by Victoria Zak
After the dishes were washed, Thane poured Bex another glass of wine and told her he’d clean up the rest. She didn’t argue and made her way into the living room.
“You have an amazing view.” She stood in front of the glass wall overlooking the mountains. “There’s not a neighbor in sight.”
“The view is what drew me to this mountain. Before I built the house, I would fly up here often to watch the sunset.”
“It’s truly breathtaking.”
And yes, she was. Thane watched her from the kitchen as she admired his mountain. Again, pride filled his heart knowing she approved of their lair.
“Can I ask you a question about your dragon?” she asked.
“Sure.”
From her profile, Thane saw a sadness shadow her face as she continued to look out the window.
“Do you fully trust him?”
“What do you mean?”
“Like when you shift. Do you feel like you have control of him?”
“Sweetheart, your dragon is you. When you shift, you don’t lose who you are. Yes, your senses are heightened, but you learn to control them.” He walked up behind her. “Do you trust yours?”
“It’s complicated.” She leaned into his body. Her ass brushed against his cock, causing a feral growl to escape.
Staring at the base of her neck, he tenderly ran his finger down her spine. Christ, her skin was soft. “Either you do or you don’t, it’s that simple.”
“Not everything is black and white, Thane. I have a lot of gray areas.”
“Sounds to me you should trust her more often,” he said as he kissed his way down the back of her neck. Gooseflesh covered her skin, and knowing he did this to her, drove him wild. “What does she say about me?” He continued trailing kisses down her spine as he bent down and ran his hands gently down her legs to the straps of her shoes. He thought about removing them, but quickly changed his mind when he imagined her naked, wearing only a pair of fuck-me heels. Hot as hell.
“Thane, I…”
He began to trail back north, touching her shins and the front of her thighs, stopping before he reached the state line. “She wants me, Bex. I can feel it.” He felt her body tense as he rubbed his thumb over her pussy, through her panties. She moaned, and it fueled the wildfire burning out of control inside him. “Let me take care of her.” He hooked his thumbs on the side of her panties and began to pull them off when her hands covered his to stop him. Shit, he’d gone too far.
To his surprise, she pushed his hands down, encouraging him to continue. He slid the thin material down her legs and all the way off. Black lace, his favorite.
Unable to keep his hands off her, he followed the same trail back up under her dress. He gripped her hips, pushing his rock-hard cock against her ass while he kissed her neck. She looked over her shoulder at him and gabbed his hands, guiding them up her ribs to her breasts. “Touch me.”
He growled against her neck, fulfilling her request as he cupped her tits. “Fucking perfect,” he whispered in her ear.
He needed to feel her on his skin, to feel her heat, to see her naked. He took a step back and pulled his t-shirt off, then unhooked the top of Bex’s dress. Slowly, he slid the lacey top from her arms and watched it fall to her waist. He hugged her against his chest as he reached around and took her breasts in his hands, squeezing and teasing her nipples. The instant his body coiled with hers, he knew he’d never be the same again…and he wasn’t even inside her yet. And that wasn’t going to happen, not tonight.
Needing to taste her, he grabbed her chin bringing their mouths closer. He claimed her lips. He thought he was going to lose his shit when she shoved her hands through his hair encouraging him to deepen the kiss. She teased him, grazing his bottom lip with her teeth, kissing him slowly. She had no clue how much she turned him on, but by the scent of her arousal, he knew he had all the right moves to keep her engine purring.
He moved his hands down her stomach and across her hips, sliding his fingers through her dark curls. He stayed there for a moment, teasing her until she spread her legs and leaned back against him, encouraging him to touch her deeper.
The urge to claim was pumping through his veins like flame seeking gasoline. Even though mating signals were firing off, he had to be careful and stay in control. He wasn’t a dick. He’d satisfy her but leave the night as a to be continued.
He stepped forward, pressing her against the glass wall. Taking her wrists in his hand he placed them over her head. He laced his fingers with hers as he reached down and ran his finger between the folds of her pussy. Fuck, she was hot, wet, and driving him over the edge. He rubbed over her pearl. She sighed a beautiful moan, striking him straight to his cock. Fuck yeah, that was her spot.
“Mmm, right there. Don’t stop,” Bex pleaded.
She had nothing to worry about because he wasn’t stopping until she shattered in his hands. He pressed her ass against his cock as he teased her, rubbing her swollen clit up and down, and bringing her closer to orgasm. The way she moved with his hand…the way she moaned…the way her body responded to his touch…he’d never seen or felt anything as beautiful.
When her breathing quickened, he knew she was close and slowly inserted his finger deeper inside her. She let out a hiss. “God, Thane, you feel so good.”
“Baby, you have no idea how much you turn me on.” He nibbled and kissed her shoulder as he pumped his finger faster. The innocent way she bit her bottom lip as he pleasured her drove his dragon berserk. And the urge to rip her dress all the way off and thrust inside her was getting harder and harder to contain. The beast wanted to claim her.
She squeezed his hand and he felt her walls tense, then her body shudder, “Oh…”
“That’s it, baby.” Thane kept up the rhythm as he watched her come undone.
