10. Drago

With the early morning light filtering in the etched glass panes, I wake drowsily and then grin when I feel Kara lying next to me. Her naked body is a glorious sight. Ever so gently, I push her hair off her face and run my thumb along her jaw, careful not to wake her but unable to keep my hands off her.

Her expression is nearly angelic; she is so calm and at peace in her sleep. I clench my jaw remembering last night, the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

I've never had a woman attempt to leave me before. I've also never wanted to keep one as much as I do Kara.

If ever there was a line, I'm certain I crossed it last night. I wouldn't take it back though, not for a single second. She's mine. In every way, this woman is mine.

That fact doesn't lighten the burden that weighs heavily on my shoulders though. The consequences of what I've done. I sigh heavily and run the hand that's free down my face, stopping at the rough stubble of my jaw. Kara is soundly sleeping on my other arm, with her face buried into my chest. The sheet hardly hides her body from me. The curve of her waist and lush ass tempt me and I'm all too aware of my hardening cock.

Still sleeping, Kara stretches catlike against my body. Her breasts brush against my chest and I stifle a groan. Her leg pushes over mine as she yawns and twists to stretch her limbs. I watch her, waiting for her to realize where she is. I smirk at her as her eyes pop open and she stills against me. Her heart hammers and her eyes widen.

"Good morning treasure." She quickly moves the covers up her body and slowly lies down next to me so that she's barely touching me.

As her gaze looks me up and down, slight fear flashing in her eyes, I remind myself that it's expected. That all of this is new to her. And yet, I fucking hate it. Yesterday morning, she didn't know I existed.

It takes everything in me to maintain my composure. Slowly, she seems to remember every moment, and a warmth colors her cheeks.

A low growl of approval rises in my chest as I readjust under the sheets, my dragon stirring and wanting more. Wanting her naked again. Wanting to spoil her, to have my hands on her.

Although I'm sure she's sore from last night's events, the thought makes my dick stiffen further. I made that pussy sore. I could lick it to make it better.

"Good morning, Sir." She answers, but I don't think she realizes that her use of sir is an indication that she wants to play. I'm certainly up for it, but I have a feeling it wasn't her intention.

"You want to play treasure?" Her eyes fly to mine as I question her.

Her wide eyes, still full of sleep, peer into mine, "Now?"

"You addressed me as Sir," I offer an explanation.

She shakes her head gently, "I don't think so…I, um…" She swallows as she pulls the sheets closer. Rather than allowing her to fumble through thoughts and explanations, I grant her mercy.

"I didn't think you wanted to, either. Calling me Sir is the way to get me to play if you want to, though." She looks at me with uncertainty and clears her throat but doesn't speak.

Her naivety is evident, and she has my sympathy. Which I hope will only aid me in my endeavors. "You can call me Drago."

She smiles but remains quiet. I don't care for her uneasiness, but again I remind myself that it's to be expected. She is human and last night did not go as planned.

"Are you still mad at me?" she asks while holding the sheet to her chest. The insecurity in her voice is worrisome and I loathe it.

"I'm not mad, Kara." With deliberate movements, I grip her chin and tilt her head to look at me and say, "I may have to tie you up before bed though." She clenches her thighs at my words and then lets out a small whimper. Fuck, that soft feminine noise is everything. I allow a grin to pull at my lips and when her gaze falls to it, she offers me a semblance of a simper. Curiosity and even desire flash in her eyes, although I don't scent her heat in the least.

With my voice low, I contain my own desire long enough to ask, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," she answers in a whisper and then bites her lip.

"Are you sore?" Her cheeks flush a deep crimson red. It takes a lot of work to keep the smirk off my face. "Part your legs for me."

She looks back at me with wide eyes full of insecurities. "I haven't showered or anything," she says in a hushed tone while tucking her golden locks behind her ear.

The image of her naked body dripping wet comes to mind instantly. We could start the morning with a hot shower, and I could lap the water from her soft skin. It would be far better than the bath. It's an open stall with several shower heads, river rock on the floor, and sleek granite on the walls. It's large and the bench in it would be perfect for her little ass to sit on while I take care of her.

"I know." I stare back at her, waiting for her to obey. "I'd like you not to question my orders." There's a small hint of warning in my voice. She's still getting used to this relationship and power dynamic, so I don't push too much. It's all a part of the play after all.

I fucking love that all of this is new to her. That I have the honor of training and teasing her and breaking her in. My cock twitches once again and on cue, she obeys.

She keeps her eyes on me as she bends her knees and parts her legs. I lean over and brush my fingers along her pussy and open her up for me. Her lips are a bit red and swollen slightly. Hmm. She shivers at my touch and as I slip my fingers up to her clit, she presses herself into my touch.

