FOR THE LOVE OF DRAGONS

STORY EXCERPT

“You’re my good luck charm.” Roman pulled the chips Walter had set before him closer. He quickly divided up the stack and gave her half. “This is the start of a winning streak. I can feel it.”

Using his money to gamble with was pressure enough. Now he thought of her as his lucky charm? “Trust me. I’ve never been lucky. You shouldn’t count on me.”

He gave her a curious look. “Of course I should. A man knows when he’s met his Lady Luck. Right, Walter?”

Walter, however, remained silent, his expression emotionless.

Thanks a lot, Walter.

The next game came and went so fast she barely knew what she’d done. More chips were placed in front of Roman and even a few more in front of her.

“See what I mean? It’s not often that Lady Luck wins, too. Her luck’s usually meant just for the man who falls for her.”

He was flirting with her. Much like betting, it was making her uncomfortable, but in an entirely different way. “I don’t even know what I did. Besides, you don’t know me.”

“But I’d like to.”

She wanted to say something yet couldn’t think of anything.

“Take it easy, baby. I’m harmless. At least, most of the time.” His laughter washed over her like a warm rain on a cold day. Unless Shirley needed her, she could sit next to him all night and into the next morning.

Several hands later, the pile of chips had grown substantially higher. Roman leaned toward her and wrapped his arm around her waist. Not around her shoulders as a friend would do, but around her waist. She hoped he couldn’t feel her tremble.

“You, Peyton Henley, are definitely my lucky charm.”

His gaze settled on her, his eyes glinting with humor and—was she imagining it?—real sexual interest. At any other time, she would’ve been too shy and would’ve ducked her head to stare at her lap, but not this time. She’d promised herself to be bolder and more adventurous than she’d ever been before.

“Thanks. I’m glad I could turn your luck around.”

He leaned even closer, putting his mouth next to her ear. She sizzled, her breath going shallow. Would he kiss her?

“We were meant for each other, Peyton.”

He was flirting again. And yet she couldn’t help but wonder. For good luck? Or more?

She admonished herself for giving into such a romantic notion. Being more outgoing didn’t mean acting like a damn fool. “If you say so.”

Suddenly, the heat in his eyes changed, and his expression grew tense as he looked over her shoulder. She started to turn around, but he stopped her, his palm cupping her cheek. Inhaling one quick breath, she waited, too enthralled by his touch to do anything more.

The look he gave her spiraled down inside her. She would’ve sworn he had dived into her soul and wrapped an invisible hand around it. She couldn’t have moved if she’d wanted to. And God knew she didn’t want to.

“Peyton, you believe you’re my lucky charm, don’t you?”

Where she’d assumed he’d been flirting before, she couldn’t help but think he was completely serious now. “I don’t know. I mean—”

“No. Don’t doubt what you are.” He checked the spot behind her and again kept her from turning around to see what had pulled his attention away for even one brief moment.

She didn’t notice him reaching into his shirt pocket until it was too late. By then, he’d wrapped a golden bracelet around her wrist. The circular twist of the piece reminded her of a serpent slinking around her wrist. Or was it a dragon? At one end was an arrow-shaped point with a wicked end to the tip. The head, surrounded with tiny horns, had a forked tongue at the other end of the golden ringlet. Judging from its shining gleam and the heaviness of the bracelet, it was made of the highest quality gold. Her costume earrings and necklace, pieces she’d scrimped to buy, appeared cheap in comparison.

“Roman, I don’t understand.”

All at once, he relaxed and leaned away. “It’s customary for a man to give a token of his appreciation to his lucky lady.”

She held up her arm to get a better look at the jewelry. He took her arm before she could lift it more than a few inches then put her hand back in her lap.

“No. Don’t pay any attention to it yet. Later, once you’re back in your room, you can stare at it all you want. For now, I want all your attention to be on me.”

She resisted the urge to ignore him and give the bracelet a good study, anyway. Instead, she moved it around her wrist and noticed the fine details of the piece. “I can’t accept it. Even without really looking at it, I can tell it’s way too much.”

“You have to.” The urgency in his tone flowed over her. “I’m counting on you to keep it safe.”

“Safe from what?”

He glanced away, his mouth thinning before widening with one of his beatific smiles. “I want you to have it. Please, promise me you won’t take it off while you’re in Vegas.”

Again he caught her chin and kept her gaze up before she could study it more.

“Like I said, it’s way too much. I don’t know you. I wouldn’t accept costume jewelry from a stranger much less anything more expensive. It’s already bad enough that I’ve gambled with your money.”

“You gambled, and you won. I’m happy, and you’re happy. Beside, isn’t taking risks what life’s all about?” He was distracted, too busy checking out those around and behind her.

