Page 113 of The Dragon's Gambit
Lee chuckled lowly, bending down and kissing her nose. He was also going to ask her to stay up here, but how could he now? Such a clever little kitten. She knew what she was doing. And hearing her say ‘Leviathan’s mate’ made him feel a child-like happiness. “Yes, my mate should be present.” He looked up at Brody and Chelsie. “I’ll have her seated at the head table. Dex has offered to look after her, and he’s a trustworthy guy. Not that I’ll let him pretend to be your mate.” He grinned. “But he’s always been honorable, and she’ll be safe at his side. The dragon kings are not ones to be messed with. She’s safer there than she will be with you.” He could see Brody wanting to protest. Itwasn’t that Brody wouldn’t protect her with his life—he knew he would—but that no one would dare touch his princess if she was wedged safely between the royals of the surrounding kingdoms.
“I don’t feel comfortable,” Brody said quietly. His eyes flashed over to Reiya with a small frown. He felt like he was slacking on his duties, even if she was safer with others over him. Maybe it was something he just needed to adjust to. The fact that there were other people helping him look after his precious sister, the fairy princess.
“I’m not going anywhere either. I’ll have one eye on her at all times. If it makes you feel better, you two can patrol the grounds and see if you can catch his scent. But … I suggest you continue your evening together.” Lee looked down at Reiya with a sad, serious face. “You might as well enjoy the moment while you can. Things will not always be quiet.”
Brody understood what he was saying. It was just too close of a call for him. His instincts were to protect his sister … to protect the fairy princess. He felt like he hadn’t been doing a good job. Grayson would never have left his mother’s side. That part stung a bit, knowing Grayson wouldn’t have ever left Reiya alone if she was his charge.
“Brody, don’t,” Reiya said quietly, smiling at him. “Quit beating yourself up over nothing. Lee is right. I’m safe. You think something will happen to me under Lee’s nose?” She leaned into her gentle protector’s arms. Well, he was gentle with her ...
Brody sighed. “Chelsie and I will do a round around the premises, and then after that, we’ll rejoin the party. I want to keep my eye on you, just in case.” He looked at Reiya with a small frown. She was always trying to make sure he was happy. She wanted him to be her normal brother, not the brother who was her guardian. He appreciated it, he really did, but he was her guardian. He would do his best to balance his life and enjoy the moments he could, especially since Levi would be there tonight.He could enjoy the evening with Chelsie later. But before that, he wouldn’t feel better until he did a perimeter check.
“Come on, Brody. We might as well get started checking the grounds. We don’t want to miss the big event either.” Chelsie tugged Brody back down the stairs. She was giving Reiya a moment alone with Levi, since she wouldn’t be able to touch him for the evening.
As soon as they left, Lee spun Reiya around in his arms, tilting her chin up to him, his fingers gentle against her skin. Their lips met, and it was like tasting honey for the first time—sweet and addicting. What was supposed to be just a quick kiss ignited into something deeper, their bodies moving together in a dance of passion and desire. He pressed his lips forcefully against hers, parting them with a determined tongue that sought to explore and conquer. He held her head firmly, his fingers tangled in her hair as he greedily devoured her mouth. Her soft moans were like a siren’s call, urging him on as his free hand trailed down her body, exploring every curve and dip with an almost desperate fervor. The taste of her lips was like a drug, addicting and intoxicating all at once. He couldn’t get enough of her; he wanted to consume her until there was nothing else left in the world but the two of them entwined in this passionate embrace.
Reiya melted into Lee’s arms, her body responding eagerly to his kiss. She felt a tingling sensation spread through her as his tongue teased and tangled with hers. Their breaths grew ragged as their kiss intensified, and she could feel her heart pounding against her chest. His hand slid down her back, gently cupping her buttocks and pulling her tight against him. Their hips ground together in a rhythm that spoke of desire and longing. She moaned into his mouth, her taste buds alive with the sweetness of his tongue. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair. She pulled him closer, needing more of him.
