Dragon's Desire (3 page)

She was lovely, skin like ivory, hair like burnished gold, lips…

Lovely, yes, but did she have the one thing he needed to end his curse for all time? He shifted his stance, his boots scuffling softly on the floor.

Her head jerked toward the sound. “Is this necessary?”

“I told you his requirements,” Guy murmured from where he stood beside her.

“Why the blindfold?” she whispered. “Is he hideous?”

Drago, Lord of Drakkenberg, snorted. Most women found him desirable. So much so, they’d throw themselves into his path, heedless of any dangers. But he was careful to hide his true nature, successful most of the time with suppressing the monster inside. Not so, today. Not on the first day of the full moon.

Guy pulled the leather restraints from beneath the bolster pillow and laid them silently behind the girl in case they were needed. Then he nodded to Drago and faded toward the stone wall of the bedchamber, his duty done.

Drago stepped toward the girl, halting just in front of her. “You wished an audience?” he asked, trying to keep the dry whispery rasp in his voice hidden.

Her head tilted, exposing her slender neck.

He sniffed, smelled a citrusy perfume and the one aroma only his sensitive nose could detect…virginity. The scent was fresh and elemental like sea water. His body stirred, his cock hardening beneath his robe.

Why she was here didn’t matter in the great scheme of things. She wasn’t here to save her kin or earn a fat purse. Why any of them surrendered their chastity didn’t matter. The ancient hunger had to be fed to keep the world safe from his fiery wrath. One virgin sacrificed every hundred years, hundreds in all, their blood and tears never touching his soul. Long ago, he’d discovered he needn’t actually kill the girls, that another sort of devouring would serve the same purpose. With relief, he’d continued to exist, not because he didn’t like to kill, but he hated the waste. A virgin could be turned to serve him for her lifetime.

He’d have a companion until she died. The last, Sarah, had been gone for nearly thirty years. Although he’d dreaded watching his lover age and die, he’d cared for all her needs until the end. Or rather, he and Guy had seen to her comforts.

Faithful Guy. The knight who’d vowed to vanquish him before he’d faced him atop that atoll, had hesitated when he’d discovered the nature of the sacrifice. Thereafter, he’d vowed to serve the creature and keep his secret, trading his vow to the church for a higher calling as they’d worked together to use Drago’s curse for good. In the old days, they’d funded a private army to protect the innocent. These days, they used their vast fortune to donate to good causes around the world.

“Are you Lord Drakken?”

“I am.”

Her head tilted to one side. “I asked for an interview. Can we dispense with the blindfold?”

“No.” His ability to maintain a human form was temporarily compromised. He didn’t want to frighten her. Gazing down at his hands where the green scales covered the backs and his nails had stretched to sharp talons—no, he’d frighten her to death if she saw him now. “Did Guy explain things?”

“That you’re a recluse and didn’t like to grant interviews? Yes. He said the first write-up in the paper was one he provided to the reporter.” Her eyebrows drew together above the black cloth. “Why did you make an exception for me? I’m not the most experienced reporter on the Tribune’s staff.”

“You met one of my prerequisites.”

She straightened. “What was that?”

“You are a virgin.”

Her breath caught. “How could you know that?” she murmured and tilted her head backward. “And why would it matter?”

“Because I will ask for something in exchange for this interview.”

“Good lord, I’m an idiot. I don’t know which of you is worse,” she said, her voice a strained whisper. “One trying to seduce me, one bribing me.”

He arched an eyebrow toward Guy whose mouth curved. “Can you be bribed? How ambitious are you?”

She wrinkled her pretty nose. “I’ve been writing classifieds. I’d do
almost
anything to get a chance to write features.”

“So you told Guy. Almost anything?” He leaned toward her. “Would you sacrifice your chastity?”

Rather than displaying gape-mouthed shock, the little virgin tilted up her chin—the height and sharpness of the movement betraying anger. “You want me to sleep with you?”

For someone so inexperienced, she was bold. Blindfolded and alone with two strangers, and yet, other than the rosy blush spotting her cheeks, the young woman was composed.

Interest stirred inside him. Arousal tensed his groin. “Is it so very alarming?” he drawled. “I’d compensate you—with pleasure—as well as put in a good word for you with your editor. He’s a friend of mine.” Not that she’d be free to enjoy any career advancement.

“I don’t understand. Are virgins your particular fetish?” she bit out. “I would have thought we’d be too much bother for someone so worldly.”

Drago ignored her question. “Are you saving yourself for some purpose? Marriage, perhaps?”

Her mouth twisted. “Why does it matter?”

“I am curious, and so is Guy.”

Her head turned slightly toward Guy, who stepped forward and cupped the corner of her shoulder, rubbing his thumb against her skin.

