Then he stood over him. He lifted his head to the sky, opened his mouth, and breathed dragonfire.
Elias’s mouth fell open.Fuck. He truly is magnificent.
The two shifted and walked towards the edge of the field together.
“I demand a rematch!” Prince Luther yelled.
Gerard chuckled, a warm sound that tingled inside Elias. The corner of Gerard’s lips tugged up.
He’s smiling.
“Any day, little brother,” Gerard said. “I’m always happy to smash your arse into the earth and put you in your place.”
Then Gerard looked up. He saw Elias holding his robe. The smile on his lips died. So did any warmth in his eyes.
Elias took a deep breath and stepped forward. He smiled. “I hope you don’t mind that I took over for the servant.” He held out the robe.
Bits of blood and dirt stained Gerard’s dark skin. Elias inhaled the scent of musk, smoke, dirt, and sweat.
Flash and lightning!Elias wanted to strip off and roll around with this man in the field. He didn’t give a shit if all the crowds watched him being ravished by this dragon.
He wanted to feel the strength in those thick arms. Hewanted to be thrown around and towered over. He wanted to be put where the dragon warrior wanted him and fucked, hard and rough, and messy. He wanted this dragon who’d just defeated so many, who’d shown how powerful he was, to claim Elias.
“Thank you,” Gerard said, voice low and deep as he took the robe.
Elias’s gaze fixed on those full lips. He wanted to climb Gerard’s solid body like a tree and shove his cock between them.
But he doesn’t like you. He doesn’t want you.
He cleared his throat. “You’re welcome.” He held out the eye patch.
Gerard took the eye patch and put it on.
“I hope your eye doesn’t hurt.” Elias knew it had been his duty to injure—well, actually kill—Prince Gerard. But he did not wish to think of the dragon still suffering because of it. At least it didn’t seem to affect his ability to fight.
“No. None of my wounds hurt anymore.”
“I’m glad. And you fought magnificently.” Elias paused. He lifted his chin. “I am proud that I will marry such a mighty dragon.”
Gerard’s brows furrowed. He looked at Elias then, as if studying him.
Does he not believe me?
Gerard took the sash and tied it around his waist. Then he glanced at Duke Albert, who along with Beau had moved closer to them.
“I still have one more battle to win today,” Gerard said.
Servants handed out goblets of wine and tankards of ale, perhaps giving the two finalists a chance to breathe before thefinale.
Constant cheers, applause, and cries from the crowd filled the air. They’d all been drinking for hours. Several of the contestants who’d been knocked out from the tournament were drinking too. In fact, Duke Albert, who still had to compete, downed a tankard of ale. And then grabbed another.
Duke Albert looked at Elias. He grinned. He ran his gaze up and down Elias’s body, not trying to hide his perusal. He winked at Elias. Which, considering Beau stood beside him, was quite inappropriate. Elias looked away.
He heard Duke Albert sniff.
Gerard faced the field. Princess Senta had come up beside him.
“You have to beat our cousin to a bloody pulp,” she said. “He plays dirty. You have to win!”