What or who is he searching for?

ADULT EXCERPT

Please. Kiss me there.

Taking his time—is he trying to torture me?—Roman licked around her bare mons then skimmed his way to the soft spot between her leg and her crotch. His touch was light yet elicited strong sensations. His murmur against her skin couldn’t be understood yet said everything she’d ever wanted to hear.

At last, he parted her folds and let his tongue dance its way over and around her clit then down to her entrance. Her breaths came in ragged puffs, her heart pounding against her chest, demanding to be set free to soar. Her fingers laced together in an effort to keep from reaching down and grabbing a lock of his hair. She wouldn’t do anything to interrupt his progress.

He sighed, matching her own feeling, as his tongue flattened against her clit. Her nub burned with his touch and ached for her release.

“Please, Roman.”

He said something again that she didn’t understand or care about. As long as he gave her the relief she needed, he could say anything he wanted. Now was not the time for sweet words. Now was the time for him to give her what she hungered for.

One finger then another entered her sheath. He sucked on her clit, tugging it into his mouth, holding it with his teeth. She cried out as her body’s internal burn flamed higher. She was being torn from the inside out and loving each minute.

She closed her eyes and enjoyed the rush of sensations he gave her. Filled with a need beyond anything she’d ever experienced, she couldn’t wait until he plunged his cock inside her.

The climax took her fast and hard, wiping the breath from her. Surprise morphed swiftly into exaltation, leading into more emotions than her mind couldn’t handle. Her moan grew into a cry, her hands reaching for him, needing him to keep her in this world.

When he sat back on his calves again and brushed her hands away, her cry of release slid into a cry of sorrow. She needed to hold him, to feel his skin under her fingers. “Roman, give it to me.”

“And what would that be, princess?”

She growled, low and mean, letting her frustration flow out of her. “Damn it. You know what I mean.”

He laughed then, all at once, gripped her legs and lifted them higher, bringing them over his shoulders. Her butt was off the bed, her body bent at an angle.

“All you had to do was ask.” A muscle clenched in his jaw as he rammed his cock deep inside her pussy.

He filled her completely, stretching her. The friction took her to another level, a second climax racing toward its culminating height.

Again, she reached out for him. Instead of brushing her hands away again, he took hold of the belt and tugged her arms toward him. She tightened her legs against his neck, trying to pin him as he’d done her, but he was still the one in control.

His body moved magically, like a dancer who knew every move by heart. Her arms pushed her breasts together and drew his hand to her nipple. He pinched and twisted, giving her zings of sweet pain that spiraled inside of her to mix with the swirling need working outward from her core.

“Let it go again, princess.”

He’d been in control of her before now, but with the sound of his voice, the next orgasm burst from her. She brought her bound hands to her other breast and squeezed then reached out again, needing to touch him. But her fingertips could only graze the soft hair leading to his crotch.

She screamed this time until her throat ached. Roll after roll of passion flew from her as she rode the sweeping orgasm.

“I have to taste you again.” Roman thrust her legs off his shoulders and, coming to her side, bent over her to place his head between her legs. He slurped at her cream, sighing every so often.

She had no energy to move even if she’d wanted to. If she could’ve made a wish, certain that it would come true, she would’ve wished to stay right where they were, with Roman between her legs. Bringing her arms above her head again, she concentrated on the sounds of his thirst.

Roman lifted his head and smiled at her. Her juices formed a film around his mouth, but it was gone as he wiped it away with the back of his hand.

She smiled in return. If nothing else happened in Vegas, if he demanded the bracelet back and led her out of his penthouse, she would still be forever happy she’d gone to bed with him. He was the reason she’d come there, the reason she’d vowed to do things she’d never dreamed of doing.

“I know this is cliché and corny as hell, but I have an overwhelming urge to ask you.” He brushed the hair away from her face.

“Ask me what?”

He chuckled and fell to her side. “Was it as good for you as it was for me?”

She rolled over so she could look directly into his face. “Better.”

“Hmm. Then to quote a very wise woman…wow.”

“You can untie me now.”

“And if I don’t want to? If I want to keep you prisoner?”

For only a second, she was sure his eyes had flashed red. She blinked, and his silver color had returned.

“Would you treat me well, oh, master?”

“You tell me. Haven’t I already treated you like a princess?”

“Yes. So I’m a captive princess?”

DRAGON'S FLIGHT

STORY EXCERPT

“She’s the one, right, Ryan?”

Dane heard Micah’s question, but it didn’t slow him down. Covering the short distance between them, he had his arm back then blazing forward as Ryan turned to answer Micah. His fist connected to his friend’s jaw, catching him off guard. Ryan went down, landing on his back.

