Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
By the time the gathering died down, Emily was simultaneously exhausted and full of energy.
Being around so many people drained her. And yet, she’d had more fun than she’d had in ages. Between dancing and teasing and eating more than she should, the hours had flown by.
And now, after saying goodbye to Cam’s parents and the new people she’d met tonight, her dragonman took her hand and tugged her toward their home.
Her dragonman. It was still strange to think about him like that. How different her life had shifted in a week.
Not that she regretted it. So far, at least. Cam had always known when she needed some help, or if she were about to ask a question. He didn’t dominate her, but supported her.
And she rather liked it.
As they walked away from the covered gathering area, neither of them said anything. Then Emily couldn’t help but blurt, “I had fun tonight.”
He smiled at her, his pupils flashing the whole time. “Me, too. And you dance far better than you let on.”
“I don’t know about that. I guess I didn’t crash into people, like Roman.”
Cam snorted. “How that male is so uncoordinated, I have no idea. But it’s only in his human form. His dragon is quite agile.”
“Maybe I should ask to see his dragon.” Cam narrowed his eyes, and she laughed. “Okay, not yet. I want to see yours again a few more times before then.” She squeezed his hand in hers. “Although I loved watching the students fly. Is there a way I can watch the younger ones, too?”
“Aye, of course. As long as you scratch my dragon’s ears before I conduct the class.”
She tapped her chin. “Hmm, let me think.” He tickled her side, and Emily laughed. “Okay, okay, I’ll do it.”
Cam tugged her behind a large rock and pulled her front against his. “I know we’re nearly home, but I need to do this now.”
Lowering his head, Cam nuzzled her neck before kissing her skin. The light flutter of his lips against her sent a rush of heat throughout her body. “That’s not fair.”
He leaned back to meet her gaze. “What isn’t?”
“I’m not tall enough to reach your neck, and it’s not like I can kiss your chest with all those clothes on.”
His pupils flashed rapidly between slitted and round. His voice was husky as he said, “Did you want to, lass? Kiss my chest?”
Emily’s heart beat rapidly. She’d never been good at flirting, let alone saying what she wanted with a man before, given her scant, awful experiences.
And yet, as Cam gazed down at her, she didn’t want to hesitate or hold back. “Yes.”
He growled, scooped her up into his arms, and dashed toward their cottage.
After wrapping her arms around his neck, she laughed. “Someone’s in a hurry.”
“I’ve been dreaming for days about you touching me, Emily. So aye, I’m desperate to make it true.”
“Truly? You’ve dreamed about me?”
His gaze met hers. “Aye. I’ve never wanted a female more.”
A mixture of heat and longing rushed through her.
Emily wasn’t fashionable, or super fit, or any of the things deemed beautiful in current trends.
She often had hair falling out of a bun, wore a lab coat and comfortable clothes most of the time, and was definitely on the plump side.
And yet, as Cam stared down at her, she actually felt beautiful.
And for a second, tears heated her eyes.
They’d arrived at the cottage, so as soon as Cam had them inside, he put her down and cupped her face. “What’s wrong, Emily? Why do you look about ready to cry?”
She shook her head. “It’s silly, really. I’d much rather focus on your naked chest.”
His pupils flashed once. “And we will. But first, talk to me. I don’t want there to be secrets between us. I would never ask you to reveal the confidence of a friend, but this is about you. So tell me, lass, why are you about to cry?”
Searching his eyes, she saw concern and determination there. So, in other words, he really would hold back and not make out until after she answered him.
She sighed and averted her gaze. “I’m not the kind of woman men lust after, is all. I can see in your eyes that you’re attracted to me, but I guess I struggle with it.”
He gently turned her head to meet his eyes again.
“Whilst I don’t know the full history, you admitted you wanted someone for years who didn’t look your way.
I think that might’ve played with your mind a bit.
So now it’s my job to show you that I want you, Emily Davies.
Badly.” His hand moved to her arse, and he rubbed her cheek. “Will you let me show you how much?”
As his hand caressed her bum, Emily struggled to put two thoughts together. Between Cam’s touch and his heated gaze, she was tempted to strip and throw caution to the wind.
But she wasn’t quite that reckless. “Just remember, no kissing me on the mouth.”
“But anywhere else is fair game, aye?”
“Aye.”
He smiled. “Considering you’re Welsh, I’m surprised you don’t use ‘aye’ more often.”
“My father was English, and he hated it. He couldn’t stop me from adopting my Welsh accent, but I learned early on to never use aye, or dare to speak Welsh.”
