Chapter 20 #2
His head tipped slightly, catching the firelight surrounding them, and she noticed the oil-slick shimmer to the black strands sweeping across his brow. His hair reflects a rainbow like his scales. She thought it might, but she was still captivated by it.
His gaze peered into hers, even more intense than usual, then it flicked over her face. He was searching, hunting for something in her expression.
Why is he so close to me? They were barely a few inches apart.
His pupils were tight slits as he inspected her. “Hello, Carwyn.”
Her gaze dropped to the source of his greeting, to his lips. What she wouldn’t give to feel a set against hers. His looked soft. Her gaze dipped to his pulsing neck, and then to the bulge at the front of his throat – something so utterly masculine that looked perfect for laving a tongue against.
I hate temptation. She hated that somewhere in the abyss of herself she was lonelier than she realised, and being in the presence of a man, any man, reminded her of that fact.
Her gaze dipped even further to where his clothing hung from his torso, giving her a tantalising peek at firm chest muscles. She clasped her hands tighter, wishing the nagging desire to reach out didn’t abrade her mind.
Then she frowned as something became apparent. She eyed his clothing as annoyance and anger came to the forefront.
“You always intended for me to see you,” she bit out, bringing her glare up to him. “You’re clothed. This wasn’t an accident.”
His lips slowly pulled back as they curled upwards, and he flashed his teeth in a large grin.
One that revealed that all four of his canines were, although human-sized, very sharp.
Her heart clenched because his smile, even if it was devious, was beautiful too.
It crinkled the corners of his eyes, making them softer and devilish at the same time.
“Am I, though?” His coy, teasing tone bubbled with mirth. “Or am I merely protecting your innocent eyes?”
Dread crawled through her, and her gaze flicked down to the brown breeches around his waist. Wait, why did her eyes go there first? She snapped them up as heat burst into her face, and to her dismay and horror, her nipples pearled.
Oh gods. He’s naked. It’s merely an illusion.
She drew her shoulders in even further and clenched her eyes shut. There’s a naked man in front of me. May the old dragons help me. Carwyn tried to stop herself from becoming aroused, or rather, just hoped he couldn’t scent it in this form.
If she were to reach out, she could touch the skin of his belly. I wish he was doing this as a dragon. She might’ve given in then.
A tug on a lock of her hair had her eyes shooting open.
He’d backed away, giving her room to breathe, only for her lungs to seize. With his left arm still blocking her escape, he had a curl pinched between his fingers and was rubbing them back and forth over the strands.
“Your hair is silky,” he said, peering down at his hand.
It was inquisitive, in the same way she wanted to lift her hand and run her fingers through his. She couldn’t even do that. She didn’t dare move in case the hand hovering just above her exposed chest accidentally brushed against her.
“Of all the things...” he murmured, his lips tightening as his brows furrowed. “Why fear?”
“P-pardon?”
“You smell of fear.” He flicked his gaze up to her. “Why? I’ve been near you in dragon form. Much closer, even.”
The heat in her cheeks intensified, her blush roaring to incinerate her into ash. Yes, indeed, they’d been much closer, and she’d been dying to experience it again. And, in the privacy of her room, under the covers, perhaps not so innocently either.
Unsure of how to answer, her brows came together when she noticed his pupils were... dilated. They were like two wide ovals, and it made them appear softer than ever.
“I-I’m just nervous because of the naked person in front of me.”
He rolled his eyes. “Carwyn, I have been bare as the day I hatched this entire time. What difference does it make?”
“I prefer you in dragon form. It’s prettier,” she answered with a coy, false grin.
His eyes widened and cut to her in shock. Only for his lips to part once more and give her a peek at little fang-like teeth when he grinned. “Liar.”
Her face fell, unsure as to why he’d think that.
Thankfully he stepped back to give her room, letting her hair go at the last second before returning to his bowl. He picked it up and resumed eating as if nothing had just transpired between them.
“Eat, or I’ll feed you myself. It’d be nice to share a meal with someone.”
She eyed him cautiously. “You’ll stay there?”
“I’ll grow roots into the stone if it eases you.”
“P-promise?”
His nose crinkled. “Dear heavens, female. Yes.”
Carwyn, despite her trepidation, slipped further inside, then took her seat. She immediately fidgeted when her wet pussy made her tingle now that her backside was resting on a surface. It’d been easier to ignore when standing.
At least all he scented was my fear. Well, she dearly hoped so... She bit her lip when she wasn’t so sure anymore. But she didn’t dare have sensual thoughts about Kier. Not now. Not while he was near.
She shoved the stew into her mouth as a diversion, and her stomach thanked her. “I’m surprised you’re eating human food still,” Carwyn muttered to further distract herself.
“I have yet to hunt.”
She gave him a sympathetic look. “Kier, you know she’s safe with me.”
“Yes, and my nosey neighbour likes you and is aware you gallivant through my tunnels.”
“Then why won’t you?”
“I plan to.” He gestured at the bowl in his hand. “This is merely to ease my stomach before I exert energy. Night is about to fall, which is when I prefer to leave. Harder to see a shadow in the dark.”
She tilted her head. “You’ll go now?”
“Yes.” He brought his gaze to her, his pupils still soft and wide, then they pulled in tight. “However, you won’t dream walk in my absence. You’ll wait, no matter how long that may be.”
“Why?” Her brows pinched. I don’t understand. If he trusts me to do it, then what does it matter?
“For your own safety.”
Oh. She lowered her gaze to the bowl. Only for her cheeks to warm for a different reason as she softly smiled. Is that why he’s been sitting with me? It was nice to feel protected, even when she didn’t know it’d been happening. That’s actually rather... sweet of him.
Her smile twisted slightly into something a little more solemn.
He’s confusing me.