I take my hand away and rub her thigh intent on rewarding her. "Good girl. I'll take care of you in the shower." She blushes, her legs still spread, and the scent of her arousal tempts me to take her right here once again. Before I can act on it, I command her. "Go now, I don't want to have to wait."

"Oh!" She pops off the bed with a fire lit under her ass and leaves for the shower. With the sheet left behind, her naked body is on display for me and I love it. I crave every inch of her.

Before I join her, I text Sage to make sure she'll have all of Kara's things for her when we get out of the shower. She'll lay them out nicely on the bed and then my little treasure can choose what she'd like. Except for the collar. That is my only must-wear item. I need everyone to know she belongs to me. No one would ever dare hurt her again knowing she's mine.

Whether or not we are mates. Whether or not we will ever be what I crave most is irrelevant. She is mine. And they will never touch her again. I'll kill them if they do.

I crack my neck as I walk to the door to unlock it for the servants and then make my way to the bathroom. Kara sits perched on the bench in the shower, she's completely dry and just has her hand under the stream. The steam billows around her and the warmth has already made her chest flush with a gorgeous warmth to it. When I get to the opening of the stall, her eyes meet mine and the blush returns to her cheeks. She turns her body slightly, trying to hide her curves. I tisk her as I close the door behind me.

"Never hide yourself from me." I lean down and kiss her lips. At first it's gentle, but then her hand reaches up and she holds my jaw, deepening the kiss. A deep need for more comes over me and I part her lips with my tongue as my hand roams down her side. She sighs into my mouth and leans against me. This is the most affectionate and obedient she's ever been. I wonder if sleepy Kara is more receptive to being a sub than a fully awake Kara. I like both versions, but I really enjoy how easy this is right now. Maybe she just needed a good fuck and a good sleep. Reminding myself what she's been through, I pull away, kiss the crown of her head, and put my hand in the stream. "Is this to your liking, treasure?"

She nods, her lips still parted as she looks up at me. "Yes, Sir."

Fuck, she's being so good right now. I fucking love it. "Stand up. First I'll wash you and take care of the pain I put you in, and then you'll wash me. Understood."

She smiles again and nods. "Yes, Sir." I put her right where I want her, facing away from me under the stream, and lather my hands up with soap. It's not scented, and I like it that way. I'd rather smell her natural sweetness.

I'll run some oils through her hair to smooth it and give her a touch of floral scent. I gently knead her shoulders and she immediately moans with pleasure. Damn, I love how responsive she's being. I kiss her neck as a reward and she leans back slightly. I should admonish that behavior, but I crave her affection. My dragon presses against my chest, desperate for more.

I'm struck by my own thought. I've never wanted anyone's affection before. This little human has gotten under my skin. I smile, move my hands to her breasts, and continue washing her and kneading her body. Mate or not, I think I like how she's got me wrapped around her little finger. So long as she doesn't realize it, so long as she doesn't know the depths I would go to keep her. I gently pluck her nipples between my fingers, and she responds by arching her back and pressing her ass into my now raging hard dick.

"Careful, treasure. I need to heal you first." She shakes her head, pushing her wet hair into my chest.

"I like being sore, Sir." I stifle my groan at her disobedience. My dick pulses nestled in her ass. She smiles broadly, her eyes closed, and pushes her heat against my dick.

"I'll make you good and sore again. I promise you. But I don't want you to be in pain. And above all you will obey me, understood?"

Her feminine simper remains on her face as she nods. "Yes, Sir."

I squat, ignoring my aching needs, to continue washing every inch of her body. It's difficult not to notice that she's still a bit thin, but that will take time. I talk while on my knees behind her. "I want to make a few things clear. Last night, fucking you had nothing to do with your punishment. Nothing at all. You know that don't you?"

"It was a reward?" she questions genuinely. Fuck. No. I don't want her thinking that either.

"No. I fucked you because you were in need." Her eyes fall and disappointment clouds her eyes. I continue my ministrations, more than aware she's upset by whatever I've just said. I clear my throat to continue, and she looks away. "What's wrong?"

I barely hear her murmured question as the water sprays around us. "Is that the only reason?"

Oh. I understand. I rise behind her and run my hands down her sides while I breathe down her neck. She shudders as I whisper in her ear, "No, treasure; I fucked you because I've been dying to be inside you since the moment I saw you." I fucking love the sound of her tortured whimper as she pushes her ass into my dick again. "You better be careful," I warn. "That kind of behavior is going to get you fucked again."

As soon as the words leave my lips, I realize what I just allowed. She's topping from the bottom. I can't have that happening. Not when she's unaware of everything else at play and what exactly our relationship will entail. My voice comes out harder than I anticipate, "On the bench." She doesn't hesitate. She's so caught up with her desire to please me, my harsh tone doesn't even register. For that I'm grateful. This woman has me stumbling in ways I've never imagined.

