“That’s enough.” He turned away, but she grabbed his arm.
“Why won’t you let me help you?”
He turned back, then stretched out his hand. Snaring a curly tendril of hair between his fingers, he raised it to his nose and inhaled. Goosebumps prickled her skin. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Isn’t that my choice to make?” She placed a hand on his chest. “I want to help.”
Balthazar visibly swallowed. His hand fell from her hair to her face, and he traced her cheek with a trembling finger. She sighed, then took a step so that her body brushed his from chest to hip.
His nostrils flared as he inhaled sharply. “You’re not helping.”
“My apologies. Do you want me to leave?”
In answer, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew closer until her breasts crushed against his chest.
He growled into her mouth and grabbed her ass to pull her closer. His cock pressed against her stomach, and she felt herself grow wet in an instant bloom of lust, and moaned softly as he ground his hips against hers. Her hands travelled down his chest and beneath his shirt, and he hissed against her mouth when she gently raked her fingernails over his skin.
“Damn it.” He pushed her back but didn’t release her. She was breathing heavily, and she licked her lips, enjoying his taste. His gaze fastened on her movement, and a low rumble of frustration was the only sound he made. She noticed him fidgeting, and she glanced down to see his swollen cock outlined against his jeans.
“What are you looking at?” he growled.
“I’m looking at something a lot more interesting than that damn book.”
His smile was dangerous. “Would you like a closer look?”
She swallowed. Balthazar never hesitated in making her hot and bothered, and she enjoyed it, damn him. “What do you have that other men don’t?” she teased.
“I’m not just a man.” He snagged her hand and placed it over the bulge between his legs.
“Oh, you mean like you’re special?”
“Hmm.” He guided her hand over his length.
She shivered as he continued, not letting go of her. His eyes were half-closed, but he watched every move she made. She looked down at their joined hands, and when he eased the pressure, she squeezed gently.
Balthazar gasped and lowered his head to her neck. “How are you doing this to me?”
“Doing what?”
“All you need to do is look at me a certain way, or touch me, and I can’t think straight.”
She leaned her head against his. “Like this?” She squeezed his cock again.
His loud groan rumbled through his chest. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her fingers. His eyes had darkened, and Eva couldn’t help but stare at them—they were such a rare color. “Yeah,” he whispered hoarsely. “Like that.”
“Wow, I have some control over a dragon.”
He chuckled. “I will not agree nor disagree with that statement.”
“Spoken like a diplomat.” Eva wondered when she could take this further. “But I hope I have the opportunity of testing that statement.”
His heated look almost had her knees buckling. “Whenever you want.”
They stood still for several moments, the silence broken by the wind vibrating the conservatory windows. She closed her eyes to enjoy the peace and solitude in this little room, away from the others, and far from the problems that Balthazar faced. She wanted the world to stay away, but reality intruded when he raised his head. He looked peaceful, but there was something hidden in the depth of his eyes, and it dawned on her that he couldn’t move forward until he dealt with his brother.
She kissed his cheek and gave him a wide smile. “I’ll remember that. However, we’ll have to save your ass first.”
“Eva, you’re going to stay in the house. No roaming around outside until this is over.” He shook her slightly. “Did you hear me?”
“I did.” She backed off and crossed her arms. “Can you defeat Ti as a human? What are your honest chances of winning?”
He didn’t answer, but his clenched jaw and fists told her enough before he turned on his heel and stalked off.
***
An anguished scream propelled Eva out of bed. A dim light and urgent voice below directed her into the hallway near the kitchen, where Thorsson knelt beside an unmoving Balthazar. Thorsson slapped his face, yelling Balthazar’s name, but he didn’t regain consciousness, and with a curse, Thorsson picked him up and slung him over one shoulder.
“Mr. Thorsson, Balthazar needs medical attention!” she yelled.