7. Drago

My rage boils and my dragon fights against me as I stare at my closed door at the end of the hall. A possessiveness like I have never known consumes me. His talons dig into my chest, clawing to escape and go to our treasure. Mine. He snarls.

As I force him back, the fire burns up my throat. Cyrus is in there with her. I shove the door open so hard the wood bangs off the wall, startling my Kara. With wide eyes, she stares back at me from the head of my bed. My shirt, a crisp white button-down, is far oversized on her and makes her appear all the more fragile. She's rolled the sleeves up her forearms. Her damp hair has dried somewhat, and color has returned to her cheeks. Without trying, she's stunningly beautiful.

Her eyes widen even further, and she somehow manages to scoot back farther from me and press her back against the headboard. It's only then that I realize I have my fists clenched and I'm practically breathing fire. I slowly calm myself as I glance around the room.

A low growl stays buried beneath my chest as I search the room for any hint of Cyrus. He's not here, but he was. My nostrils flare; I can smell him. Lucky for both of them I can tell he didn't touch her. Or at least he didn't fuck her. With great effort, I relax my posture and look back to Kara. She shifts her weight under my stare and pulls her legs into her chest and under the shirt. Startled at the very least, she swallows thickly but maintains my gaze.

"I didn't touch anything, if that's what you're thinking." My lip pulls up at one side. What a sweet little liar.

"Tell me, treasure, what did you do then, while I was gone?"

"Nothing." She's far too quick to answer and her voice is a higher pitch than it's been with me.

Deceit is not a good look on her. The fire of the room crackles as I pace my way to her.

There's no way he came in here without her knowing. The question is: why is she keeping that information from me? She shakes her head calmly, but her heart races and I can easily hear it pounding.

I don't take my piercing gaze away from her gorgeous hazel eyes.

"Is there anything you'd like to tell me?" I offer her an out as the adrenaline rushes through me and the sickening feeling of being lied to washes over me.

"No." She swallows loudly and glances at the door that I left cracked before looking back at me. "Have you brought food? I'm hungry." Her request snaps me out of my predatory gaze.

Apparently keeping secrets from me has made her more submissive. I enjoy that. More so than anticipated. "If it's all right, I'd like to eat," she says as if eager for my approval and permission. Her eyes beg me to change the subject, and I know right then and there, Cyrus will answer for this. Not her; not my mate.

As if on cue, the door opens wider with a push of Adora's hip, she enters with the tray carefully held as the dainty china clicks with every small movement.

I meet her at the entrance, accepting the tray and placing it on the bed in front of Kara.

"Thank you, ma'am?" Kara scoots closer to the tray with her eyes on the older woman.

"Mrs. Adora, dear." Her voice is much softer and sweeter addressing Kara than she was with me. She carries a gentleness with her as she speaks, although her eyes widen, no doubt assuming a certain situation has occurred, given Kara's state.

Adora barely glances at me although the questions in her eyes are apparent. I'm quick to dismiss her. "Thank you. You may leave us now."

As soon as the door closes, Kara reaches for a square of cheese and I bark out the order to stop, a little too loud and a little too abrasive. With wide eyes she stares back at me, clearly taken aback.

"I merely wish to feed you myself."

Her shoulders relax with obvious relief, but it's short lived as I climb into the bed beside her. Her heart races as it did before, but the moment I get close enough to feel the heat from her body, the scent of her arousal greets me. Her cheeks are flushed and her heart pounds with desire. I position myself with one leg off the bed and the other tucked under me. I'm close enough to feed her, to touch her, to kiss her. As my cock hardens, I attempt to control the tempting thoughts that ride through me.

Swallowing thickly, I dare to push just a little. I position myself in front of the tray and pat my lap. "Come sit, my little treasure." Her eyes go round as she looks from me to the tray, all the while that racing heart gives her away. After a moment, she very slowly obliges, settling her ass in my lap. Her warmth is electrifying. With her back to my front, desire stirs the flames deep within my chest. I can barely breathe as she steadies herself by placing her small hand on my thigh. I grab her waist and move her to the center. Her lush ass sits perfectly against my cock.