Their kisses became more urgent, more demanding. Lee’s hand slipped the top of her dress down, tracing the edges of her bra, before slipping the fabric down more to free her breasts. He began to knead her nipple, rolling it between his finger and thumb. She arched her back, gasping as his touch sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through her. Every inch of her body tingled with anticipation, longing for more contact. She could feel the hardness pressing against her abdomen, making her shiver, and she prayed that he wouldn’t stop.
With every touch, it was as if he was staking a claim on her, marking her as his possession. His control was slipping, the primal desire to mate with her consuming him entirely. The need for her grew stronger with each passing moment ... and he couldn’t take it anymore. To hell with all this waiting, he thought, as his heart raced.
“Mmmm, Reiya,” he called into her lips, his voice husky with need. “Baby, it’s getting harder to deny myself.”
She sagged against him, panting back into his mouth. His touches drove her crazy. She couldn’t imagine ever feeling something this intense with anyone else. He had to be her mate too, right? There was no way her feelings could be this intense without him being her actual mate. He gently adjusted her bra, kissing her shoulder, before placing her dress strap back to its place.
“I’m sorry for calling you earlier. I try not to bother you when you’re away.”
Lee smiled against her cheek. “Bother me? Call me whenever you want me, whenever you need me. You rarely ever call for me, so I was a bit worried at first. I was shocked to see the audience around you, too.” He chuckled and lightly bit her bottom lip. “I’m glad you told them about us, though. It helps put me at ease just a bit. The fact that they know who you belong to means they also know your place.”
“My place?” Reiya asked, flicking her tongue onto his lips, still caught up in the sensual moment.
“Yes, Reiya. Your place. You’re not their equal. You’re their superior.”
“All because I’m with you? I feel that really doesn’t make sense.”
“Because it is me, it makes perfect sense.” Lee brushed his nose into his mark on her neck, letting his hot breath melt her skin.
“I don’t want to be treated with reverence or anything. I just want to be a friend.” Reiya tilted her head to the side, allowing him access to her neck.
“Hmmm, maybe. Your position is a delicate one. Friendship can also be viewed as favoritism.” He gently nipped at his mark on her neck and tugged on her skin gently.
“Mmmm, Lee.” Reiya bit her bottom lip and he retreated from her. They had to stop the game before there was no stopping it. Reiya smirked at him. “You know, you say that, but clearly Xander is your favorite. And don’t you dare deny it.”
Lee smiled. “I won’t deny it. He is. But I can still be objective with him. And because I’m closer to him, I’m also tougher on him over things too, because I expect better.”
“See? We can be their friends, Lee. We can be friends with all of them and continue to be objective.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips gently. “You isolate yourself … you keep yourself at a distance. I understand why, but it’s okay to let some people in.”
Lee chuckled lowly and tightened his arms around her. “You’re the only one I need to let in, Reiya. I only need you.” He leaned his forehead on hers and sighed.
“Time to go, huh?” Reiya watched him nod and she smiled. “Okay, but I want extra snuggles tonight.”
“Like you need to even say that.” He prodded her nose lovingly and led her down the stairs. Snuggling tonight wasn’t going to be a problem. The problem was going to be the same one he struggled with every night … making sure he kept his fairy pure, at least for just a little bit longer. He wanted the moment to be special. More than that, though. He wanted it to be the celebration of their relationship. To celebrate being able to announce it to the world. To not have to hide what he couldn’t hide afterward.
His fairy didn’t realize it, but she played with fire every night. He smiled to himself as he opened the stairway door, escorting her through. He couldn’t wait until he could finally burn her.
Chapter 72 My Home
Reiya walked on ahead of Lee and into the great room. Lee told her that Xander had sent Dex there to wait for her. She found him, leaning against a pillar. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he flashed her a bright smile. He didn’t miss thewarning glare of the deity in the background as he walked up and took her arm.
