Flame, page 7
“But you didna see a dragon?”
She gaped at him. “You think I don’t know what you sound like? I do. It didn’t matter that we weren’t part of the war. The sound of your roars could be heard for miles away from the battle.”
“I realize that.”
“You still don’t believe me.” She snorted loudly. “I don’t need you to. I know what I heard. I felt the heat of that fire all around me. And I watched my parents turn to dust before my eyes.”
“No one should have to endure such a thing,” he said softly.
Fury burned in her gaze. “No. They shouldn’t.”
It made him realize that her coming to the Kings had been a huge step. “You hate us.”
Noreen shrugged and turned away, dropping her arms to her sides. “Does it matter?”
He wasn’t sure how to respond. Everything that came to mind sounded … lame and lacking. Cain stared at her profile. If he were her, he wasn’t sure he would’ve done what she had. She blamed the Kings for her parents’ deaths, and she had carried that hatred and loathing around for thousands of years. To put something like that aside took a great deal of effort.
Cain couldn’t help but wonder if she had fooled him, if this was all some kind of setup to trap him. But if it was, why would she have told him about her parents? That was something she would’ve kept to herself so he wouldn’t doubt her.
Or maybe it was part of her plan.
Cain ground his teeth together. The questions went around and around in his head. He’d been positive back on Earth that Noreen was telling the truth. Now, even after this new information, what little doubt he had wasn’t enough for him to reconsider the mission.
That didn’t mean that he wouldn’t keep an eye out, though. In all his long years, he’d seen every kind of deception there was. If Noreen thought to fool him, she had another thing coming.
She blew out a loud breath and started walking, letting him know she was tired of waiting. Cain let her get a few steps ahead of him before he followed her. He kept coming back to how she had survived. Either she had massive amounts of magic that could keep dragon fire from burning her—and only a Dragon King had that ability—or it hadn’t been a Dragon King who killed her family at all. He was betting on the latter, but until he had proof, there was no use telling that to Noreen.
For the next several hours, they walked in silence. They encountered several animals but didn’t see anything that would indicate another being was around. It was a mystery, but Cain knew they’d solve this one sooner rather than later.
It was dusk when they came upon a lake. The blue water sparkled with shades of gold from the setting sun, making the ripples look like diamonds blinking from the waves. It was a particularly stunning sight.
“We’ll stay here for the night,” Cain said. “There is cover in the trees. I think it’s safe for you to use magic to build a fire and whatever else you need.”
Her red eyes slid to him. “And what will you be doing?”
His gaze lifted to the darkening sky. “I’m going to figure out how big of an area this is.”
“You’re going to fly?” she asked in surprise.
“It’s the fastest way to see the area and to scout the terrain. No’ to mention, if there is someone here, I’ll be able to spot them.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You could be seen.”
“It’s a chance I’m willing to take.”
A black brow cocked. “Before I give you the information you want?”
He knew her sarcasm stemmed from earlier. He’d hoped she would get past it, but that kind of pain didn’t fade easily, so he didn’t hold it against her.
“If you doona want to be alone, then come with me,” he offered.
She gave a half-snort/half-laugh. “Right. Because I can fly.”
“You can ride on my back.”
Her sneer died as she stared at him with a frown. “Are you serious?”
“I wouldna offer if I wasna.”
She didn’t hide her hesitation.
Cain then said, “You’d be able to get the lay of the land, as well. You might see something that could be important, an observation I might otherwise dismiss. No’ to mention, another set of eyes is always good.”
“I wouldn’t be able to see as far as you.”
“You’re Fae. You have magic.”
She licked her lips, considering his offer. After a moment, she turned away. Cain sighed. He’d thought she might be interested in riding, but perhaps her hatred for the Dragon Kings was too great. He walked to the water and looked at the sun slowly sinking into the horizon.
“All right,” she said from behind him. “I’ll do it.”
He turned and smiled at her. “Good.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Was she doing the right thing? Noreen’s anger was misdirected, she knew that, but she couldn’t seem to stop taking it out on Cain. And still, he asked her to go for a ride.
