Kiss of a Dragon(14)

“It’s beautiful up here.” Her words sent an unexpected shiver of pleasure through him. Yes, his home was beautiful, everything that magic and money could buy, but the natural beauty of the mountains was what made it complete. He was a part of nature and nature was a part of him. It was the connection to humanity that caused all the trouble.

He climbed higher, braving a little of the tradewinds to allow her to see past the peaks and down into the valley by the coast.

“Is that Seattle?” she shouted to be heard above the breeze.

Yes. I wanted you to see we were not so far. She didn’t flinch this time when he communicated with her telepathically. And it was a risk to show her where the lair actually lay. But there would be many more risks before they were through.

He circled back, soaring on the gentle breeze and gliding into a bump free landing on the top of the keep. He dipped down and waited for her to dismount, then shifted back to human, conjuring his clothes quickly into place.

She kept her gaze averted from his momentary nakedness, although he caught her sneaking a peek—something that also flushed heat through him. But he was no longer touching her, so the worst of the lust heat stayed low in his belly.

“Did you like it?” he asked.

“I can certainly see how that might be fun. Once or twice.” She had a flush in her face and a small grin.

With any luck, she may actually have enjoyed the ride. More importantly, he scented no fear on her of his beast form any longer.

“But all this…” She flung her hands wide to encompass the keep. “This isn’t what women want.”

“A beautiful home. Untold riches. These aren’t the things women want?” he asked, knowing the answer, but restraining his smirk. “Then please do tell me.”

She scowled and crossed her arms like she wasn’t quite sure if he was baiting her or not. “They want someone to care about them the way they care about their men. Someone to listen to them. To make them laugh. I see it all the time in my practice. Women are desperate to have someone who actually cares. Who isn’t a selfish prick only interested in sex or who tries to manipulate her into satisfying all his needs, while providing nothing in return. Nothing of importance. It’s not the money she’s after. Money can’t buy you love. Surely even a reclusive billionaire golden dragon knows that song, right?”

He stepped toward her, so he could drop his voice and still be heard over the gentle breeze. “All too well.” He held her gaze, wondering if he were a fool to think this would work with a woman like her. “So tell me, where do I find True Love? Your friend Rachel, perhaps?”

She snorted. “Rachel? Uh… no. But how about WildLove?”

“Excuse me?” He frowned, truly confused. What was she talking about?

“The shifter app—haven’t you heard of it? It’s new, but it’s designed to hook up shifters and humans. It doesn’t actually specify wolves, and you are a shifter. You can explain later what kind. After the girl’s taken one look at you and fallen madly in love.”

He lifted his eyebrows, wondering if this unexpected twist would make it easier or more difficult for his plans to seduce her. “Intriguing.” He swept a hand back to the door that led to the stairs. “Lead the way.”





Arabella was still reeling from the flight on Lucian’s back.

A golden dragon. He really was one, something that terrified her at first but seemed more amazing the more she got used to it. Touching him in dragon form, sliding her fingers across his beautiful golden scales, was like touching the finest silk—spun and stretched tight over something as strong as steel. Stronger even. The night before was still a bit of a haze, but she remembered shooting a gun at the man and having it bounce off his skin like he was a superhero. And yet, where she expected cool metal against her fingertips, she found nothing but warmth and softness that begged for more of her touch.

And then there was the amazing hotness of the man himself, which she had ample time to admire from the back as he led her down the spiral steps to his lair. She didn’t know how he magically conjured his clothes, but the thin fabric of his black, ancient-styled hoodie outfit clung to every muscle. Whoever would be taking that body to bed was one lucky woman.

But lusting after a man who was essentially still holding her captive wasn’t exactly what she put in the healthy behaviors column. She needed to focus—to get Lucian Smoke a date, or maybe three, whatever it took—and let some other girl find out what it was like to take him to bed. Then she could get back to her life. How hard could it be, anyway, finding this guy a mate? Women would be falling head over heels in love with him—and dropping their panties—with one smoldering look from those long-lashed eyes.