roar that threatened to overcome him, and kissed her breasts, making his hunger for her very evident as he licked his way down. He hooked a thumb into the waistband of her shorts and slowly pulled them down as he took in the sight of satin skin and silky hair. His nostrils flared at the scent of her, and he almost lost his tenuous hold of control.

  He lifted her legs, yanked off her shorts, and held her thighs. He rubbed his nose across her gleaming skin, inhaling deeply as his hands kneaded her willing flesh.

  “Balthazar,” Eva whispered, her voice filled with need.

  He gritted his teeth. Damn it, he had to hold it together. He reached for a condom on his bedside table, rippe
d it open with his teeth, and slid it on. Thank Odin Thorsson was ever-prepared. He crawled over her, but stopped when Eva opened her legs. He swallowed at the sight of delicate pink flesh peeking between her brown folds. Balthazar gently fondled Eva’s nub with his thumb, and she arched into his embrace, her hands fisted within the sheets. He circled the tender morsel slowly, then brought his mouth down to suckle. She cried out and writhed beneath him as he licked the very sensitive skin, savoring her unique musky taste.

  He felt her hands in his hair again, and she tugged hard, as if urging him on. He didn’t need any encouragement and lowered his head to kiss the vivid pink of her core. Eva was already wet, and her scent drove him crazy. He licked her thoroughly, not able to get enough to quench his rabid thirst. With his tongue lodged inside of her, Balthazar felt her pussy pulse. Eva panted heavily between anguished moans until suddenly her body tensed. She called out his name when he shoved his tongue farther inside of her, and she shuddered. Her sweet moisture trickled over his tongue, and he pulled out just enough to enjoy her scent on his face.

  He crawled over her, kissing as much of her sweaty skin as he could, while he held a shaky grip on his lust. When he looked down, Eva’s eyes were closed and her hands fondled her breasts. He wanted to watch her so badly, but his cock had other ideas. “Eva.”

  “Hmm.” She reached up and caressed his face. “I suppose dragons have natural instincts on how to please a human woman?”

  He laughed—he couldn’t help it. “I’m male, Eva. I think I can figure it out.”

  “You’d better be right about that.” She pulled his head down and kissed him hard.

  He couldn’t hang on any longer. Balthazar guided his cock until it nudged Eva’s pussy. She spread her legs wider, and he slowly pushed. She bit her lower lip as he eased into her tight embrace. With his cock fully inside, he raised himself on his elbows. Eva’s eyes were half-closed, and her hands rubbed his back until they reached his ass, and squeezed hard.

  He moved slowly, aiming to be gentle, but Eva’s encouragement got the better of him. He lifted her ass and kneeled beneath her, tilting her hips up. She cried out, an uninhibited sound of passion that set his blood boiling. He fucked her in earnest, hands anchored to her ass, as he watched the play of emotions flutter across her face. Her arms above her head, she arched up, panting wildly.

  Balthazar let himself go. He leaned down to sear Eva’s lips with a bruising kiss as he continued his relentless thrusts. Her legs locked around his hips as she matched his pace, and she bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.

  Balthazar pinned her arms above her head and drove faster, his desire about to reach its peak.

  Eva cried out first. Her legs locked tightly around him as her pussy clenched, tightening its hold on him. She fought his grip, but he refused to let go as a wave of lust slammed into him. He shuddered violently and let his body take over as his orgasm knocked him almost senseless. He collapsed on top of Eva and waited for his body to calm down, his breaths heavy from the exertion.

  Eva moved beneath him, and he rolled off of her, then scooped her body close to his. She snuggled against him and sighed. “I didn’t hurt you?” he asked.

  She looked over her shoulder. “Are you kidding? That was the best.” She snared his arm and pulled it around her.

  His dragon spirit preened at the unabashed compliment. As for him, Balthazar wanted nothing more than to continue exploring what he and Eva might have together. She gave him something to think about, something to hope for.

  Chapter 5

  Eva finally found Thorsson after searching the house and surrounding grounds. The stone shed was located some distance from the back of the house. He sat on a leather stool, his broadsword gripped in both hands as he held it over a spinning stone wheel. Sparks flew in all directions as he touched the edges to the wheel, sharpening it.

  “Very old fashioned,” she commented as she stood at the door.

  “Sometimes the old-fashioned ways are the best.” He held up the weapon and tested its sharpness with his thumb.

  “For an Ulfberht sword, I would agree.”

  He glanced at her. “You know your weapons.”

  She stepped inside. “I know my history.” The sword glinted in the sunlight streaming through the small window, showing no visible signs of rust. “A magnificent specimen.”

  He nodded his thanks and picked up a small, smooth stone, using it to file out rough patches.

  She watched him work. “A family heirloom?”

  “That it is.” He smoothed his hand over the steel.

