He laughs softly. “So much makes sense now. The way we were so drawn to each other, how much it sucked to be apart, how strongly I reacted to your memories.” He squeezes my hand, gazing at our entwined fingers.
“After you ditched me in the hotel, I basically lost my shit for three weeks. That’s never happened. That should’ve been a clue,” I say.
“Want to hear something wild?”
“Yes.”
“Many moons ago, before I had even fully grown into my incubus powers, an oracle told me that my destiny would lead me down an unknown and unexplored path, and that when I got there, I would have a feast of decadent energy.” He lifts his gaze to mine. “It was you the oracle saw. It was you hoarding experiences and living life to the fullest for the day you’d feed them to me. You are my mate, Valentino. My Greka.”
My breath hitches and my dragon loses his mind upon hearing my true name on his lips. “Say it again.”
“Greka.” Xaze giggles. “Ooh, the dragon is happy too.”
“Elated.” I cup his face. “Gods of fire, Xaze, I never knew I could be so content and settled.”
He wiggles his shoulders and exhales. “I want to kiss you and cuddle and make love.”
“Me too.”
“But I need a bath. I need to wash the stench of the underworld off me, even if it’s just metaphorical at this point.”
“I can do a bath, assuming I’m invited to join.”
“You’re stuck with me now, dragon. You better join me.”
“Stay here. I’ll draw the bath and bring you over in a few.”
“Not going anywhere.”
“Ever?”
With a brilliant smile, he says, “Ever.”
MONTROSE
After Tino leaves the room,I stretch, still soaking in the memories that linger in the air. I lick my lips, tasting the hedonism and lust Valentino sowed in his long life. Delicious.
He gave me his fire. My lips spread into an involuntary smile. I can feel it burning inside me, but it’s not at all like the fires of hell, which hurt if you get too close. It’s an internal warmthI’ve never had on my own before, and it’s tangible, allowing me to close my eyes and pluck it, feeling it tug right back to my beautiful dragon.
I glance around the space, noting the trays of water and half-eaten food, and the bowls with discarded cloths in them. He took care of me when I couldn’t care for myself. A bubble of new emotion bursts in my chest, spreading through me and settling like a second skin.
I love him.
The door of the hoard room opens and Tino stalks in, his sexy smile firmly on his lips. He scoops me up and carries me down the hall to his bedroom. I stroke his hair as we travel, simply studying his face.
“You’re beautiful, Tino.”
He huffs a chuckle. “You know, I’ve heard those words or similar a lot in my life, but they never mattered to me at all until you said them.”
I brush my fingers across his stubbly cheek before leaning in to leave a kiss there.
“I got the water as hot as possible,” Tino says.
He sets me down, taking my hand to help me step into the luxurious bath water. A fragrance I know I’ve enjoyed before wafts up around me.
“What is that?”
“Oh, probably the lotion Lake got you. He said you liked it when you went shopping. I’ve been putting it on you.”