Cam grunted. “Let’s hope I never meet your father.”
She touched his cheek. “He’s on the other side of the world, Cam. Forget him. I’d rather think about you and me.”
“I can do that.”
He stepped back, tugged off his light jumper, and Emily stared.
Cam reached for her hand and placed it on his chest. It was warm and hard and covered in a light dusting of dark red hair.
“There. You’ve touched my chest, and now I think it’s time you undress so I can do the same with yours.”
Her eyes shot to his. Her first reaction was to ask to move to the bedroom and dim the lights.
But she felt Cam’s thudding heart under her fingers, and she wondered if he was afraid she would reject him.
He wants you. Stop making excuses and embrace the moment. After all, if you don’t fit together naked, it won’t work out.
Yes, that was true. She needed to prove they were attracted to each other.
As if you don’t know that.
Before she could convince herself otherwise, Emily stepped back, unbuttoned her cardigan, and tossed it aside. Then she reached behind to unzip her dress, but struggled. Cam walked until he was behind her, took her hand, and kissed it. “Let me.”
After he released her hand, Emily waited.
For a few beats, she merely felt Cam’s breath on her neck.
Then he ran a finger under the back of her neckline, his touch light and warm, until he finally pulled down the zipper.
As he revealed her skin, he kissed her flesh, inch by inch, until the zipper was fully open.
Her heart thundered as she waited to see what he’d do.
Then he kissed her shoulder one last time before moving back to stand a few feet in front of her. “I want to watch as you show me that gorgeous body of yours.”
Shyness came over her. Emily had never stripped slowly and deliberately for anyone before.
There’s always a first for everything. Besides, you’ve dreamed of doing it before, so embrace it.
Inhaling deeply, she slid the dress down one shoulder and then the other, until it fell and pooled at her waist. With a few more tugs, it landed on the floor, leaving her in only her bra and underwear.
It took every bit of strength he had not to rush over to Emily and pull her close.
She was so bonnie, with full breasts and a softness to her belly and hips that he wanted to feel pressed against his body.
Just the thought of taking her from behind made him want to groan as his cock turned to stone.
His dragon hummed, but then Cam noticed the uncertainty in Emily’s gaze, probably because he’d remained silent so long.
With a growl, he rushed over to her and took her face in his hands. “The way I want to caress every inch of your body, both with my hands and my mouth, so I can memorize it and dream about it later, is nearly overwhelming, lass. You’re so bloody beautiful. Tell me I can see the rest.”
Her body relaxed a little. “Oh. I thought maybe you’d changed your mind.”
“Never.” After pressing her against his chest and groin, she gasped, and he added, “Aye, that’s all for you, Emily. I want you. Fiercely.”
Emily laid her head on his shoulder, and for a few beats, Cam merely held her. Despite his raging erection, there was something about this moment that he wanted to cling to.
She spoke again. “I’m sorry that I’m hesitating so much. It’s been a while since a man saw me naked, and it wasn’t the greatest experience, either. So I keep thinking this is going to turn into a disaster, too.”
He stroked her back. “No, it could never be a disaster with you.”
She raised her head and searched his eyes. “How can you say that?”
“Because it’s you. Even just holding you makes me happy. Of course I hope for more, but if this is all you want tonight, then I’ll hold you in my arms as you fall asleep.”
“Cam.”
He traced her cheek with a finger. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind since you arrived, I know that.
And if you need time, just tell me. However, just know that I’ve decided on you, Emily Davies.
I don’t know if it’s because we’re true mates, or if it’s because my gut says I’d be a fool to let you slip away.
Regardless, you’re mine for as long as you let me claim you. ”
She shook her head. “I’ve heard of dragonmen being certain a lot, but can you really say all that so quickly?”
Part of him wanted to say sweet words and get Emily fully naked.
However, he owed it to her to be honest. She’d shared so much of herself, and it was time for him to do the same. “Aye, I can. Because I learned my lesson years ago, back when I took my time, fought against my gut instinct and followed my cock, only for it to end badly.”
She tilted her head. “Tell me. What happened?”
Since he felt some goosebumps on her back, he motioned toward his bedroom. “Let’s snuggle under a blanket and I’ll tell all.”
“Okay. Although fair warning, I’m taking my bra off first since it’s a pain to wear lying down. Will you still be able to concentrate?”
“It’ll be hard, but if it means you’ll be more comfortable, I’ll manage.”