Page 50 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

I had to make him understand. “I complain too much and I know he’s lying about most things, but maybe there is some truth to it after all. I’m not smart like Ember or gentle like Willow. I don’t even know who I am anymore, but I do know you won’t love me once you get to know me.”

“Lies,” he hissed.

His pupils slit to black diamonds as the turquoise mist swirled in his eyes.

It was the first time since I’d met him that I felt real fear in his presence.

Not for me.

Never for me.

Or is that what you want to believe…

I was getting tired of hearing myself think.

“I’ve waited for you to speak his name. The one who did this to you,” Lucan growled. “But my patience is wearing thin.”

I didn’t want to protect Drew, but I hated the anger and aggression gathering around Lucan. Shadows grew heavy in the garden. He’d leave right this second if I asked him to and go burn the world to find my ex. I knew it.

I couldn’t tell him about the phone calls. Not right now when he was all worked up.

But I could tell him, “Thank you.”

The words rushed from my lips as I stood on the toes of my shoes, putting my hands on his shoulders and trying to stand at his level.

“Thank you for what?” He blinked, taken aback.

“For being kind and gentle with me. For giving me time to process all this. For helping me feel strong again.” I had to ignore the inner voice that was screaming at me for being too vulnerable and opening myself to get hurt.

Because I needed to trust my instincts and they were leading me to this. I think my body knew before my brain did that Lucan was it for me.

I expected him to brush off my gratitude, to say it was his job as my mate, but I wasn’t expecting the confident quirk to his smile.

“I can be gentle,” he spoke softly as he lowered his face to mine.

My heart beat faster at the meaning behind his words. His lips brushed my lips, just a whisper, and I melted. I wrapped my hands behind his neck, holding to him like I’d fall without his strength.

“What if I don’t want you to be gentle?” I breathed the question against his mouth.

The dark chuckle he gave in response went straight to my core as he swept me off my feet, growling, “I’ll be whatever you need me to be.”

20

Lucan

Finally

My dragon roared in triumph as I carried Riley through the garden. These last few weeks had been a battle well won and I couldn’t wait to devour my prize.

I mentally sent a warning to my brother, threatening death and dismemberment if he didn’t take a long walk and return quietly, before bringing Riley into the house.

She giggled in my arms as I closed the door behind us. Such a carefree sound compared to the whimpers she’d made in her sleep when she first arrived. I planned to elicit many different noises from her tonight, as soon as I got these damn clothes out of the way.

“You look beautiful in this dress.” I kissed her bare shoulder as I set her on her feet.

“You’re not too bad yourself,” she said, turning so I could access the hidden zipper on the side.

A growl built in my chest as I dragged the zipper down, exposing inch by inch of her tender flesh that I kissed along the way.

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