He groaned and covered her hand with his. “You don’t have to.”

  He wanted her, no doubt about it. It was a heady sensation. She’d always been plain and ordinary, more nerd than beautiful woman. But he made her feel sexy and alive in a way she never had before.

  “I want to.”

  The glow in his eyes deepened, and he released her and lay back, stacking his hands behind his head. “Take what you want.”

  …

  Lucius linked his fingers together, gripping them so hard it was a wonder the bones didn’t snap. The taste of her essence lingered on his tongue, the sweet scent of her release filled his nostrils. His dragon rumbled, demanding he take her, claim her, keep her.

  But he was a wily hunter. She had to come to him.

  And there was the real concern he’d hurt her. It had been centuries since he’d had a woman, and never had he desired one as much. After everything she’d been through and witnessed, it was a miracle she was still here, open and giving. She was a sensual creature, her reaction to his every touch a delight. The real Raine lived in this room with the colors and mythical creatures and crystals—many of which now lay shattered and broken. The woman she showed the rest of the world was the one who lived in the other rooms.

  Her hand looked pale against his shaft, which pulsed with life and need. But she was strong, her grip sure as she pumped up and down. Her gaze flicked from his cock to his face and back again, gauging his reaction.

  He clamped his lips together to keep from begging her to hurry. Sweat beaded at his temples and trickled down.

  “You’re so big.” When she licked her lips, his hips jerked.

  “Take what you want,” he repeated. As much as he’d love to slam her down on top of him, she had to set the pace. He’d survive. Maybe. He’d managed to come back from the Deep Sleep—as far as he knew, first in drakon history—surely he could keep it together now.

  Her lips were full and sweet and animated. She talked more than anyone he’d ever known. Rather than irritating him, it was comforting. When she started to lower her head, he stopped her. “If you do that, I’m done.” There’d be no holding back if she took him in her mouth. His balls squeezed in agreement.

  “Oh.” Her lips turned up in a sensual smile that made his entire body shudder.

  “Like that idea, do you?” It had been too long since he’d touched her, so he unlocked his hands from behind his head and ran them up her inner thighs, stopping inches from her core. A fresh blast of desire perfumed the air.

  “I do.” She came up on her knees and inched over him, guiding the head of his erection to her opening. “Wait, what about disease or pregnancy?”

  An image of her belly swelled with his child almost made him spill his seed. “My kind doesn’t carry disease. And you can get pregnant only if I allow it.”

  “That’s not fair.” When she started to move away, he gripped her hips and held her in place.

  “Between two dragons, it’s a mutual decision, but you’re not a dragon. You can trust me.” Being honest was a gamble. She could easily decide to leave him.

  “I should make you wear a condom, but I don’t have any, and I’m not about to wait.” The head of his cock squeezed past her tight opening when she pressed down, her wet heat enveloping it. He tilted his head back, panting hard, desperately trying not to come too soon. His tattoos throbbed in time to his heartbeat.

  “More.” He’d promised himself he wouldn’t push her, but there was a serious chance his heart might explode if she didn’t keep going.

  Bracing her hands on his abs, she pushed down, another few inches sliding into her warmth. The inner walls of her sex rippled, contracting and expanding to accept him.

  “Fuck yes.” His fingers tightened around her hips.

  “You’re so big. I feel so full.”

  The more time they spent together, the less he believed she had any willing part in his awakening.

  “I can do this.” She was talking more to herself than to him, but he silently urged her on. Her breasts weren’t overly large, but they were perfectly shaped with rosy nipples that begged to be tasted. They lifted and fell with each deep breath she took. She was tall for a woman, her curves subtle, and her limbs long.

  He was more than a foot larger than her and more than a hundred pounds heavier, but there was no fear in her eyes, only determination.

  She pressed down, sliding deeper. Almost there. Something inside him broke, and he pulled her the rest of the way. Her gasp turned into a long moan of pleasure. His orgasm was ripped from the depths of his soul. He poured himself into her, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her down so she rested over his heart.

  Chapter Eight

  Fuck! That was not the way it was supposed to happen.

  He’d gone off faster than one of those rockets blasting into space he’d read about online. His eyes almost rolled back in his head when her inner muscles clenched around his shaft, as though trying to squeeze every drop from him.

  He was still hard. No way would once satiate him, no matter how good it was. That had barely taken the edge off.

  She was nestled against him, all warm and cozy, soft puffs of her breath skating over his skin. Her body was lax and still. She’d fallen asleep.

  Rather than be insulted, he grinned. He’d worn her out. Maybe she wouldn’t mind a repeat once she’d rested. When she shivered, he drew in a breath and released warm air, letting it circulate over her. If she got cold, she’d wake, and then she might move. He wasn’t ready to let her go. Not now, maybe not ever.

  He ran his hands up and down her slender spine, absorbing the feel and texture. Raine had literally exploded into his life. He’d planned to sleep forever.

  His snort was loud enough that she snuffled before settling again. Fate made a joke of the best-laid plans.

  I’m not sorry I’m here.