But not just any ride—one atop him while he was in dragon form.
She had immediately wanted to agree, but she paused to think things through. Then she realized there was nothing to think about. She—a Dark Fae—was going to get to ride atop a Dragon King.
And it had nothing to do with sex.
Although, the moment she thought about sitting astride Cain, all she could imagine was seeing him naked and having him fill her. Noreen tried to shut off her thoughts, but her body had already reacted to the mental images, which meant there was no stopping her mind or body now.
She wanted to fan herself as her blood heated, but she fisted her hands instead. After lashing out at Cain, it wouldn’t make any sense to him if she suddenly let her desire show. He would think she had lost what little sense she had.
Or … perhaps that’s exactly what had occurred. After all, she could hardly tell up from down at the moment. Her emotions were all over the place, making her feel as if she had no control—which only made things worse.
The smile he bestowed on her when she agreed to the ride was mesmerizing. Something intense and all too male flashed in his eyes when he looked at her. It left her breathless and … needy.
“I take it you’ve seen us in our true forms, aye?”
Why did that damn Scots brogue sound so fekking sexy on him? Noreen had to think about what he just asked before she nodded. “Yes.”
Black brows shot up on his forehead. “Oh? When, if I may ask?”
Was he always so damn polite? Or was that only for her? Really, it didn’t matter. Noreen was just trying to find something to anger her so she might stop thinking such lustful thoughts about him. Unfortunately—or maybe fortunately—nothing was working.
He gave her a pointed look, making her realize that she hadn’t answered his second question.
She swallowed, finding her mouth dry as a desert. “The Others have been watching the Kings for centuries. I’ve witnessed a few things, like the fight with the Dark Fae at Dreagan that was recorded. I was also near the Light Castle when the Kings faced off against Usaeil.”
At the mention of the former Light Queen, Cain’s lips twisted in disgust. “Do you know what happened to her body?”
Noreen gave a nod. “Moreann took it.”
Cain’s eyes widened. “Is that so? Interesting. Since you’ve seen us before, you willna be surprised by my size.”
Without meaning to, her gaze drifted down his body, pausing between his legs, which caused her nipples to harden. She hastily looked away when she comprehended what she’d done. “I’m ready.”
He turned away, and she could’ve sworn that she heard him chuckle. With the way she was acting, she wouldn’t be surprised. She took the opportunity to press against her aching breasts in an effort to get her nipples to return to normal.
But it seemed that wasn’t possible with a Dragon King so near, one who also had the ability to make her knees weak with only the sound of his voice and her own thoughts.
“Once you’re on, hold tight,” he warned her as he looked over his shoulder at her.
“Right.”
Their gazes met, and in the next instant, a dragon stood where Cain had been. Noreen took an involuntary step backward at the up close and personal view she had of him. Cain was … gigantic.
Shiny scales in a blue so deep they looked almost black met her gaze. She knew the moment her eyes landed on them that she had never seen him before. With a color like Cain’s, she never would have forgotten him.
Her heart raced as she took a closer look at him. The deep blue lightened slightly on his underbelly. His talons were razor-sharp. His long tail had a stinger on the end of it, reminding her of a scorpion.
Cain stood as still as a statue, giving her time to take him in. She could feel his eyes on her, but she wasn’t ready to look at his face yet. Instead, she lingered on his wings tucked against him. They were the same blue as his scales but appeared leathery.
She looked at the top of his back where she would be sitting and noticed the double row of spines that trailed all the way down to the base of his tail. At least she would have something to hold onto.
Finally, she looked at his face and into the huge pale yellow eyes staring at her. His nostrils flared as he drew in a deep breath. As he blew out, the force of the air lifted her hair.
Cain moved so he was lying down. She knew it was now or never. Either she grabbed hold of the adventure he offered, or she forever remained on the ground, wondering what it was like to be taken for a ride on a Dragon King.
Her life could end tomorrow. She was going to take whatever was offered to her and experience it to its fullest. She gave Cain a smile and walked to his side. She used his front leg to climb up.