Dragon pride crept in as the afterglow of ecstasy took them over. Knowing he made her come, hard, gave him such a high. Almost better than sex. He nuzzled her neck and she rested her head against the window. He could see her breath against the cold glass. “I think she likes me.”
Bex giggled, “I think so, too.”
He reached down and pulled her top up, fastening the back. She turned and faced him. Her hazel eyes swirled delicately, delicate enough that only a dragon could notice. He cupped her face and kissed her.
“That was amazing,” she whispered against his lips.
“Mmm, I aim to please.” Wanting more, he kissed her again.
“I should probably go.”
He pulled her close when she tried to step out from his embrace. “Stay the night. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
Bex rubbed her hands down his chest. “I can’t.” She grinned up at him. “That’s a temptation I’m too weak to fight.”
“Fair enough. Until next time.” It took all his will to let her go. After showing her how much her dragon needed him, she wasn’t supposed to leave. He needed to up the game.
He watched her bend down and pick up her purse from the coffee table. She stood and straightened her dress before he walked her to the door. “Thank you for an amazing night, Thane Monroe.” Standing on her toes, she kissed him. “Good night.”
Before he had a chance to kiss her breathless and make her stay, she walked out the door.
“Drive carefully, Bex St. James,” he called out. “And sweet dreams.”
She looked back at him and smiled as she opened her car door and slipped inside.
Thane leaned against the doorframe, watching his mate back out of the driveway. Tomorrow would be the true test. She wasn’t getting away that easy.
7
It was almost noon, and Bex was finally fatigued enough to return to the B&B after her run through the downtown park. After a sleepless night with intense hot flashes and visions of her date with Thane plaguing her mind, she thought an early morning run would help release her pent-up sexual frustration from last night. Four hours later, no such luck. The fiery trails of his touch were still on her skin, a
nd his kisses lingered on her tongue as a reminder of how her body craved his touch. No matter how hard she tried to forget about him, she couldn’t.
She walked the rest of the way to Dorothea’s debating whether she should leave right now. All she had to do was pack and drive away, then never look back. She could return to her old life before it was too late…before she suffered a broken heart.
It wouldn’t take much convincing to see Thane again, even though she knew she shouldn’t. It wasn’t like he was dangerously handsome or anything with his dark short hair, a face chiseled from stone, and a body that was her undoing. Nope, he didn’t make her laugh until her cheeks hurt, nor was he a gentleman who put her needs first, and most definitely his kisses didn’t leave her breathless. So he had money and a house straight out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. And so what if he dressed like a sexy Lumberjack.
“Shit,” she muttered under her breath, “He’s perfect.” He was so easy to love. Love? No, she shook her head at that ridiculous thought. She’d just met him. Besides, what would he think when my little secret comes out to play?
She almost told him last night, but couldn’t. What would he think about her suppressing her dragon? Thane knew his dragon and could teach her so much about hers, but she’d have to tell him the truth. That truth was a hard pill to swallow. Right now, her career was the most important thing in her life. It was all she had time for.
No, she had to leave Ember Brooke before it was too late.
She rounded the corner and walked down the sidewalk. The B&B was only two houses down. She picked up the pace. A quick shower and she’d be gone. As she reached the driveway, her heart fluttered like a million butterflies being released all at one. A canary-colored Firebird was parked next to the B&B. Thane was leaning against the bumper with his legs crossed and his arms folded over his chest.
She pulled her ponytail tight and adjusted her tank top before she approached him. “Hey.”
“Morning.” He pushed off the car and handed her a book. “I forgot to give this to you last night. You left it at the cafe.” He kissed her cheek.
She took the book. “Thank you. So, you drove all the way out here to return my book?”
“No, I wanted to see you. I have a surprise for you.”
“Thane, I can’t do this. You know I’m leaving.”
“I still have three days. Now get in the car.” He opened the passenger door.
Bex stood with her hands on her hips glaring at him.
“Please, get in the car.”
“Why is it that I can’t say no to you?”
“Because you don’t want to.” He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her.
“Thane,” She pushed at his chest. “I’m sweaty and stinky.”
“I don’t care. I happen to love your stink.” He kissed her and the fluttering butterflies returned.
She broke the kiss. “Give me twenty minutes. I need to shower.”
“I can come up and scrub your back,” he winked.
She arched her brow at him.
“What? You can trust me.”
“It’s not you I don’t trust, it’s me.” She escaped his embrace. “I’ll be right down. Wait for me.”
“I’ll be right here.”
She turned around and jogged up the porch stairs.
“Oh, bring an overnight bag. You’re staying with me tonight.”
Bex shook her head as she opened the door. Why did he have to be so damn irresistible?
A few minutes later and Bex was showered, dressed, packed, and heading downstairs. As she reached the end of the stairs she looked at herself in the mirror hanging on the wall. She did a quick finger brush through her hair which happened to have a little extra bounce to it. Her skin even had a nice healthy glow. Exercise does the body good, she mused as she continued through the living room and out the front door. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Thane smiling at her. He walked to the passenger side of the car and opened the door.