  How could he be with her nestled in his arms, all warm and soft? His cock flexed, ready for round two. The musky scent of her arousal, the heat from her sex, and the weight of her lying on him were making him crazy.

  If she was part of some bigger plot against him, he was falling right into their plans. Her mere presence had woken him. He’d left the safety of his stone casing—for her. How much more hold did she have over him now?

  His jaw clenched, the muscle flexing hard. He was a drakon, had lived thousands of years. More than that, he was one of the most feared creatures on the planet. Whatever had happened to him while he’d slept, he was stronger, more dangerous, and powerful than he’d been before. Whoever was behind this had made a huge mistake if they thought they could manipulate and control him. If they came for him, they’d pay.

  What about Raine?

  His dragon roared inside him, the creature not wanting to believe she had a willing part in any of this. The human side of him wasn’t so sure. People were willing to do most anything for money or power or the hope of immortality.

  Just because he wanted to believe she was as innocent and kind as she appeared didn’t make it the truth. He needed to be cautious. His survival depended on it. If she proved duplicitous, he could easily take to the skies and vanish. There were places in the world humans couldn’t reach, no matter their technological advances. And if she was truly the beautiful spirit she presented herself to be, he’d protect her. If she was a pawn in a greater game, someone would eventually check the cave to verify she was dead. When they found it empty, they’d come for her.

  She shifted position, disrupting his thoughts. Her lower half squirmed, trying to find a comfortable position. His eyes practically rolled back in his head. Gods, it was so good.

  Her eyes fluttered open. “I can feel you pulsing inside me.”

  “Yes.” He ground his hips upward and rotated, milking every sensation.

  “That’s good. Do it again.” She undulated, rubbing against him. “Mmm. You’re so deep and hard.”

  If she kept on talking, he’d likely come a second time.

  “I’m so hot and wet.”

  His temple throbbed, his vision dimming.

  She made a circling move, grinding her pelvis against him. “Yes. Yes.” Her sex rippled as she orgasmed. Giving in to the inevitable, he came again. “How is that possible?” She went lax again, practically melting over him.

  “I’m a drakon. I don’t need the recovery time of a human.” Honesty compelled him to add, “But this is a record even for me.” Twice in a row with basically little to no foreplay. Although just being with her was foreplay.

  “I came twice.” Two lines formed between her brows. “Maybe it was three. I’m not sure.”

  “I didn’t mean for it to happen so fast.”

  She rubbed her nose against his chest. “I’m not complaining.” She yawned again and lifted her head, craning her neck around.

  “What are you looking for?”

  “The clock. What time is it?”

  “It’s late or early, depending on how you look at it.” The sun would be rising soon. “You should try to get some more rest.” Now that he was up to speed with computers and how things worked in the world, it was time to start getting answers. Whatever either of them might want to believe, her involvement wasn’t random. It would be easier to dig into her life without her looking over his shoulder.

  She shook her head and shoved a damp strand of hair off her forehead. “I’m done with sleep for now. I’m sweaty. Wet, too, from us.” A slight grimace crossed her lips when she pushed upright. “Not to mention sore. I’m not used to this.” A rosy hue colored her pale cheeks.

  Gritting his teeth, he lifted her off him. They both groaned as their bodies separated—him because of the loss of connection, her more with discomfort. Frowning, he sat up, keeping her on his lap. “I should have stopped after the first time.”

  Raine placed her hand on his cheek, her smile intimate and warm. “I didn’t mind. It’s just you’re not small, and it’s been a long time. Now all I have to do is stand up.”

  He maneuvered in the tight space until he was upright with her in his arms.

  “You’re handy to have around.”

  Glass and tiny shards of crystals crunched under the soles of his feet, remnants from his battle against the Deep Sleep. Any cuts he got from the debris immediately healed. He’d have to clean that up before she walked on it. Not sure how far the glass had scattered, he carried her down the hall to the main bathroom. She toyed with the ends of his hair, seemingly not upset by his autocratic move.

  She winced again when he lowered her legs so she was standing. “I’m stiff. It’s from all the walking and digging and everything over the last couple of days.”

  A muscle in his jaw pulsed at the reminder of all she’d been through. He touched his lips to hers. The zing in his blood was instantaneous. He had a feeling it would be the same a thousand years from now. Only they didn’t have a thousand years. She was human, and she had a life that didn’t include him.

  It could, his dragon whispered.

  Her fingers trailed down his cheek, yanking him from his fantasy, because it was just that. Nothing would change his past—who he was or what he’d done. His presence would always put her in danger. Once he took care of whoever was a threat to her, she’d be safer without him. He jerked his head back. “I’m going to clean up the mess.”

  He left, part of him hoping she’d call him back, another part glad when she didn’t.

  The bed frame was a lost cause. He’d take it outside and reposition the mattress on the floor. Since he was naked, he had no sleeves to roll up. He got to work.

  …

  What had just happened? Raine stared at the open door, listening to the sounds coming from her bedroom. They’d gone from sharing a tender moment to him bolting from one breath to the next.