In a desperate effort to focus on her wellbeing, I snatch the square of cheese she wanted and bring it to her lips. Her hands move up to take it from mine. "Uh, uh." I shake my head and admonish her. "I want to feed you. I will give you all that you want." My voice is low, my tone giving away my desire. Her lips are parted slightly, and her eyes reflect rebellion as much as they do everything else she's feeling.

I stare back into her eyes, thinking about what a bastard I am. It would be all too easy to allow her peace and quiet, to ease her slowly into being my companion, rather than push her as I'm doing. Patience will award me riches, but so has thievery and fire.

After a moment Kara rests against my chest, plants her hands on my thighs, and opens her mouth wide enough for the morsel. As her lips part, her chest rises, and my eyes inadvertently catch a glimpse of her breasts. Want and need heat inside of me.

They're perky yet small with hardened rose-pink nipples pressing against the fabric. I stifle my groan and pray she can't feel my dick hardening beneath her. As I slip the piece of cheese into her waiting mouth, her eyes go wide and her back pulls away just slightly from me. Fuck, she definitely felt the change beneath her ass. She stills and slowly chews while looking straight ahead.

The intoxicating smell of her heat is laced with disappointment because it's far too obvious that she's terrified. It's dimming. She's already losing it. I choose to simply ignore all of it and grab another square of cheese to continue feeding her. "Open." She immediately obeys, and those pink, plump lips part for another bite. I smile as she closes her eyes and enjoys the taste.

"Do you like it?" She quickly nods and lets a small moan of gratitude slip into the air between us. Her eyes pop open and her hand covers her mouth as she realizes her action. Again, I choose to ignore the look of regret in her eyes. "Good." I reach for a slice of ripe plum. "Would you like to try this next?"

"Please, Lord Arrington." I stop my movements as my eyes travel over her face. I don't know why, but I don't like her calling me that. She is not a guest, nor a servant. Something deep inside me whispers that she may only be a guest, she may leave me soon, but my dragon and I disagree. I want this to be different. Something about her calls to me. Galen had his pets call him Master, but I don't want that. I decide on something more to my taste.

"I'd rather you call me Sir."

"Yes, Sir." My dick jumps in my pants and her face flushes red. She looks down and bites her lip to hide a smile. What a little vixen. She knows exactly what she's doing.

I slip the sliver of fruit into her mouth. I repress my groan as her hot tongue licks the tip of my finger. A satisfied sigh fills the room. "You like that more?"

"I enjoy both." She looks up at me through her thick lashes. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

The question catches me off guard. I want to tell her about her heat, my desire for a mate and dragonlings, and how she is the only hope I have of such things… But I'd rather not, given I have no idea if we are truly mates. I settle on a simple truth. "Because I want to."

She takes a moment to consider my words. "Thank you. Could I have some more?"

"Of course."

Time passes easily, piece by piece. I continue to feed her, enjoying the feel of her warm body and the small sounds of satisfaction from her lips. Then I remember my brother and the fact that she's yet to tell me he was here.

"I have a question for you, treasure." I tilt the spoon up so she can taste the soup. She swallows with a sign of contentment. Her tongue darts between her lips and then she finally looks up at me.

"Yes?"

"Is there anything that you're deliberately hiding from me?" Her heart hammers against her chest as she looks back down at the tray of food. "Open treasure. You need to eat more." I want to make sure she knows she gets to eat regardless of punishment. I will never deprive her of necessities. She hesitantly opens her mouth for me to slip in a slice of sharp white cheddar. There's still some prosciutto and sweet salami left, as well as some kumquat jam and Marcona almonds. Plenty to slowly treat her, and test her, and flirt with her in this manner.

"Yes." I wait for her to continue, but she doesn't. She turns her head, refusing eye contact and concentrating on the dark comforter.

"I see," I say as I reach for a chocolate truffle and hold it up for her to eat. After all, she did answer my question with honesty. "Dessert treasure? Unless you're full."

Her eyes dart to mine with surprise. She accepts the chocolate and I give her another while asking, "What is it that you're keeping from me?"

"I was asked not to say." Her voice is sorrowful as she answers me.

"Hmmm." I press my lips together and pick up another chocolate, but she shakes her head and fiddles with her fingers in her lap. "Are you full?"

"Yes." A moment passes between us, and I take the break to settle her in the middle of the bed and move the tray to the dresser before returning to her. She brings the sheet to her lap as armor, as I war inside with how I should handle this.

