Page 113 of Dragon Blood

Kai kissed her back, letting her know just how much he knew she loved him.

Chapter 40

Fromhispenthousesuite,Kai swirled the whiskey in his glass as the sun descended toward the distant islands dividing the bay from the ocean. The crowded bay resembled an ambling porcupine’s back, as ships swayed at anchor.

One stood out, seemingly afire under the brilliant sunset.

The Crimson Claw.

Even at this distance, Kai’s keen dragon eyes watched the tiny crew women at work, repairing the rigging and sails. The vessels’ sides needed patching, while an entire mast had been amputated.

He had as many days with Astred as the Crimson Claw needed for restoration before they set sail for another charity event.

“She’s seen some spectacular battles in her day, but none like the one we just survived.” Astred’s low voice tugged Kai’s attention away from the dazzling scene beyond the floor to ceiling windows. She’d just finished a video call with Kane, exchanging updates.

Red hair piled atop her head, fresh from a shower and wrapped in a thick bathrobe, Astred approached. A cloud of flowers and fruit clung to her moist body. Damp tendrils curled along her neck, drawing Kai’s attention to the markings, reminding him of their bond.

He reached out, fingertips sliding along the thick fabric, drawing her closer. “So, what happens now, Red?” His gaze swept the red locks, hands following the path to open the clip imprisoning them. Free, he reveled in their silkiness as tendrils tumbled over his hands, inviting them deeper into the mass.

“Carson is still working through everything they found aboard the vessel they captured. Kane’s team has used it to hit a number of other Consortium compounds.”

“This is good news.”

“Mhmm. She recommends that we take the seals back to the Nexus to be respelled, now that we have all three again. And with rebuilding in Aeleftheria progressing, with the help of the mountain dragons, my mother is keen to celebrate together.”

Kai lifted a brow. “Celebrate?”

She leaned back, searching his face. “The birth of your nephew, Kai. Have you not checked your messages?”

Nephew. Kymri’s baby. A boy, celebrated in Aeleftheria. His heart thumped a little harder, pleased for his little sister.

“I will call Kymri later. You’ll help me pick out a gift?” He smiled as he moved his hands through Astred’s hair.

“What do I know about babies?” Astred closed her eyes, lips parted as Kai gently massaged her scalp. “Your hands are magical,” she sighed.

“I don’t know anymore about them than you do. I’ll ask the Aunties, they’ll know.” He brushed his lips over hers. “And your lips are paradise.”

Her eyes opened, expression softening, except for the slightest curl at the corner of her mouth, before she dropped her gaze again. Her fingers slid up his exposed forearms to the rolled cuffs of his shirt, skipping to the open collar.

Kai suppressed a shiver as her fingers slid up his throat to his nape, pulling him down to her.

He descended, lips hovering a breath over hers. “We’ll be late for dinner.”

In response, her hands left his nape to draw the bathrobe from her shoulders, letting it drop in a heap at their feet. “And?” She pressed her lips to his, tongue swiping his lower lip.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“Not for food.” Her hands were everywhere, unbuttoning, unzipping, tugging, pushing, so that he stood exposed. Her hand wrapped around his hard length. She met his gaze. “There will be time for eating and talking later. Right now, all I want is you. Only you. For the rest of our lives, however long that may be.”

His jaw worked as he swallowed the surge of emotion that burst through him. He traced the tiger marking her shoulder. Black and gold on her smooth skin. She did likewise, admiring the dragon spread over his otherwise unadorned body.

It was clear that she’d fallen back to that moment along with him. That moment of bonding, acceptance, connection so deep their souls met and made a promise. She wouldn’t be gone in the morning because she finally trusted him enough to love her as she needed him to. As equals in all things.

He’d proved himself to be worthy of her love and trust and the wellbeing of her people. He was strong enough to be her mate. Though he didn’t know if they could recreate that feeling every time they touched, he sure as hell was going to try.

He slid his arm behind her back, then her knees, scooping her up to his chest. “I prefer dessert first, anyway.”

She uncharacteristically squealed and laughed, full and throaty, as he carried her into the bedroom, running through his mental list of all her favorite positions and tricks.

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