Page 28 of The Mountain King
“Amnan.”
Maddugh’s pleasant tone fooled no one. His son sighed, took Persia’s arm, and escorted her out, leaning down to murmur something in her ear to stall her protests. Kailigh watched them go and folded her arms.
“Well?”
The dragon Lord knelt at the side of the bed—nearest her bare leg, placing a hand on the coverlet near her thigh. His eyes remained on her face, but they glowed. A subtle sheen to match the slight smile on his lips.
“What must a man do to earn your favor, mistress? You fought boldly for your child—my desire has only increased.”
Kai’s breath struggled in her chest for a moment. The practiced, silky tone was that of a master, but no one had ever used such carefully crafted words to attempt seduction before. No man hadeverbeen able to pinpoint her weaknesses. Treat her like a light skirt or a damsel, and she’d scoff. Treat her like a warrior, and she’d melt. A little.
“I don’t know, Maddugh. This doesn’t seem to be the time for sport. I still have a daughter running loose around your faire with who-knows-what predators in the crowd.”
“If not now, when?” He took her hand, lifted it to his lips. “Tell me when I may court you.”
“I—” she squirmed a little, as uncomfortable as a teenage girl with her first man. Even though she was a woman grown having birthedthreedaughters.
Maddugh leaned forward and she was hyperaware of the sensual mouth, his broad shoulders, and the rough silk of his hair. He still hadn’t bothered to don a shirt and she struggled not to drink in her fill of the strong physique. Struggled not to imagine, even if briefly, what he would look like over her, heated with passion.
His other hand cupped her cheek. “You’re nervous. It’s a compliment for a man that he can make a strong woman nervous.” His slight smile broadened. “I can do other things, Kailigh. Your blushes would be unceasing.”
“Enough with you!” she exclaimed. “Yes, I’m blushing, but only because you are as shameless as a gigolo.”
He grinned, unperturbed. “My dear, I could outclass any common gigolo. I’ve lived far longer, and tormented far more women in my time.”
“I’m certain you have.” She regarded him. “Very well, Maddugh. Take me back to the faire and we… will see.”
His lashes lowered over his eyes, but not before she saw the triumphant narrowing of his pupils.