  The pommel had unrecognizable runes. “What are those?” she asked, tilting her chin. “Your family name?”

  “Our name and proverb.” He lifted the sword so the blade pointed up. “Loyalty and Strength.”

  “And what about those?” She pointed at a smaller set of runes etched in the round base.

  “Another motto. Vikings loved them.” He slid the weapon back into its scabbard, stood up and stretched his arms over his head, then looked at her. “Is there something you want to speak to me about?”

  “I need to go to Reykjavík today.”

  Thorsson remained silent for several moments and just looked at her, his pale blue gaze as icy as the glaciers in the northern regions. “Did I say something funny?” she asked.

  “No, just unexpected.”

  Eva sighed. “Look, my father and I had a successful expedition in the peninsula. There’s a possibility that Balthazar’s scale might be amongst the artifacts.”

  “It’s a big risk you’re taking.”

  “I believe it’s a risk I have to take. He needs his scale, and we need him to protect us from Ti.”

  Thorsson strapped the broadsword to his back and headed towards her. She stepped to one side. “What has Lord Balthazar said to your request?”

  “He doesn’t know.”

  He stood in front of her, his chest level with her gaze. “Are you going to tell him?”

  “No.”

  “I see.” He walked around her.

  Eva resisted the urge to smack his arm and hurried after him. “Thorsson, we can’t just sit here and wait for Ti to show up. Without that scale, Balthazar doesn’t stand a chance.”

  “Lord Balthazar has us and his younger brother.”

  “Yes, but don’t you think he should fight his own battles? He’s a dragon for God’s sake!”

  The security guard turned on her. “Don’t you think I know this? My ancestors dedicated their lives to protect Lord Balthazar and his family, and I will do no less.”

  “But don’t you think if there’s the slightest chance I can find that scale, we should take it?”

  Thorsson looked out over the empty green landscape, his expression unreadable. Why would he even hesitate? Finally, he sighed. “I will not leave Lord Balthazar alone, but I will send two of my security men with you.”

  Eva sagged with relief. “Thank you. And don’t tell Balthazar about our conversation, please.”

  “As long as you promise me that you will follow my men’s instructions implicitly. If there is any chance that Lord Ti or one of his colleagues finds you…” He pointedly looked at her arm.

  “The bruise is almost gone, Thorsson. They won’t be able to track me.”

  “Nevertheless, you will take precautions. And I will be in constant communication with all of you.”

  She nodded.

  “Very well.” He started back towards the house. “You will meet my men at the garage in half an hour. Where is Lord Balthazar?”

  Eva felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “Still sleeping, I think.”

  Blond eyebrows almost disappeared into his hairline. “I will make no comment on the matter.”

  “I’d rather you didn’t.”

  “However, you took a deadly risk going into the basement during Lord Balthazar’s imprisonment. You could have been killed.”

  “He wouldn’t hurt me.” Eva felt confident in her words.

  “
Really? I’m fully armed and have known Lord Balthazar for years. I wouldn’t have gone downstairs.” They had just reached the back door when Thorsson grasped her arm. “I will inform my men to meet you. I will keep the lords occupied until you’re gone.” He squeezed her arm. “You will be careful, or Lord Balthazar will have my head on a platter. And possibly yours as well.”

  She swallowed the sudden fear that built in her throat, but nodded.

  He released her. “I hope that you’re successful.”

  ***

  It was twelve-thirty by her watch. Eva recognized several employees as they left the museum for lunch, while visitors entered the building. It was the height of tourist season, with many strangers visiting the city.

  Svensson, Thorsson’s second in command, had offered a brief description of Ti. “Dark red wavy hair, green eyes, similar in looks to Lord Balthazar.”

  “But that will all be for nothing if he sniffs you out first,” Evaldsson, the second security guard added.

  “How the hell can I outwit a dragon?” she demanded.

  “By being smarter. Faster would help you too.”

  She had called Papa when they arrived in the city and found out that he wasn’t at the museum, thank God. She didn’t want him involved or to get hurt because of her.

  “How are you, my dear?” he had asked. “Is everything okay?”

  “For the most part.”

  “And this threat on Mr. Andal’s life? Has it been resolved?”

  “No Papa, not yet.”

  He sighed. “Please be careful, Eva. If you cannot do anything until it’s over, then stay safe. But please—nothing impulsive. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Papa.”

  Evaldsson had provided them with tiny communication links, and she placed one in her ear. Guilt shadowed her as she slipped inside the building, Svensson a step behind her. Balthazar’s concern for her safety meant nothing if he couldn’t defeat Ti. She hoped that he would forgive her for sneaking away without a word to him.

  Svensson would watch while she tracked down the artifacts she and Papa had brought back. It had been less than a week since their return—it felt like ages in her mind—so they should still be in the category room.