She shrugged her shoulder to throw off his underling’s caress. “Guy led me on. I don’t owe him or you an answer.”

“Don’t be angry with Guy. His interest in you is real. I can tell by the way he’s staring daggers at me right now,” he drawled, eyeing the deadly gleam in his friend’s eyes.

“And yet, he remains silent while you insult me.”

“Did I insult? I apologize. Guy and I have similar tastes. What he saw in you, your spirit of adventure, your beauty, I also desire.”

Her breath caught, and her head turned slightly toward Guy as though hoping he’d reassure her.

But Guy remained mute, his body stiff. He knew what must happen.

“I mean you no harm,” Drago continued, keeping his voice soft. “Only pleasure. We both do. But I am still curious how you managed to remain pure.”

Her breaths evened out, and she faced him again. “For the longest time, I simply didn’t have time to pursue a relationship with a man.”

With a slow move, he leaned close and let his breath stir the hair beside her cheek. “Maybe you didn’t find a strong enough reason to give yourself,” he murmured. “Or maybe, the men you’ve dated haven’t found the secret to seducing you. As you said, we are worldly men.”

Her breath wheezed inward, and her head snapped back. “Lord Drakken! I’m not going to trade my body for a story.”

“Then what will you trade it for?” Her mouth opened, ready to serve him another set down, he had no doubt, but her brow furrowed as she paused.

“This room is very large. There’s an echo. Why is it so large?”

Smart lady
. Her sudden change of subject had him grinning. “Perhaps I like the space.”

“The workers who rebuilt the castle weren’t very chatty. But they did mention there were unusual accouterments.”

“Do you have theories about their purpose?”

“Is this a dungeon?”

He drew back. A dungeon? One existed beneath the main rooms, but… “Do you think I have a dungeon for sexual play?”

“Why else?” A slim shoulder lifted and fell.

His lips twitched. “Does that intrigue you?”

“I’ve been doing research into places like this. But I haven’t managed to get through the front doors of any of the clubs in Raleigh.”

“Why do you think that is? Can they can guess your innocence just by looking at you?”

The furrows in her forehead relaxed. Her head canted. “Do you really think they can?”

“An experienced man would know.” Leaning close, he drew in her scent. “He can smell it on you.”

“Maybe...” Her teeth bit into her bottom lip, then released it. “Maybe we have something we can bargain for. If you’re into the scene, that is. I’d let you tie me up...”

She’d be more comfortable restrained then seduced? His body hardened. Something about the girl, more than her prized hymen, intrigued him. “I would still need a sample of your innocence.”

“A sample?”

“Nothing that will compromise your virginity, but I would taste you.”

“Taste me?” She licked her lips, then a small almost indiscernible shiver quivered down her frame. “Why would you want that? Where’s the pleasure for you?”

“Your innocence is an elixir.” There was more truth in that statement than she’d ever know.

Again, she frowned. “I know you’re from Europe, but you have a very strange way of putting things.”

He chuckled, warming to the challenge. “My dear, you have no idea.”

Yes, she was a virgin, but she wasn’t entirely clueless. “A taste, then you’ll give me what I want?”

“Entrée into a dungeon? Yes.”

She swallowed hard, intrigued, but wasn’t ready to fold without making sure of just what would be expected. “What do you want me to do?”

“Not a thing. Let my man prepare you.”

His man. The handsome “knight” she’d approached in the first place. He had plied her with a drink while he charmed her into relating her life story. How had he guessed she was a virgin? Was she that bad of a kisser? Or was it the ring on her finger?

He’d smiled. And then told her a bit about himself. Or only the bit about who employed him. She’d likely lit up like a Christmas tree, telegraphing her excitement. After that, she hadn’t paid close enough attention to the conversation because her mind had been abuzz with the possibilities. Entranced with who he worked for, as well as his handsome face.

For twelve long months since her aunt’s death, she’d waited for the chance to write something other than ads selling washing machines and yorkie-poos. She’d hired on because of the carrot the editor had held out, promising her a shot at feature writing. Excitedly, she’d accepted the minimum wage job to get her foot in the door, sure she’d be writing features in no time, and not caring about what. Even if all she got was a chance to cover the local high school game or a spread for the Sunday paper with pictures of the winner of the Garden Club’s Best Rose contest, that opportunity would be her start.

But she’d languished in her cubicle. She’d led such a sheltered life, she didn’t know the town or the people. Unfortunately, she’d never learned to mingle, preferring to spend her time after work alone at home, reading. Truthfully, she didn’t possess the necessary knowledge to make the connections she needed to find just the right story to launch her career.

On occasion, she’d dabbled with the idea of writing fiction. A stumbling block was knowing where to begin or whether her imagination was big enough to dream up the grandiose stories she preferred of vampires seducing innocents for the blood, of demons finding redemption when they found true love.

