Page 78 of The Mating Claim
Ah hell, here we go. “No? You’re telling me what todo?”
Jumping up, she began to pace by the sofa. “It’s a lovely night and you said there’s no Others or Skins for two miles. I’msafe.”
“No. It’s not safe. I need you here where I can keep an eye onyou.”
“So you’re my keeper now? I thought youcared.”
“Damnit I docare!”
The outburst stunned her. She licked her mouth. “You say you do, but you’re acting like a jailer. Why Drust? Maybe I’ll go to a local bar, see if there are any cuteguys.”
“No.” His jaw tensed so hard it looked ready to shatter. “You will not pick up any strangemen.”
“So, maybe there are some who aren’tstrange.”
“No! I forbidit!”
“Why? You can’t tell me what todo.”
“Lacey…”
“Or is it because you want me for yourself, Drust? And the thought of another man touching me drives younuts?”
“Our destinies have collided.” His gaze burned with intent. “You and I shared the same dream. We will be lovers. I will not share you with anotherman.”
Suddenly she was in his arms, and he was kissing her, really kissing her, his hand splayed over the back of her head, tugging at her hair, his mouth devouring hers. His body crushed against hers, hard and muscled, quivering with barerestraint.
She did not hold back, but let him feel everything she’d bottled up. Lacey dug her nails into his back and kissed him back, tasting him, her tongue meeting his as he opened his mouth and deepened the kiss. A moan escaped her as everything in her turned liquid hot witharousal.
She wanted to strip off all her clothing and lie naked on the sofa and let him ravishher.
Her legs quivered with the need to open wide and let him plunge deep inside her, claiming her in theflesh.
They made it to the sofa, and he pulled her on top of him, letting her feel his need, his arms around her as they kept kissing. Everything inside her screamed withjoy.
The joy of feeling passion, where she’d previously feltnone.
The joy of simply living for pleasure, for themoment.
For this, this wizard who’d tormented and teased and threatened her, in her arms at last. He was no longer a powerful wizard, but simply a man with a man’s needs, same asher.
Equals.
He flicked his hands upward and she found herself floating through the air, then deposited gently on the chair opposite thesofa.
Whatthe…
Lacey stared in utter bewilderment. Panting, Drust sat up, his blue eyes glowing cobalt, as if his powers surged along withpassion.
“I cannot do this. Lacey. We muststop.”
Drust strode toward the sliding glass doors, opening them to the sea breeze. Panting, and quivering like a race horse ready to sprint, but denied the startinggate.
Damnit.
“Why not? I want you,Drust.”
A short laugh. “And I also desire you, Lacey, obviously. But you are my charge and I will not violate my oath to protect dragons like you, and deliver justice. I cannot get involved withyou.”
