Page 32 of Dragon Flames
Preston comes to a stop in front of me, lifting my chin. “Money well spent. Since your parents already accepted money, they won’t receive a penny of it. After the auctioneers take their cut, the rest will be put in a fund for you. It shouldn’t take more than a day or two for the accounts to be set up.”
I open my mouth, only to snap it shut a second later when he glares. My voice is choked when I speak. “How much?”
His eyes become unfocused as he runs the numbers. “Just a little over eight hundred thousand.”
I reach out and pinch his arm.
Hard.
“Ouch.” He jerks back, rubbing the spot, his face a mask of confusion. “What was that for?”
“I wanted to make sure I’m not dreaming. That this is real,” I answer distractedly, my pulse pounding in my head, still unsure whether I believe this is now my life. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Preston snorts, grabbing my attention, and I look at him again.
“I don’t think that’s how it’s supposed to work,” he says. “Aren’t you supposed to pinch yourself to wake up?”
I frown up at him, some of the shock wearing off. “Nah, I stopped doing that after the first couple of days in prison. I never could wake up. That I’m not sporting a black eye right now from your fist in retaliation for pinching you just proves this is all real.”
Before I can blink, Preston leans forward, cupping the nape of my neck, and captures my lips in a kiss so searing that every thought vanishes but the taste of desire and the hunger for more.
Much too soon, he tears himself away from me, his chest heaving as he glares down at me, his voice gruff when he speaks. “If you ever have any doubts whether or not you’re awake, I find a kiss is much more effective. Feel free to find me whenever you’re uncertain.”
Chapter Eleven
FELICIA
Well, damn.
I’m actually panting as I watch his blue eyes darken with hunger. It’s like all the desire and lust from the past ten years comes roaring back, flooding my system all at once. I want to order him away, take care of the problem on my own, but I know it would leave me unsatisfied and achy in a way only he would be able to satisfy.
If only I was brave enough to take what he so blithely offered.
For the first time in my life, I feel alive.
It’s addictive and thrilling.
I don’t want to let go of the feeling, terrified that I might never be able to get it back.
I just can’t go back to that sterile, lonely existence—what little bit of my sanity I’ve managed to save would shatter.
“Say it.” Preston’s voice drops to a husky growl. “Ask.”
Goose bumps spread over my skin, and my nipples harden.
It’s selfish to use him in that way after everything he’s done, the way he came to my rescue, but no matter how much I try to talk myself into doing the right thing and letting him walk away, I can’t.
I’m just not that good a person, not anymore.
I’m not sure I ever have been.
Rising, I pull my sweater over my head, not the least bit ashamed to stand naked before him, not when his hungry gaze washes over me like a balm. “I want you.”
“Thank fuck.” It sounds like a prayer. Then I’m in his arms, and any misgivings vanish at the fiery, passionate taste of his kiss.
Instead of taking, he gives everything of himself, the kiss drugging in a way that weakens my knees and leaves me leaning against him for support. When my hands land on clothing, I growl and draw back, pushing him away. “Take it off.”
He doesn’t hesitate, partially unbuttoning the top of his shirt before he impatiently rips it over his head. His jeans get the same treatment when he roughly shoves them down his hips before kicking them away.
