Page 31 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

It made me trust him more.

“I can feel it,” he said.

That’s what I was scared of.

“What if I can’t feel anything?” I whispered, biting my lip.

I wasn’t expecting to see the relief in his smile as he reached out to touch my cheek. His thumb brushed against my bottom lip, pulling it free from my teeth.

“You’re not trusting your instincts and experiencing life with your whole heart because you’ve second-guessed yourself too many times. That numbness you feel is your body’s way of protecting you from feeling anything—even the good. But it’ll work itself out as you feel safe again. Things like this take time.”

According to Kieran and the government and the prophecy nonsense, time was something we didn’t have. You wouldn’t know that from looking at Lucan, though. The patience in his gaze was comforting.

How long had it been since I felt this at peace?

Too long.

And I knew this was reckless.

A loud voice screaming in my brain said I was giving in too easily. That Lucan was dangerous. He could destroy me. That I’d been swayed and bought cheap for some clothes and yarn and a little kindness.

But I didn’t have to go all the way.

I could test the waters a bit.

I laced my hands behind his neck—registering the surprise as desire flared in his eyes—before I captured his lips with mine.

There wasn’t a moment of hesitation on his part. I might’ve started the kiss, but he controlled where we led. His lips were firm and possessive as he parted my mouth, allowing me to taste as he tasted me. The sweetness of him held a smoky warmth that curled my toes, making me moan silently as I yearned for more.

I was out of my depth.

Drowning.

My hands clung to the back of his neck as he held my lower back, pressing me tighter against him. A fire burned deep and low in my belly, starting to spread as he kissed me like I’d never been kissed before.

Dangerous. It was too much.

I broke first, pulling away and gasping for air.

What did you just do, Riley?! Stupid. Stupid.

Lucan didn’t let me go as he panted, resting his forehead against mine. “I planned for today to go differently.”

The panic in his voice shut up the worry in my mind and I couldn’t help but smile. “And what did you plan?”

“More wooing, less parking lot.” He grinned.

A laugh escaped me, unbidden, as I placed my hands against his chest, making some space between us, but still touching him. “In that case, maybe I should get you back to your home.”

12

Lucan

Unwelcome Guests

The taste of her was burned onto my lips. Her spicy flavor intensified as the fear ebbed away. My body tensed with restraint as I held perfectly still wrapped around her, riding the back of my bike while Riley navigated the mountain roads.

Yet another surprise.

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