Page 3 of Hoarded By the Dragon

I shrug again, and the movement draws fabric over sensitive skin. A whimper builds in my throat no matter how I try to focus.

What the fuck?

My eyes widen. “You’re doing something to me.”

The accusation would be silly since I’m the one violating his space, but the way my body wants to approach the predator in front of me is alarming. I can admire a sexy man as much as the next person, but it’s never gotten in the way of my focus.

I’ve never been unmercifully aroused by a random guy, dragon or not.

“It’s merely a side effect.” Kalos’s lip curls in a snarl. “Only a portion of what I’m suffering with.”

A portion of what he’s suffering with? The heat that cascaded off his body when it pressed against mine. The burn of his scowl as if both annoyed and… hungry.

The observation is a shining light on the other side of a tightrope.

This is how I get out of this alive.

“That must be painful,” I say, my mind running through scenarios, working through and discarding each one until there’s only one left on the list.

He scoffs. “It’s enough to drive a mortal mad.”

“What is it?” I ask, breathless. “Some sort of spell?”

Kalos’s eyes go unfocused, but his attention is still heavy in my bones. “Merely a phantom pain from a previous life.”

A phantom pain that makes me horny as hell?

Do dragons go into heat? I don’t dare ask that question, but… I think we can make a deal after all.

“Would it be easier if someone helped you?” I ask.

His gaze sharpens on me, and the power behind it has me flinching.

“You think I’d want help from the likes of you?”

The words shouldn’t cut as deep as they do, but I’m nothing if not durable.

Kalos continues, “You belong in a Council’s holding facility. I doubt I’m the first being you’ve tried to steal from.”

My body freezes now. “Don’t do that.”

Fear that isn’t flavored with heat licks at my mind. I’d rather him eat me than be trapped behind bars. The Council that rules the paranormal world is not known for being kind to those who disturb the peace… or are unique. Nemo always warned me that people with rare abilities go missing. The best protection is secrecy, and being brought forth by the Council and charged is anything but secret.

Kalos stiffens at my tone, and I push on. “I think you’re in pain… and you like my scent enough to not have killed me yet.”

I let that sink in before getting to terms.

“I help you in exchange for what I want.” I keep my tone light, not wanting to offend him.

“An exchange?” he asks, his eyes narrowing. I have his attention now. His attention and consideration.

I swallow. “You let me leave, no involving the Council… and I get the figurine.”

I might as well bargain for everything I need off the bat. Merely bargaining for my life doesn’t solve Nemo’s issue.

Kalos glares at me. “And what will you give me?”

“Whatever you want—tonight,” I add. “Whatever will assuage… your pain.”

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