“Fuck, man!”

Again, Dane paid little attention to Micah as his friend launched his body off the horse and ran toward him. He planted his feet apart, waiting as Ryan scrambled upright. Micah took hold of his arms just as Ryan came up swinging. The punch to his jaw was perfect retaliation. Dane jerked backward and fell against Micah. Pain seared into his jaw, but it didn’t stop him. He pushed away, getting back on his feet as fast as he could. He ducked just in time, avoiding the second punch.

Stunned by the blow, Micah staggered back. “Why the hell did you hit me, man?”

“Stay out of the fucking way,” demanded Ryan.

Micah and Ryan came at each other, hands fisted, the shift sweeping over them.

The last thing they needed was to have two dragons shifting in full daylight out in the open. Dane, his initial burst of anger easing, did the only thing he could think to do. Growling, he threw his body between his friends, blocking both of them from landing another blow.

“Knock it off!” He turned his dragon loose just enough for his eyes to change to red. Flickers of flame and smoke drifted out from between his razor-like fangs.

Micah and Ryan stepped back, surprised to find Dane ready to change. Their own transformations reversed, bringing them back to full human. Micah staggered away, rubbing his jaw.

Still, he couldn’t let Ryan get away with the shit he’d pulled. “Why the hell did you yell at her like that?”

“I didn’t yell at her.” Ryan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “Besides, she jumped on my ass first.”

“So what? You’re the one who’s supposed to be taking care of her.”

Dane eased back, doing his best to stay in control. He’d learned from experience that, once they got over the initial flare of anger, they’d begin talking and come to terms. If they didn’t, things could end up the same way their last fight had. Ryan had wound up with a broken nose, and Micah had suffered a burn on his lower back.

“I’m doing my best. But I can’t do anything unless her friend wants to press charges. Or if we catch Scruggs trying to hurt her.”

“Scruggs? Who the hell is Scruggs?”

“Scruggs is Brenna’s husband. He’s the one who tried to haul her away from the women’s shelter. Julie stopped him.”

The three of them stared at each other, trying to come to grips with what they’d learned.

“What’d Julie’s ex do to her?”

“He abused her.” Dane added the rest before Micah could. “She didn’t get into details, but it doesn’t take a detective to figure out that he treated her like shit. Bad enough that I’ll bet he put that scar on her arm. Bad enough to put his ass in prison.”

“Fuckin’ A. I’d like to wring his neck and roast him over my fire.”

Dane understood Ryan’s feeling. “Yeah. I’d let him cook nice and slow. While he was still alive.”

The tension that had flared to life so suddenly was over. Yet Dane couldn’t relax. Not until he knew what Ryan did.

“So it’s her friend, one of the women from the shelter, who’s in trouble?” At least it wasn’t Julie who was in danger. She didn’t appear as though she’d been beaten recently, but then again, clothing hid a lot of marks. Still, he had a feeling the real damage was hiding on the inside.

“Yeah. Shit. I feel like a real asshole now.” Ryan dragged his hand along his jaw. “I wouldn’t have come down on her if I’d known what she’d gone through.”

“Why aren’t you watching her friend?” Dane backed off at Ryan’s hard glare.

“The captain didn’t think we had enough to warrant any officers spending time sitting outside her place. I got one of the rookies to watch over her when I can’t. At least last night and today. I was planning on going back there tonight.”

“So that’s where you went instead of the art show.” It made sense. Ryan was a good detective but an even better man. “You missed it. She wore this tight black dress, and, damn, the girl filled it out. Oh, yeah. And her artwork is good, too.”

“You look like hell, man.” Micah grinned at Ryan then stuck out his hand. “No hard feelings, right?”

“Are there ever?”

Now that the fight was definitely over, Dane strode over to his horse. “I’ll take the first watch tonight.”

“The hell you will. You’re not a trained officer.” Ryan crossed his arms, a challenge in his tense posture.

“I’m not one, either, but I’ll take the second watch. You can have the two to seven a.m. watch.” Micah grabbed the saddle horn and pulled himself into the saddle.

“And then go straight into work?” Ryan hadn’t moved.

“Guess so. But you’re a big boy. You can handle losing a little sleep. Still, you’d better get some shuteye. And set your alarm. I’m not dragging your ass out of bed.” Dane chuckled, loving the scowl on Ryan’s face.

“I’ll take the first watch.”

“Nope. I already called it.” Dane pulled his horse to a stop.

“What are you? Five?” Ryan heeled around and started for his pickup. “You get the third shift. I’m doing the first. I’ve got some apologizing to do.”