“I didn’t know what to wear since you didn’t tell me where or what we’re doing. I hope jeans and a sweater is appropriate.”
He dipped his head down and kissed her. “You look good enough to eat.” He nibbled her neck, causing her to giggle.
Thane took her bag, and she slid into the car taking in the smell of the leather seats and…Thane. She closed her eyes and inhaled. God, he smelled good. All natural, mountain fresh. Her resolve was fading fast. She already knew and accepted the fact that if it got hot and heavy with Thane today, she wouldn’t stop him. The ache deep in her core was too painful to deny.
Thane revved the engine to life and backed out of the driveway. “Have you eaten this morning?”
“No.”
“Here.” He handed her a white paper bag. “On my way over I stopped in and saw Dorothea.”
She opened the bag. The heavenly, sugary aroma of cinnamon buns. “I’m blaming you when I can’t fit into my jeans anymore.” She tore a piece off and popped it into her mouth, licking the sticky icing form her fingers.
Thane gave her a sideways glance. “You need to eat to keep your strength up.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“You’ll see,” he smirked.
“So, where are we going?” She looked over at him. “Let me guess, you’ll see.”
“Yep.”
“You are a man full of surprises, aren’t you?”
“I like to keep you on your toes.”
The windows were down, filling the inside with cool mountain air as Bex took in the scenery. Even though she’d driven this way last night, she couldn’t fully take in the beauty until now. She relaxed, siting back in the seat watching the red, orange, and brown colors of fall spread across the mountainside. The smell of pine reminded her of Christmas, family, and belonging. She closed her eyes, enjoying the breeze on her skin. It was the first time in her life that she felt content, like she belonged in Ember Brooke, like it was home. Her soul was at peace.
The engine shut off, waking Bex. She rolled her head to the side sleepily looking at Thane watching her. “I must have dosed off,” she yawned.
He reached over and cupped her face, rubbing her cheek. “You’re beautiful when you sleep. I could hardly keep my eyes on the road.”
She nuzzled against his hand, savoring his tender touch. “Thank you for making my vacation extra special.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled, and a warm sensation rose in her chest. Bex, he’s your future. She wished she could believe it, she wanted to. With the thought of leaving still hovering like a dark cloud, she knew the more time she spent with Thane, the deeper the scars. But, he was well worth the heartache. She exhaled, releasing those thoughts and promised herself she’d start living in the moment, making memories with Thane she’d cherish as long as she lived.
“So,” she looked out the windshield, “what are you up to?”
“I’m taking you hang gliding.”
“What? Are you serious?”
“Yep.” He got out of the car, walking around he opened her door. “My lady.” He helped her out.
He directed her to a red and white glider. “There’s two things to remember. One, hold on. Two…” He leaned into her. “Relax.”
Bex looked over the steep cliff. She rubbed her arms as the wind blew, sending a chill down her spine. “You’ve done this before, right?”
“Baby, I’m a professional.” He placed a helmet on her head and adjusted the straps. “You steer by shifting your weight and you control the speed with the bar. It’s that simple.” He slapped her on the ass. “Let’s go.”
Bex nervously rubbed her hands down her jeans as she followed him to the glider where he began to strap her in.
“I only see one glider. You’re coming with me, right?” Bex asked, trying not to show how nervous she was.
“Of course, I’m your personal guide.” He winked.
“Don’t we need parachutes?
Thane laughed. “B
aby, we’re dragons.”
“Right, of course.” Shit, she almost gave herself away. What in the hell was she going to do? What if something went wrong in the air, she couldn’t shift, her dragon was on lockdown.
Bex inhaled, calming her rattled nerves. Besides, Thane knew what he was doing, right?
Thane finished strapping himself into the harness. “Ready.” Thane adjusted his sunglasses.
All Bex could do was shake her head.
“Hold on, baby.”
The next thing she knew, they were jumping off the cliff and plummeting to the rocky ground below. She gripped the side bars, squeezed her eyes shut, and stifled a scream. Holy shit, holy shit, she was going to die. In a quick swoop up, the glider took flight. Her stomach flopped like a fish out of water.
As the ride smoothed out, she opened her eyes. She wasn’t dead. They were flying. Relief washed over her and she began to relax.
“Are you okay?” Thane called from below.
“Yeah, I’m good.” One hand at a time, she let go of the side bars and placed them on Thane’s hips. “It’s beautiful up here.”
“The best feeling ever.”
Was this what she was missing? She could only imagine how she’d feel if she was in dragon form, flying through the sky. She felt weightless and free as the wind blew through her hair. A tinge of regret hit when it dawned on her she’d never tried to fly.
She looked down at Thane. A smile spread across his lips, he was in his element, guiding the glider through the sky, and he’d never looked sexier.
Thane flew her around the mountain, showing her its natural treasures. They flew over a crystal-blue waterfall that spilled into a stream surrounded by boulders. It was like paradise.
Hours passed before Bex finally recognized the cliff they had started at. They must be headed back. She bit her bottom lip thinking how she could stay up here forever. It was so serene, so breathtakingly beautiful. Up high, nothing could reach her. And sharing this experience with Thane made the day even more special. She’d remember this forever.