I move her how I'd like. I push her knees open, pull her ass to the edge of the bench, and then crouch down to enjoy her how I've wanted to since I woke beside her. With two fingers, I part her lips and slowly lick her from her entrance to her clit. Her hands move to my hair and her head falls back. Her groan is as intoxicating as her taste. As much as I enjoy both, this is about more than pleasure.

Pulling away, I wait for her to look at me. "Keep your hands on the bench treasure." She bites her lip but does as she's told. I return to her reddened pussy and bring the healing heat to my tongue to sooth her ache. I dip my tongue into her heat and savor her taste. So fucking sweet. I lick, suck, and nibble all around her, except her throbbing clit begging for my attention. She moans and writhes, and it's obvious that she's struggling to keep her hands on the bench, but she obeys. Her nails gently scratch at the wood as I tease her. When she peers down at me, desperate for the fall, I praise her for her efforts, "Good girl."

I finally put my tongue flat against her clit and watch as her body tenses. I know she's on edge and just a little suckling will have her going over. I groan against her heat and massage against her needy clit. I slip one finger in and curl it to tease that sensitive bundle of nerves. I suck her clit into my mouth and massage it with my tongue while my finger goes to work on her g-spot. She goes off under my touch like fucking fireworks. Her legs stiffen and tremble. Her moans fill the shower and sound like a fucking symphony of pleasure. I draw it out of her, sucking and massaging to get it all, every last bit of her orgasm until she's limp and panting.

I pull away from her and find her hands gripping the bench with a death grip. I stand and lean down to kiss her. Her hands wrap around my neck, holding me there for her. I smile against her lips and pull back, grabbing her wrists. "I didn't tell you that you could let go yet, treasure." Her eyes go round with slight worry. That drowsy, lust-filled look is replaced with alertness. I chuckle and kiss her wrists. "Can you stand yet, so you can wash me?"

My dick is so fucking hard, it aches. It stands stiff and tall between us. Begging for attention. I know she's going to want to play. And I can't wait to make her beg for it. To beg for me. She smiles and stands, rather firm footed, which is more than I suggested. It's almost like her treat woke her up. I smirk as she reaches for the soap and lets her eyes travel down my body. She gasps when she sees my dick. She bites her lip and doesn't take her eyes away like I thought she would. Her hands find my shoulders, but her eyes are glued to my erection. Her small hands travel my body as she steps closer, bringing her breasts right into my view.

Fuck, she's such a tease. I let her go at her own pace, washing every bit of me as her gaze returns to my cock with each and every stroke she takes. She settles on her knees with her lips just an inch away and rubs her hands over my calves. The water gently hits her back. Her small breasts bounce as she sits on her heels and finally looks up at me as she rinses her hands in the water.

Her hazel eyes flicker with desire as she wraps her hands around the base of my dick and her lips around the head. She closes her eyes and gently sucks. Fuck, her hot mouth is everything I've wanted. One hand on the stone wall braces me, the other reaches for her chin and gently pulls her off my dick. I can't fucking help but to groan as she lets it pop out of her mouth.

"You have to ask permission to pleasure me, treasure." Her mouth falls open in surprise. And her eyes flicker between my dick and my eyes.

"But you're in need." Her response is spoken with complete earnest.

I smile down on my sweet little Kara. "It's my job to take care of your needs, but your only job is to obey me."

"But you're in need." She repeats herself, although she drops her hands and waits for my orders.

"Yes I am. But unlike you I can pleasure myself if I need to." My sweet little treasure narrows her eyes at me.

"It doesn't seem fair that I shouldn't be able to please myself when needed."

"Never said what we're doing is fair. Did I?"

She purses her lips although she's less defiant than anticipated. "No, Sir."

"Do you want to suck me off?" My dick pulses with need at my question.

She presses her lips in a firm line and seems to consider my words. Oh, fuck that. She may have topped from the bottom earlier, but if she's thinking of doing that now there's going to be hell to pay.

Finally, after too fucking long, she relaxes her shoulders and looks up at me and says, with a sweet-as-fucking-can-be voice, "Could I please suck your cock, Sir?"

I don't let my relief show, not the enjoyment I have from this entertaining moment. After all I am in fact in need.

Sliding the rough pad of my thumb over her bottom lip, I answer, "Yes, I want you to take care of me with your mouth."

With a playful glint and a sinful simper, she leans forward and takes me into her mouth again. Her eyes close and her cheeks hollow. I nearly lose it far too quickly when she moans. The vibrations send pleasure through every nerve ending in my body.

