Page 18 of Fake Dating the Dragon
“Okay?” Asher asks.
His movements are stilted, but it might be because of the two large membranous wings hanging behind him. I can’t believe I missed those. I’m usually not one to stare, I don’t want to objectify the poor man, but he is just as handsome shifted.
This is the first time I’ve been in the same room with a demon, and for some reason I thought he’d look a lot less human, but it makes sense. Asher did say they lost their true connection to dragons years ago.
With shifters, it’s another story entirely.
The complete history is murky and leans into the age-old ‘chicken or the egg’ question. If shifters were an accident, no one wants to own up to it, and it’s not clear if our abilities come fromsurvival or something deeper. I just know I can shrink myself down into a rabbit and run off if I need to.
“I’m going to need a little more from you, baby.” He purrs.
I frown and shake my head, “No, baby doesn’t feel right.”
Asher laughs, the sound twisting through my insides and making me want to clench my thighs together.
“Okay, then, sweetheart.” He takes another step forward.
“Nope.”
“Little rabbit?”
I glare at him, and he tilts his head, his gold eyes roaming over my features, stopping at my lips.
“Princess?”
I swallow, my lips parting to suck in a breath.
Oh, I really like that.It makes me wonder whether the exchange between Han Solo and Princess Leia has forever altered my brain chemistry, or whether those years of being a middle child have me craving the treatment. Probably something I should explore later, but not now. I can’t get over the way he’s staring at me.
A low growl catches in his throat, his fingertips gliding across my jaw, his warm scaled palm pressing against my cheek as he tangles his fingers in my hair.
He’s softer than I had imagined. There is enough drag from the smooth texture, I can’t help but imagine grinding against him.
“We can pause the agreement for tonight.” I swallow, “While you help me through my heat.”
Asher nods, and his eyes flit to my lips, “I can do that.”
“No strings.” I add, “It doesn’t have to mean anything.”If you don’t want it to.
His eyes snap to mine, and a shadow passes behind them. “No strings,” he repeats.
“Good.” I swallow as he takes a step closer, erasing the remaining distance between us.
“Tell me what you want, Princess.” He says, guiding my gaze to his with a gentle tug of my hair, which sends a shock down my spine and makes me quiver.
“You.” I choke out, wetting my lips, “I need you.”
Asher leans down, his fingers tangling further into my hair as he presses his lips to my forehead. His cologne smells like smoke and spices mixed with the faintest hint of sweat. The delicious combo paired with my heightened senses makes me want to bite him, then ease the sting away with my tongue.
Our breaths echo between us, loud enough to drown out all of my thoughts. I can’t believe this is happening. I run my hands over his stomach and angle my chin in a silent prayer.Kiss me. Gods, kiss me or I might die.
His warm lips brush against my brow, hovering there to tease me from the puff of breath feathering against my skin. He then kisses the apple of my cheek, causing me to lean into him like I’m a flower turning towards the sun.
“Asher.”
“Hm?” He hums, finally kissing the corner of my lips.
I turn towards him and grab hold of his waist, my fingers digging into his shirt until I can feel his scales beneath.
