Page 56 of Charming the Dragon
Nathan weaved through the rows and objects until he was nearly to Hayley. After holding up the grappling hook, he said, “I have an idea.”
She frowned. “A grappling hook?”
“Yes. If I can reach those openings, back along the lake, I can climb up and we can finally get out of here.”
“Er, you might be a dragon-shifter, but I don’t think even you can throw that far.”
“No. Computers may be my strength, but I’ve always been interested in how things work. I might be able to make a launching device from the supplies we have.”
She stepped forward and placed a hand on his forearm. “So we might see the sky again soon?”
At the hope shining in her eyes, his resolve strengthened. “I’m going to try my bloody best to make that happen. But before we head back across the lake, let’s quickly go down the other tunnel. The more supplies I have at hand to work with, the quicker we can escape.”
She took his hand, tugged, and charged toward the exit. “Well, come on, then. We have another tunnel to explore, and who knows what other dragon treasures we’ll find. Maybe there’s a giant golden statue just waiting to be discovered.” She grinned at him. “And maybe it’ll be sitting atop a pile of gold, too.”
She winked, and he laughed. “So one hoard wasn’t enough for you? You’re greedy?”
“Well, it’s not every day you get to find hidden treasure. So, yes, I’m greedy for more. It’s like a movie has come to life, or something.”
“Does that make me the sidekick, then?”
“No, you’re the dashing male lead, of course.” She waggled a finger at him. “But don’t get too cocky and let it go to your head.”
“Ah, but I’m not the only lead. You’re the clever female who wins everyone over by the end.”
Even me, which he didn’t say.
“Perhaps. But come on. Enough dilly dallying. We have treasure to find!”
Smiling, he followed her. His female could be rather determined when she wanted to be. And he admired her for it.
His beast said,She’ll be a good mate. A good mother.
Nathan agreed, but quickly pushed thoughts of Hayley round with his child from his mind. She still hadn’t agreed to a frenzy, and he didn’t want to get his hopes up. Oh, he was going to try winning her, and try hard. But it would ultimately be her choice of if, when, and where.
Chapter Sixteen
After the thrill and wonder of the treasure room, the remaining tunnel had been rather boring to Hayley. Oh, finding more supplies, clothing, and even weapons had been a good thing. And yet, all she’d wanted to do was return to Stonefire’s dragon hoard—yes, she was forever going to call it that—and look around some more. The clan had its own hidden museum, and she was greedy to see everything.
Although it wasn’t technically a museum. But maybe one day the dragon-shifters could share their history and treasures with the public.
However, for now, Nathan was in his dragon form and gliding back across the lake. She’d been lost in her own thoughts about a possible museum, and so when the opposite shore came into view, she blinked. Without thinking, she leaned against Nathan’s dragon neck and stroked his smooth scales. This was probably the closest she’d ever get to flying, and she didn’t want it to end.
Once he walked onto shore, she reluctantly released him and his tail wrapped around her waist before gently placing her on the ground. But instead of turning around so he could shift, sheremained facing him. His dragon tilted his head, and she said, “I want to watch. Is that okay?”
If a dragon could grin, she swore he’d be doing it now. After bobbing his head, he spread his wings behind him. Never taking his gaze from hers, a beat passed and then another. Just as she was about to ask if he was shy, his form started to change. He shrank down, his wings merging into his back, his snout retreating until it became a nose, and his limbs soon became human arms and legs. Then he stood in his human form, naked, and Hayley couldn’t resist taking in his body.
He was tall and leanly toned. And yet his leanness didn’t make him any less powerful—she could make out every muscle, from his abs to his arms to even his thighs. But when her eyes reached his cock, she couldn’t help but stare. Nathan was hard and long and thick. She itched to cross the distance, take him in hand, and make him lose his mind with her fingers and mouth.
Wetness rushed between her thighs at the image. Nathan growled, closed the distance, and took her face into his hands. “Keep looking at me like that, and I’ll end up taking you into a bedroom, shredding your clothes, and kissing every inch of your skin, love.”
“Is that a promise? Because, yes, please, I want that.”
His pupils flashed rapidly and his voice was strained as he asked, “Are you sure?”
She was done fighting their attraction. “Yes, as long as you don’t start a frenzy.”
Without another word, he bent and tossed her over his shoulder. Hayley squeaked as he ran. She did her best to hold on, her fingers clutching his sides, and didn’t know whether to laugh or moan. It was rather ridiculous, bouncing on a dragoman’s shoulder as he dashed down the hallway. And yet, there was something sexy about him being this impatient to have her.