Dane was about to protest when Micah shot him a look. “Fine. Just don’t go riling her up any more than you already have.”

ADULT EXCERPT

“Are you sure, baby?” He gritted his teeth then stood up and shoved his jeans to the floor, kicking off his boots as he did. “Fuck that. This is happening.”

He fell on top of her. She grabbed hold of his shirt and shoved it higher, skimming her hands along the ripped abdomen then over the mountainous pecs. His mouth met hers again, sending a growl-like sound into her throat.

Wrapping her legs around his waist, she kissed him back as hard as she could, ready to finally, after so long, feel a cock inside her.

Yet it wasn’t just any man’s cock. It was Ryan’s.

She gasped into the kiss as he thrust inside her. His cock stretched her vagina, causing a friction that burned hard and fast. When she clutched at his hair and yanked his mouth from hers, she was sure she saw more red in his eyes. He was lost in passion, a strange look in his eyes that both frightened and thrilled her.

Harder, he slammed into her. Heat flared around them, turning the air around them into the thick moisture of a sauna.

“Julie, baby.”

He didn’t need to say more. She understood all the meaning behind just saying her name. Clinging to him, she pushed her hips up, meeting his thrusts with her own.

They’d been at odds since meeting, and yet, somehow she’d known they’d wind up together, locked in an embrace, their bodies joining. He tortured her breasts, moving from one to the other. He was rough, demanding, moving so fast that at one point, she would’ve sworn she saw smoke sifting out from between their bodies. She would’ve laughed at the ridiculousness of the idea if she’d been able. They gave themselves to each other, losing the ability to speak, saving all their strength for their lovemaking. Her climax hit her, driving up and out from her core with a power that stunned her. She tensed and dug her fingernails into his back.

His gaze, silver-red, met hers, and then he ducked his head as he sat up, bringing her on top of him. They clung to each other as their releases stormed through them, shuddering and unhinging every nerve in their bodies.

She cried out, loudly, too loudly with neighbors surrounding her, but she didn’t care who heard her. Ryan’s groan turned into a monstrous shout that would’ve shaken her if she’d had any energy left. As his cum filled her, she vaguely worried about the lack of protection, but it was too late now.

Strangely, part of her rejoiced to have his seed filling her.

They stayed together, holding on to each other as though turning the other free would somehow break them into pieces. When at last their breathing had returned to normal, he gently laid her on her back.

“Are you all right?”

She smiled, thinking the question silly, and yet not. “I was hoping I was better than all right.”

He cupped her breast tenderly, lovingly. “Hell, yeah, you were. You were fuckin’ amazing.”

His expectant expression did bring a giggle to her. Obviously, he wanted a review of his sexual prowess. “You know how good you are. You have to know. I’ll bet you have a hundred women who would tell you the same thing.”

A slice of jealousy hit her. How many women has he had?

“A hundred? Not hardly. And even if a thousand women told me I was the stud of all studs, none of that would mean anything compared to what you think.”

He means it. “Damn. Who’d have ever thought Detective Ryan Draper would ever say anything that nice to me?”

“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it.” He grinned then gathered her clothes for her. “Unless you want to go again?”

“Damn. Give you one compliment and it makes you a sex monster.”

“Some would say I was already a monster.”

He turned his face away from her and picked up his own clothes. Yet it was the tone of his voice, all of a sudden somber, that had her wondering. She was about to ask him what he meant when her cell phone rang.

She tugged on her clothes and grabbed it. Her breath hitched in her throat when she saw the caller ID.

“What’s wrong, Julie?”

She waved off Ryan’s question. “Hello?”

Please, God. Let him tell me what I need to hear.

“Julie?”

“Yes, Mr. Leyhe?” Her attorney never called her unless it was important. “What did they decide?”

“I’m sorry, Julie.”

Oh, shit. This is bad. So very bad.

“The board granted his parole. In fact, they’re going to release him in a few days.”

“No.” Every ounce of strength inside her vanished. She sat down, her hand gripping the phone until her knuckles turned white.

Ryan put his arm around her. “What’s wrong? What’s going on?”

She couldn’t tell him. If she spoke the words out loud, it would make it real. Instead, she shook her head and handed him the phone. She slumped against the arm of the couch as the darkness flowed over her.

He’d be coming to get her. No matter what he’d promised, he’d come. How could she have allowed herself to hope otherwise?

“This is Detective Draper with the S.A.P.D. Who is this, and what’s going on?”

She couldn’t listen, couldn’t force her mind to settle on anything other than the fear curling its way into her.

Hank’s free.

Oh, God, he’s free.