Her tongue swirls along the head of my dick and I fucking have to put my hands on the back of her head and push her down father. I need to feel the soft spot in the back of her throat at the head of my dick. She has to stretch her jaw some, but she covers her teeth with her lips and takes almost half of me in. It's more than I thought she'd be able to take. I push my dick down her throat even more and feel her stretch and swallow my length before I pull back.

I find myself bracing against the wall again, the hot shower beating down against my back.

She takes a gasp of air and immediately goes back to bobbing up and down my length, massaging the underside with her tongue.

Before I can stop myself, I find my release. My legs go weak, and I stand paralyzed as a tingle shoots up my spine and my balls tighten. I don't mean to, but watching her enjoy herself sets me off and I don't have time to stop myself. She moans as I release in the back of her throat. I put my hand on her neck to keep her there until every last drop is out of me. As I pull back, I see her swallowing with a look of pride. She's fucking perfect. On her knees in front of me, taking me on like she fucking owns me.

Slightly out of breath, I smile down at her and offer her my hand. She accepts it with a small smile until her eyes look down at my still-hard dick. Her mouth drops in shock, and I chuckle at her. Yeah, once isn't going to be enough with her. I don't think I'll ever get enough.

"Do you want me?—"

I shake my head and cut her off. "No."

Her eyes fall as she asks, "Did I not do it right?" It takes me a moment to realize her question is meant to be taken seriously. I came in under five minutes and she's questioning if she did it right?

"Yes, my treasure." I kiss her neck and then her lips. She molds her lips to mine and leans into me. I pull back and wrap an arm around her to lead her out of the shower and over to the vanity. "You were perfect, in fact." It may be hypocritical of me, but the idea that she was that fucking perfect because she's practiced before hits me and I can't contain the jealousy that creeps in. I keep my voice calm as I ask, "Have you done that before?" I know she was a virgin, but I'm not sure quite how inexperienced she is.

She shakes her head and swallows thickly before answering, "No. I've never done anything like this." It's unexpected how much that pleases me. To have her in ways no one else has.

I wrap a towel around her and have her sit at the vanity. The door opens with a creak and takes my attention back to the events of the day and I make a note to be quick. If that's her breakfast, I don't want it to get cold. I grab a mix of oils from the cabinet and rub them in my hands before slowly raking my hands through her hair. It will leave her hair shiny and smooth. Her pale skin is perfect. Her neck is tall and slender. Her eyes are worn and slightly darkened underneath, but with healthy eating habits and plenty of sleep and relaxation, that will fix itself. Kara is most definitely beautiful. How no one else has claimed her I'll never understand. As our eyes meet in the mirror, I tell her sincerely, "You are beautiful." I rest my hand at her throat and grasp her chin with my thumb and finger to tilt her lips to mine.

When I pull back, her eyes are still closed and she swallows thickly. "Drago?" Her tone makes me worry. I search her face, but I don't know what to expect.

"Yes, Kara?"

She finally opens her eyes and asks, "What are you going to do with me?" Her voice is calm and even as though there's only curiosity in the question, but her eyes are burdened.

Of all the things to ask, it's that question? My heart aches for her. I know what she wants to hear. I remember what she admitted last night, about her fear of falling in love with me. And yet, I've kept her, I've fucked her. And I expect her to stay without giving her the security I know she desires. I want her. I want her more than I've wanted anything. Almost anything. I want a family. I want dragonlings. The truth is, her heat has waned. If she isn't scenting of pregnancy in the next day or so, then there is little hope of her being a mate for me. My heart clenches in pain at the thought as I stare back into her eyes.

"I told you I'm keeping you."

"For how long?" she questions, and I stare back not knowing how to answer. Somewhere deep inside me a primitive need for her begs the answer forever. "You said you wanted to heal me, but you already have."

I answer honestly. "I intend to always take care of you. Whether that means this or something else." As I say the words and watch her face fall with disappointment, my stomach drops. I fucking hate myself. She's given me all of herself and I can't promise the same in return. I lift her chin up to give her a kiss, but she pulls her head to the left and out of my grasp.

"Kara." I nearly growl. She turns to face me with a look that could kill and tears in her eyes. I almost lose my resolve. "I will not make promises to you before I know whether or not I can keep them." That voice inside me whispers, yes you can. I shake the thought away and look back to my Kara. "I'll take care of you. Every bit of you. Physically and emotionally. Let that be enough for now." Although I haven't worded it as a question, I know my eyes are pleading with her.

"Just one more question?" she asks hesitantly.

"What is it?"

"Am I just a pet to you?"

"No, Kara. You mean more to me than that," I answer immediately and cup her chin in my hand to stare into her eyes as I answer. I want her to feel my sincerity. I want her to know that what I say is the truth.

She swallows and nods her head but looks back to the mirror with her shoulders squared and her spine straight. I can practically see her putting on her armor as she leaves me for the safety of the bed. I'm all too aware that her response is well deserved.