I don't care for that fact that she's keeping things from me. And I especially don't like that I have to pry information from her only to be given short responses. However, the fact that she keeps her word is admirable.

After clearing my throat, I pry more. "Answer me this." I climb onto the bed and sit next to her, this time she doesn't shy away, but stays where she is. "Did anything happen that frightened you while I was gone?" I highly doubt Cyrus did, but I still need to ask. For an odd reason, the weight of the world seems to settle against me as I wait for her answer. I do not wish to kill my own brother.

She shakes her head and answers, "No." As relief slowly washes over me, she adds, "For a moment I was a bit scared, but everything was fine." I stare at her, wanting more, and then I realize the best possible solution.

"From now on, my treasure, if someone asks you to keep something from me, I want you to tell them that you can't." It's then she realizes I know at least something and a spark flashes in her eyes. I'm careful as I bring my hand up and brush her hair from her face.

"I wish to know everything about you and everything that happens to you. You will do that for me, and I will ensure they understand that it is not prudent for you to keep secrets from me, is that understood?"

A shy smile plays at her lips. "I can do that, Sir."

Fuck. I love that she added that "Sir" for me. Even more so that she seems to be enjoying the game. I scent the air again and her heat has nearly vanished. She's still aroused, which is nice, but not what interested me in the first place. It's possible it will come again in a few weeks. I will keep her until then.

She yawns drowsily and quickly covers it with her hand. She truly is a beautiful creature.

"I need to reward your good behavior treasure." I watch her out of the corner of my eye as I climb off the bed toward the nightstand and blow a gentle flame onto the large wax candles throughout the room. Some are large pillars of wax a few feet high and the flame slowly grows nearly a foot tall. Others are smaller and sit atop the furniture. I walk the length of the room and light them until the room is lit with a warm glow. She watches with wide eyes as the flames slip from my lips effortlessly like a whisper of treacherous secrets.

"And then you can sleep."

"W-what is my reward?" Her voice is laced with apprehension.

I smirk at her and answer, "A touch of fire that only a dragon can give you, my little treasure." She swallows thickly while pulling her legs inward and wraps her arms around her knees. Her breathing becomes shallow as she stares at me, the fire echoed in her gorgeous eyes.

"Are you..." she whispers but doesn't finish. I can smell her fear.

"I'm not going to fuck you." Her breathing stills with my statement. "I don't think you're ready for that. Are you?" Her hazel eyes dance with uncertainty.

Shock overwhelms me. Is she truly debating it?

She may think she's ready, she may want physical affection, but not sex. Not yet. Not until she knows exactly what the consequences of that may be. I won't push, although my dragon is desperate for her.

"Then what is my reward?" she asks breathlessly.

I stare at the button-down shirt she's wearing; it's made of natural fibers, which is good. Anything else could melt or ignite. And I know she isn't wearing any perfumes or lotions since I bathed her myself. "Massage. It's therapeutic and I think it would do you some good." I make my way back to the nightstand and cock an arrogant brow. "Undress again and lay on your belly."

"Could I lay under the blanket?" Her hands are already at the buttons. Good girl. Who would've thought she'd be so eager to please me?

"Just your bottom half." For now. I climb on the bed and take a candle from the table as she lies just like I told her to. I tilt the candle and let the wax fall into my palm. It's primarily cocoa butter designed for such things, and I rub the liquid between my hands.

I knead her shoulders and neck as I ask, "Fire is a magical thing. Do you know some people worship fire?" Small moans escape her. I smile knowing she's enjoying herself as the tension melts away. "Dragons have been worshipped and loved for their ability to create a flame from nothing. We're feared just as much for the same reason." I straddle her upper thighs and move my hands down her back, massaging circles into her stiff muscles. "But few know what pleasure fire can give."

"Mmmm." I chuckle deep and low and wipe the residual wax off her back, continuing to rub and knead her tense body. My fingers graze along the flesh that was struck by the whip. No evidence remains.

Her body slowly relaxes under me. The moment sleep seems to tempt her, I stop, knowing she will thoroughly enjoy what I plan and will sleep far better when I'm through with her.