Sure, she knew about desire, had felt it a time or two, inspired by the heroes in her favorite stories, but she’d never been tempted. Not like she was now. Two men surrounded her while she was blindfolded. So much like the naughty BDSM scenarios she’d read with shock, then growing arousal. But she hadn’t known where to go to sate her curiosity.

A large hand cupped her shoulder again. “Are you brave enough?” Guy whispered beside her ear.

A fresh quiver shook her body, and she understood that what was being asked was something dark and sensual. Lord Drakken spoke of being satisfied simply by attempting to seduce her. It was up to her to remain strong—or to give into her curiosity.

In any event, she trusted she wouldn’t be harmed, not when they were the new local celebrities in this tiny mountain town. Their every move was watched and gossiped about. She’d been seen in the company of the Lord Drakken’s man. She was safe, her virtue hers to keep or give away.

Angela cleared her throat. “What do you want me to do?” she asked, surprised by the husky texture of her own voice.

“Nothing,” Guy said from behind her, his hand gliding on her shoulder. “But I’ll remove your clothing.”

Her heart stuttered, then thrummed to a quick beat. “You’ll both see me?”

“Yes.”

Goose flesh rose along her skin. “This won’t be a reciprocal thing?”

“The blindfold remains.”

She turned her head closer to whisper, “Is he scarred? Homely? Not that I guess it matters, but I’d like to understand the need for this,” she said, pointing at the blindfold.

A chuckle gusted against her cheek. “He’s handsome. Women throw themselves at him.”

“When? He never leaves the castle.”

“When he’s comfortable here, he will. After he’s been fed.”

Fed?
Her body warmed, imagining a sensual feast of luscious fruits, exotic meats and fine wines. She shook her head again. “You speak in riddles.”

“And you are a curious sort. Take a leap,” he said, his voice nearly purring. “With us. We’ll take care of you, Angel.”

Someone taking care of her for a change. How she longed for that. Only they weren’t talking about anything beyond this moment. Certainly not the forever kind of love she’d read about and yearned for. Still, the experience might be helpful to her education as a woman to understand real desire and passion. “You’ll stop whenever I say?”

His hand tightened on her shoulder then slid down to rest atop her breast.

Shock held her still. When he thumbed the tip of her breast through her clothing, her breath left in a whoosh. A tingling sensation tightened the bud and it expanded. When his fingers plucked it, she felt an answering tug in her womb.

His hand withdrew, and the cushion lowered beside her as he knelt. His hands settled at her waist, then pushed up the tee. Before he asked, she raised her arms above her head, trembling as the garment slid upward then away. She dropped her arms.

Fingers slid beneath the snaps of her bra, twisted, and the cups fell away, leaving her breasts exposed. She knew how she looked, her hair disheveled, her nipples beaded, likely flushed a deep cherry. Trembling with a wild mixture of fear and excitement, she curled her fingers on the chair, fighting the urge to cover herself.

“You’ll have to stand,” he murmured.

She would have liked a little praise, a remark to let her know whether her appearance pleased them. But she swung her legs forward and stood, despite the weakened condition of her knees.

Hands gripped an ankle and she reached out, grabbing muscled shoulders to steady herself as he removed first one then the other shoe. When he tucked fingers beneath the waist of her jeans, she sucked in a deep breath, but let him unbutton and unzip. Next, he dragged away her jeans and panties, and again she gripped his shoulders to step out of the clothing.

When she was nude, she reconsidered the impulse that had kept her compliant. The air around her felt charged with excitement. The only sounds she could hear were her own heartbeats thudding inside her chest.

Then footsteps neared. Lord Drakken’s.

Angela straightened her back and released her grip on his man’s shoulder, feigning a more confident air than she felt.

“She’s lovely, Guy.” His voice held a roughened gritty note. “You chose well.”

“No choosing involved,” Guy said, amusement in his tone. “She approached me.”

“She
is right here,” Angela bit out, feeling her skin retract in gooseflesh because she felt the first stirring of unease. “Guy, you were hunting for a woman today? Someone to bring to your master?”

“We were...hopeful of meeting the right woman.”

“Singular?” Blood thumping in her ears, she turned to where Guy had been. “Do you share your conquests?”

“Always,” Lord Drakken said. “I need Guy here to curb my impulses.”

Impulses?
Her stomach clenched. “I don’t understand.”

“And it’s better that you do not. May I taste?”

She tilted her head upward. “Why do you even ask? I’ve already conceded so much.”

Hot breath, scented with mint, brushed her mouth. “Do you like being at my mercy?”

