Page 32 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

She’d struggled at first, but after a few miles, she’d relaxed into the drive.

I was wound tight.

Not from fear, though my dragon worried each time Riley increased the speed, but from the knowledge that I’d have to continue to tread lightly so as not to squash this newfound trust blooming between us.

The beast in me wanted to throw caution to the wind. To get Riley back to our nest safely and take my time exploring every inch of her body, before sinking my cock in hilt-deep and burying my fangs into her neck, claiming what was mine.

Then doing it again.

My loins ached with need.

Having her lean back against me with each turn didn’t help.

I tried my best to hide my erection, but I could only do so much.

My muscles were taut with the effort as I stepped off the bike, putting some distance between us.

“Are you hungry?” My voice sounded throaty and hoarse as I removed the helmet from her head. My eyes were drawn to those luscious lips, begging for another taste.

The tip of her tongue wet them before she spoke. “I could eat.”

Delicious torture.

In all my centuries, I’d never experienced a primal ache like this. I normally took what I wanted and didn’t waste precious moments dancing around desires, but not this time. Riley had me tripping over myself like a brooding, clueless youth.

I guided her to the kitchen, not sure when her hand had slipped into mine, but delighting in the fact that it was a perfect fit.

“You’re going to cook for me again?” Riley noticed our conjoined hands and gave mine a gentle squeeze before releasing it.

“Always.” I stepped away, ignoring the cold tightness in my chest at the loss.

“You need to let me help,” she said, sliding onto the booth at the breakfast nook. “It’s not fair for you to do everything by yourself.”

She wants to cook for us.

“In time,” I reassured her, taking out the cutting board and pulling some gouda and sharp white cheddar cheese from the fridge.

I worked quickly to create a snack board with sliced cheese, olives, salami, stoned wheat crackers, and grapes. Riley continued watching me. Her eyes were alert, like a cat, but her body stayed relaxed.

It was a win.

I carried the tray to the table when the unmistakable sensation traveled over my skin. Like the blade of a dull knife dragging across my chest.

“Come with me.” I set down the board.

“Why?” Worry flared in her eyes and I cursed the Gods for ruining this peaceful day. But she stood when I beckoned to her, trusting me.

“Something is approaching my wards,” I explained.

“I thought you said it was safe.” She looked back over her shoulder to the kitchen as I ushered her down the hall toward the bedroom.

“It is. I just don’t want you to have to see—”

The painful roar of an injured dragon came right before the crash on my roof that shook the house harder than any earthquake it was built to withstand.

Riley screamed as she clung to my arm. “What is that?”

I let out another cursed sigh as I sat her down on the bed and tucked her short hair behind her ears. “You stay here and relax. I’ll go deal with my brother.”

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