"Roll over treasure." I lift my ass off my heels and stand on my knees, still straddling her. She looks back with a weary glance before rolling and covering her breasts. Her bottom half is still covered by the blanket. I sit back on my heels and prepare for a bit of a demonstration. As soon as her eyes are on me, I breathe fire over my forearm, letting the flames lick and bite their way down my path. I quickly wipe the path with my other hand and hold it up for her to see.

Her eyes go wide and she gasps. "You hurt yourself!"

As the heat dances on my now sensitized skin, I chuckle rough and low again before answering her, "No my treasure, the feel of a flame is incomparable to any other touch, the soft lashes are meant to heighten pleasure."

Her lips part in shock as she asks, "Are you going to light me on fire?"

"Of course not. I don't want to hurt you. You should never be in pain. I just want to give you a pleasure only I can give." She looks unconvinced. "Hold out your arm." She hesitates but it doesn't take long for her to give me her right arm as she still covers her breasts with the other. "I'm a shifter." My words get her attention. "I don't mind your nudity."

I trail my fingers gently up and down her forearm and grin at the goosebumps my touch leaves behind. Before she can object, a low flame bellows from my chest. Gripping her wrist to keep her still, I run the fire down the inside of her forearm and watch it tickle her skin and extinguish itself. My other hand gently calms the skin as the flames die. I look back at her and find her lips parted and eyes half lidded. It's a look of awe and enlightenment. I know the endorphins must be rushing her system, heightening her arousal. They'll give her a greater sense of pleasure. Just the idea that fire play excites her makes my dick hard as steel. I ignore the fact that I could easily bury myself deep in her heat. But not yet. She's not nearly ready for it and she's been through far too much as it is.

I set her arm down gently on the bed and knead her shoulders. Her hair is in the way, so I lift it up and onto the bed, feeling her loose silky waves and reveling in the control she's given me. "Close your eyes and relax." Her hazel eyes look deep into mine with a look that tortures me—one of desire yet also distrust. I knead into her tense shoulders. Only once she's finally relaxed and lets her shoulders fall do I lean in. The crack of the fires burning around us fuels my own flame.

I kiss her skin with the bite of my flame, letting it dance across her collar bone before licking the sensitized skin. I pull back slightly to ensure the color is right. A healthy pink, exactly what I want to see. A soft moan pours from her lips as she clenches her thighs. I can smell the arousal pooling between her legs. I close my eyes and resist my own urges.

I do the same to the other side: massage, fire, kiss. My tongue travels languidly along her skin. I lick up her neck and continue to rub her tender skin, soothing it. I blow the flame along her exposed throat, keeping it low so she's safe from the dangers fire can bring. She writhes beneath me and moans the softest, sweetest sounds. I could easily rock onto her throbbing clit and get us both off. But I have to remind myself that I can't push her too quickly. I can't move us too fast. Only hours ago, she'd accused me of wanting her for sex; I don't want to give her any reason to believe that claim was justified. No matter how much I wish to thrust into her and fuck her into my bed as if she's always belonged to me.

My eyes travel along her now-flushed skin. Her nipples are hard, and the sight of her breasts makes me lick my lips. I can only imagine the sweet sounds she'd give me as I suck and nip her hardened peaks. Precum leaks from my dick, begging to be inside her. Her eyes are still closed and I doubt she's aware of how she's rocking herself against my leg. I lean down, ignoring my own needs by giving her clit more pressure that she'll need to get off. I gently place my hands on her sides and massage up toward her breasts. As I reach the first, I keep my eyes on her face, watching for her reaction. Her breath comes in fast pants and her head rocks side to side, but she makes no signs that she even notices when I begin to knead her breast.

I take her breast in my hand, it's the perfect fit, and squeeze gently. I allow it to slip out of my hand and gently tweak her nipple. I squeeze a little tighter, watching her expression. Her lips part in ecstasy and her back bows as I slowly pull on her. She gives me every sign I need to continue, but I want to remind her of her safe word. I need to know that she's with me on this.

"Treasure?" I ask.

"Mmm." Her own hands go to her breasts, and she begins kneading them and twisting her nipples. Perhaps she is still very much in the throes of her heat. I place my fingers over hers and squeeze them tight, pulling her nipples a little more than she was. A whimper of pleasure leaves her lips as her hardened peak slips from our grasp.

"What word do you need to say to make this stop?"