  “I shouldn’t care,” she whispered, and then bit her lip, hoping he hadn’t heard. She’d have to curb the tendency to talk to herself if she didn’t want him knowing her every thought.

  Penelope chose that moment to join her. The cat lithely jumped onto the closed toilet seat and stared. “Sorry your routine has been upset.” The cat lifted a dainty paw and began to wash her face. At least one of them was relaxed about the situation.

  Ignoring the banging and clanging coming from her bedroom, she got in the shower, letting the heat drive out the soreness from her muscles. It was only when the water began to cool she began to clean herself.

  Lucius hadn’t come back. Not that she was disappointed or anything.

  She scrubbed her skin harder than necessary, wincing when she hit a sore spot. There were mottled bruises on her arms and legs, a testament to her ordeal. There were also several small smudges on her hips. Those were a result of a more pleasurable experience.

  Heat blasted over her skin and a throbbing began between her thighs. Really? She’d never been overly sexual, but suddenly she was craving it. What is wrong with me?

  This was all his fault. Groaning, she closed her eyes and tilted her head back, letting the chilly water cascade over her. It did little to diminish her arousal. A low growl startled her. Her head snapped toward the door.

  Surely the gods felt inadequate whenever Lucius was around. Backlit by the light from the hallway, his broad shoulders filled the entire doorway. He had to duck his head slightly whenever he entered a room. His chest and abs glistened with a light sheen of sweat. She wanted to slide her hands all over him. When her breasts began to ache, she wrapped her arms around herself, keenly aware of her nakedness. “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Not long enough.” His rough voice sent a blast of heat straight to her core.

  She turned off the taps, the dripping sound overly loud as the silence grew. His fingers tightened around the doorframe. The color of his eyes darkened. He was fully aroused and making no effort to hide it.

  An unaccountable shyness fell over her, smothering the sexy vixen from earlier. She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself. Act confident. Easier said than done with a sexy, naked hunk talking to her while she was stark naked. Talk about awkward. “What have you been doing?” He’d moved from the bedroom to outside a couple of times.

  “Cleaning up the mess.” He raked a hand through his hair, making his biceps ripple. “There was no saving the bed frame.”

  Her bank account was taking quite a hit with ordering his new clothes and now her bed. She wasn’t going to think about how many of her smaller treasures hadn’t survived. Some of those were irreplaceable. “It’s fine.” Because really, what else could she say? Not like she hadn’t been a willing participant. They’d actually broken the bed. A smile twitched at the corners of her lips. They’d broken the bed. How many women could say that?

  “I’m going to get cleaned up.” He left as silently as he’d arrived. A few seconds later, the water began to run in the other room. She couldn’t figure his moods. He turned from hot to cool faster than the water.

  “He’s been through a lot.” And maybe she was making excuses. Their connection was tenuous. He didn’t owe her anything. They’d been through a life-and-death situation—at least on her side—but they didn’t really know much about each other.

  “He’s stealthier than you,” she informed Penelope. “Considering his size, it should be impossible.” But what did she know about drakons? With her towel secured, she hurried to the bedroom. It looked normal, if she ignored the fact the mattress was on the floor and several pictures on her walls had cracked frames and no glass.

  The shower stopped running. She dropped the towel, grabbed a pair of underwear, and tugged them on. Then she went for a sports bra, yanking it over her head. Her skin was still wet in spots and the fabric refused to cooperate, rolling instead of smoothly settling into place.

  The bathroom door opened as she was trying to untangle herself.

  “Of course,” she muttered, keeping her back to him. Could she be any more exposed or look more like a klutz?

  “Let me.” A few deft tugs and he pulled the bra into place. The calluses on his fingers stimulated the nerves in her skin, sending pulses down her spine and radiating outward to every pleasure point in her body. He skimmed them down her sides and then stepped away.

  Was she disappointed or grateful?

  Grateful, of course. Someone had tried to kill her. That took priority over everything else. She’d already wasted valuable time with sleep and making love. While she had no regrets, it was only a matter of time before Mack, or whoever sent him, realized she wasn’t dead.

  “Ah, I’m just going to finish getting dressed.” Like he couldn’t already see that. She resisted the urge to slap her hand against her forehead. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced his way and sighed in relief. He was wearing a towel. That was better than him running around naked. Naked, he was distracting.

  She gave a snort as she pulled a pair of jeans out of the closet and dragged them on. Fully clothed or naked, he was distracting. He was also watching her. Dressing had never been a spectator sport before. Self-conscious, she dragged a long-sleeved pink shirt off a hanger. Not that she was matching his eyes or anything. Oh God, had she unconsciously matched his eyes?

  Stop it! She was being utterly ridiculous, acting more like a teenager than a grown woman with university degrees and a respectable teaching position.

  “Ouch.” Something dug into her foot. She was off her feet and hovering in the air in the next breath.

  “You’re bleeding.”

  “It’s nothing. Put me on the bed.” He hesitated, but then did as she’d asked. Bending her leg, she put her shin across her other leg and peered down at her foot. A dot of blood seeped from one spot. “It’s only a tiny cut. Must have caught a sliver of glass.”