Dragon Down Under(27)

Yes, she was angry at Brimstone. The big brute slammed his way into her life and simply took over. The fact there was a paranormal world, and a dangerous one, didn’t settle well.

The powerful attraction, and his claim that she was his mate, confused her. Did fate really put them together, or was it something else? She sighed and turned off the water, wringing out her hair before snatching a towel off the vanity and running it over her damp skin.

Enough was enough. If he was really as stuck on her as he claimed, things needed to change. She wanted open and honest communication, she needed her questions answered, and not only for the sake of her stories.

What would become of her life if she let the relationship continue? She remembered the horrible feeling of emptiness when she was parted from him for those forever-long moments in a cold, dark place.

The only one with the answers still waited the other side of the door, but he could wait. She took her time with smoothing lotion on her body before dressing in a long, flowing, black skirt and a pale blue, summer, cotton blouse. She combed out her hair, knowing it would dry quickly in the Darwin warmth.

Opening the bathroom door, she found him pacing in front of it. He turned and she saw the worry in his jewelled red eyes, which were so beautiful. He no longer deemed it necessary to hide them from her.

Good.

He scanned her from head to toe as if searching out harm before glancing over her head into the bathroom, seeking out any possible enemy.

“I’m still here. No demon snatched me while having a shower.” Considering it only took a split second for her to be snatched in a public place, yet, she felt protected by Brimstone's watchful presence.

His gaze returned to her, softened and filled with admiration. “You’re so fucking beautiful.” His deep voice a mere whisper, in contrast to such a big man.

She smiled, accepting his compliment. He made her feel beautiful. “Thank you.”

“Are you…okay?” He reached out, his hand hovering, and then thought better of it and let it drop to his side. This was not like the Brimstone who railroaded himself into her life. The open vulnerability showed in his tense shoulders and concerned eyes.

“Physically, I’m fine; mentally, I’m not so sure.” This was true. With so many unanswered questions, she was unsure of what would happen to her if she let things continue.

“You can’t leave me!” he almost yelled. Ah, so there he was, the tactless dragon man she rapidly grew fond of. She schooled her face best, so she could hide her grin.

“I can’t? Why is that?” She folded her arms, refusing to be intimidated with him looming over her. “I’m not used to violence; I’ve lived a sheltered, normal, human life. What happened, wherever that place was, scared me. If life with you is going to be like this, why can’t I choose to walk away from it? Would you really stop me if I wanted to go?”

His large shoulders sagged. “No, baby, it’ll tear out my fucking heart, but I only want to make you happy. If you want to leave, I won’t stop you.”

She believed him, even with his possessive and dominant behaviour, he cared enough to let her walk away.

Brushing around him, she went and sat down at the set dining table, where a half dozen covered plates sat waiting.

“Did you order everything on the menu?”

“I didn’t know what you liked, so yes.”

“Sit down, Brim, please.”

He took the chair opposite, which groaned under his weight.

“I’m no good with words, Amber. I’m sorry, I failed to protect you. I let you get hurt. All I’ve ever known is how to fight and kill things. Being mated drives me crazy, and I’ve never wanted a woman more than I do you.”

Such a crestfallen expression made her heart ache. “I’m glad you do.”

He didn’t hear her and kept on rambling. “Mates are meant to be together, I’ll do anything for you baby, just don’t leave me.”

“I’m not going to leave.”

He blinked, finally hearing her words. “You’re not?”

“No. I want to see where this relationship, mating thing takes us, but you have to slow down. Yes, the sex is great, and I love the fact you’re a dragon, but we hardly know each other. I need to know exactly what I’m getting myself into.”

“So, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying, I want to get to know you better, and I want to know everything about you and your dragon life. I need to know what it’s going to entail being with you.”

“So, you’re not going to leave me?”

“Of course not, silly. Now, sit down and eat something. There’s no way I can eat all this by myself.” She lifted some of the lids off the tray.