Her hands gently rub along her breasts and she keeps rocking into me as she whispers, "Red." I smile, although she can't see my reaction with her eyes closed.

"Good girl; and do you want me to kiss your breasts with fire?" I know she's close to her release. I can see her desperation. This would do it. This would give her exactly what she needs.

"Yes"—her back bows as she finishes—"please, Sir." I nearly reach my own orgasm just hearing her soft plea.

I lean down and take a nipple in my mouth to suckle and bite gently, pulling up and releasing her tender skin. I'm all too aware of how careful I must be on such sensitive flesh. I lick below, beneath the swell of her breast and travel upward, swirling my tongue and wetting the skin, before lighting it aflame. I lick behind the fire as it gently dies on her skin. She arches her back and cries out as waves of pleasure numb her skin. Her body trembles beneath me. My dick leaks more precum, begging to be inside her heat, but I ignore my own needs.

I pull the covers back and lay next to her as she comes down from her orgasm. I carefully cover her body with the blanket and pull her back to my chest to kiss her hair and tell her what a good girl she is.

My hard-as-fuck cock won't fucking die. With my hips angled back, I attempt to keep my condition from being noticed. I could go into the other room and take care of it myself, but I'd rather wait. A smile pulls at my lips as I kiss her hair again. The next time, I'll find my release with her. I'll feel her come on my cock. My dragon stirs inside of me as I inhale the scent in the air, and I'm met with a bit of disappointment. There's only a faint smell of her lingering heat. My chest seems to be crushed by an unseen weight. I truly desire this woman. I want her to be my mate. I need to remind myself that our time may be limited.

Her chest rises and falls heavily and chaotically as she comes down from her release. I can tell the very moment the endorphins leave her and she comes to her wits. Her body stiffens in my embrace and her breathing seems to halt. I keep my hold on her and roll onto my back. My dick aches and begs me for its release as it sticks straight up in the air. Fuck, even the feeling of the comforter could get me off. I close my eyes and push it down, and then pull and turn my sweet submissive so that she's laying against my chest. Her eyes dart to mine and then down to the obvious bulge beneath the comforter.

I wrap a strong arm around her and pull her small body closer to mine. She resists a little but comes to me. I don't like that she resisted so I feel the need to ask again, "What color to stop it, my treasure?"

Her eyes soften and she looks up at me through her thick lashes. "Red," she answers in a sweet voice. I lean down and kiss her hair again.

"That's right. Good girl." She slowly puts her full weight against my body and relaxes.

"Sleep now; you need your rest." I run my fingers along the dip in her waist and end my perusal of her there.

As she settles and seems to understand my intentions are to lay beside her and nothing more, sleep pulls her in.

As quietly as I can, I reach to the nightstand to pick up the tablet. Eager to distract myself.

With one hand I open it and start a search for what the internet will provide me with, but I haven't the faintest clue where to start other than "missing person named Kara." And that search doesn't turn up shit. I'll have to get everything I can from her in the morning. Somewhat disappointed, I decide to make a list for Sage, a housekeeper of sorts.

She'll pick up everything I need. I'll get Kara all the basic things she will need and everyday attire. It's rather boring and tedious so I keep the task for Sage. Then I shop for my treasure. I pick out a beautiful and intricate gold collar from a private jeweler I've known for decades. It's thin and appears delicate but made with an enchantment to ensure its strength. I look down at my Kara, eyes closed and seemingly in a deep peaceful sleep; it's perfect for her. The shadows that the fire casts trail down her delicate features.

It takes far too long for my attention to turn back to the task at hand.

I choose a few more items and a particularly appealing golden dress, if you can call the scrap of cloth that. Finally, I pick out another piece of jewelry that will be fun to play with. It's a long chain that will attach to her collar at one end and the other end will gently clamp her clit. A tug of the chain will give her more pleasure than she could ever imagine. A sarcastic smile grows as I turn off the tablet and run a hand down my face.

That did not do anything to help my erection.

I rest my head against the pillow. Today has turned out to be quite extraordinary. The only exception being the fact that my little treasure is merely pretending to sleep across my chest. Her breathing is uneven and occasionally her eyes move behind her lids. It's nearly comical how bad of a job she's doing.

I put a hand behind my head and get comfortable. I'll do a better job pretending how to sleep, then I can figure out what my treasure is up to.