She was nude. Her nipples sprung by arousal so strong, her body trembled. Lying now would only feel foolish. “I find that I do.”

“For now, I will use only my mouth and tongue to sample your delights. We must wait for another time to fully explore you.”

She was surprised at the pang of disappointment his words brought. Her body vibrated wildly, excitement softening her sex, hardening her nipples. “Delights,” she whispered, unable to express what she wanted.

Naked skin pressed against her back, and she jerked with a gasp.

“It’s only me,” Guy said, nuzzling beside her ear. “Relax.”

She hadn’t realized he’d undressed. Then warm lips landed on the tops of her shoulders, and trailed over the curve of her breasts.

Her body quivered, her breaths shortening to tiny excited gasps as a mouth clasped one breast and pulled. The gently suctioning had her melting against Guy, and his hands swept around her sides to grip her just below her breasts and hold her upright while his “master” continued to ply her breasts with succulent kisses and tantalizing nips.

Then Lord Drakken trailed his mouth lower, over her ribs, which he traced with his tongue, to her belly button which he swirled inside.

When he reached her mound, her knees gave way, and Guy sat on the chaise, her body atop his lap and facing forward. His hands slipped beneath her thighs and parted them, draping them over his own so that her sex was fully exposed and gaping. Cool air brushed her intimate flesh. Her pussy contracted, making a lush, wet sound.

Embarrassed, she cupped a hand between her legs to hide herself.

Lord Drakken kissed the back of her hand and slid his tongue between her fingers, but she kept kept her palm clapped over herself, all courage fleeing south because the situation was all suddenly too real.

Teeth bit gently into her index finger and tugged away her hand.

Guy’s teeth bit her lobe. “Relax. He will enter you, but only with his tongue, and not so far he will injure you.”

“His tongue won’t reach...” Her voice trailed off because a firm, wet stroke lapped up one side of her outer lips, then trailed down the opposite one. When it stroked her center, she arched, giving a little started scream because the lick had touched her sensitive clit. Sensations zapped hard, and she strained to close her thighs.

“Do you never touch it?” Lord Drakken asked, his voice so deep and thick it sounded like a growl.

“No. It’s too tender.”

Moisture dripped onto the covered nubbin, then his tongue, softened now, glided gently over it, circling, not pressing.

The sensation was tolerable, but she was tense, unable to relax because she feared he’d press, and she’d embarrass herself by screaming.

“Easy,” Guy whispered. “Drago, best move lower now. She’s strung tight as a bow.”

“She’s perfect, Guy. So responsive.”

Another gentle stroke and he moved lower, much to her relief.

“You should play with your love knot,” Guy said. “To desensitize it.”

“We
will play with it,” Drago growled.

She liked the way they talked so casually about her as though she was their play toy, as though they meant to have her often. And the way she felt now, she was all right with that. A languid heat melted her against Guy’s hard body.

Drago’s tongue lapped at her inner folds, then swirled at her center and slid inside. It felt thicker than it should, but other than her own questing fingers, she’d never felt anything inside her. What did she know?

In and out, it thrust in shallow strokes, soft and yet firm, soothing—almost.

Guy’s hands cupped her breasts, massaging them gently, hefting them in his palms. When his thumbs rasped the tips again, she moaned and nestled closer to his naked chest.

“You like that?”

“I like...
everything
,” she moaned, reaching behind her body for something to hold. Her fingers found his hair and pulled.

Guy chuckled softly, his chest buffeting her back.

Again and again, Drago’s tongue thrust inside her until her thighs and belly tightened, and she felt compelled to meet his strokes, curling her belly in lazy pulses.

His tongue swirled inside her, pushing deeper and deeper, and she circled her hips, desperate to increase the delicious tension growing inside her womb.

Guy plucked her nipples, pinching the tips, just enough to cause the tingling to increase to a pleasurable pain. Her head thrashed on his shoulder, and she pushed her breasts into the air. “Please,” she begged, although she didn’t know what they could do to end the torment.

“Another time, soon, we will take you, Angela,” Guy whispered into her ear. “We will stretch your arms above your head, restrain your legs with shackles to open you. Would you like that?”

“Maybe. If you don’t leave me wanting like this.”

More chuckles vibrated against her back, and she spared a small smile. Suddenly, the tongue pressing upward pushed too far.

Pain stabbed her pussy and she cried out. “No!”

The tongue withdrew.

Guy’s hands fell away from her breasts and glided up and down her inner thighs.

A gentle lapping resumed against her folds, stroking between them, and dragging upward to flick against her clit. Drago’s licks assumed a rhythm that matched her heart’s beats, and she settled again, enjoying the movement.

One of Guy’s hands slid beneath her, and while Drago licked, Guy’s finger trailed between her buttocks until it touched the other entrance.