He took a step back regardless.
I closed the distance between us, cupping his cheek, drawing his gaze back to mine. I didn’t like the upset I saw there now, so I explained quickly, “Nor is it a case resembling that of your former dragon love.”
He jolted. “What? That isn’t—nothing… there wasn’t—”
“I know. I know you were with her.”
“You can’t. How?”
“I’ll leave that explanation for another time. Suffice to say, no one will hear of this from me. That is my vow to you,little death.”
He nuzzled against my hand, liking that endearment.
“Being with you, connecting with you in this way will be something to revel in for me. Something I won’t hesitate to make known should you wish it. I am private by nature, however, I would do that for you, given how you've suffered from the opposite previously.”
He pulled away abruptly, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Why? We barely know each other.”
His ability to trust was fractured. Understandably.
“Desire for something—whether it be sexual liberation as it is in this case, or power or influence—becomes a dangerous animal if it is not accompanied by respect, care, and loyalty.” I stepped closer and his breath hitched. “You have been wounded, yet you are doing this with me tonight. I don’t take that lightly. I see it for the courageous act that it is and I’ll safeguard the vulnerability in it.”
He frowned. “Sexual liberation? So that’s why you approached me tonight? Because you know with my makeup, you can’t hurt me, giving you the freedom to let go?”
“No. It’s why I invited you back to my suite. I approached you and spent time with you because I enjoy your company.” I smiled. “I like you. Very much. Don’t forget also that I’ve been observing you far beyond just tonight.”
He stared at me for several moments, weighing my words.
And then his lips curved into a coy smile.
“So, it’s not just about my body, then?” he jested.
I grinned. “Nor your powers and abilities. Who would have thought that there’d be so much more to a connection with you than that, hmm?”
“No one, to be honest. All they see, all they want, is that.”
I stepped into him and took his hands, entwining my fingers with his, holding them up between us at chest level. “No more.”
He gazed at me in wonder.
“If you wish, we can simply spend some time here devoid of any physicality.”
“You were on the verge of finally experiencing a whole lot of pleasure—yes, I am that good, for the record—and now you’d really walk away from that? Or at least postpone it?”
“If that’s what you need, of course.”
That look of mischief played on his ruggedly handsome face once more.
And then he was tearing his cobalt shirt over his head and tossing it across my suite.
My mouth watered at all that hard muscle and bulk now bare to me and on full display.
An ornate necklace hanging from a sturdy pewter chain rested against his skin. It gave way to an oval cobalt gemstone in a sharp gothic setting.
“Dazzling jewelry,” I told him.
He stroked his fingers over it. “My mom made it for me.”
Of course she had. And of course he wore it and touched it with such reverence.