It was awkward, and she nearly fell off twice, but she finally managed to get settled. It wasn’t until she looked down that she saw how far she was from the ground. And Cain hadn’t even spread his wings.
He got to his feet, and she could tell he was being cautious. She held onto the spikes before her, using the ones behind her to lean against.
Cain spread his wings, and an excited thrill went through her. He gave her no warning before he launched himself into the air. The force of it took her breath away. Her hands slipped on the spikes, but thankfully, the ones at her back held her in place. She squeezed her legs as hard as she could to help keep herself steady, but it did little good.
It wasn’t long before he leveled out, allowing her a little breathing room so she didn’t feel as if she were going to plunge to her death in the next heartbeat. The wind whipped about her, and the sound of his wings beating was a loud whoosh each time. Only then did she draw in a steadying breath and look around.
“Oh, wow,” she murmured.
The sight before her was so beautiful, she was at a loss for words. It was as if this part of the Fae Realm hadn’t been touched by war. She knew that wasn’t possible, however. Yet, there was no denying that something or someone had gone to a great deal of effort to return this section of the realm to the beauty that had once been here.
Cain remained high in the sky, but anyone who looked up would see him. Noreen felt like they had a target painted on them. Yet she couldn’t deny that their vantage point gave them a view they wouldn’t otherwise get.
The area within the shield was larger than she had thought possible. No matter how many passes they made, she didn’t see any signs of Fae or any other beings besides the animals.
She liked being on top of Cain. It was exhilarating and empowering. The idea that there might be an end to the dragons forever was like a knife to her heart. If she’d had any doubts about her decision to help the Kings before, they were well and truly gone now.
To her regret, she felt Cain begin his descent. She knew their time was up when she saw the lake coming into view. The sun was gone, and the sky was darkening, the stars becoming visible. She wanted to ask him to stay out a little longer. Instead, she held onto him and lifted her face upward to let the wind brush against her.
Before she knew it, Cain had landed. She gingerly dismounted and looked into his eyes. He remained in his true form for a heartbeat longer before he shifted.
Noreen’s stomach fluttered at the sight of him nude. Cain was utter perfection. Hard sinew covered every inch of him from his broad shoulders, to his thick arms, washboard stomach, and toned legs.
Her gaze caught on the dragon tattoo on his chest. The red and black ink formed an intricate design of him as a dragon, standing with his head turned to the side and his mouth open, his wings half-spread. The tail ended just below his navel, and she couldn’t stop her gaze as it lowered to his cock.
He was semi-hard, but the moment she looked at him, it jutted upward as if straining to get to her.
She didn’t even attempt to deny the desire that swelled within her at the sight of him. It had already been there, swirling and tightening. Now, it demanded release.
It demanded him.
She raised her gaze to his face. Their eyes clashed. Desire burned in his, leaving her no doubt that he wanted her, too. She was the first to take a tentative step toward him. Once she had, he began to walk. They met halfway, but still didn’t touch.
He was right before her, and yet she was afraid to touch him, scared that this was all a dream. But if it were, she never wanted to wake up.
Her heart skipped a beat when his gaze dropped to her mouth. She wanted his kiss, needed it. To taste him, to feel his tongue against hers. She thought about flying through the sky upon his back and knew that being in his arms, having him fill her with his gorgeous cock was going to be just as thrilling, just as breathtaking.
His hands slid to either side of her face as he searched her eyes. His thumbs moved gently across her cheeks. Then his head lowered.
Her eyes shut as his mouth drew near. She waited, her breath locked in her lungs, awaiting the feel of his lips against hers. The moment they touched, she sighed in contentment. His mouth was soft yet insistent. His lips moved over hers with practiced ease.
The instant his tongue slid into her mouth, his arms went around her, bringing her close. She melted against him, her hands lifting to hold onto him as their tongues danced, heightening the desire in her already heated body.
He deepened the kiss and moaned, making chills race over her skin. She held nothing back, giving as much as he did. One of his hands fisted a handful of her hair while the other pressed against her lower back, bringing her against his arousal. She dug her nails into his skin as she groaned in response.
Then, suddenly, he stepped back, ending the kiss. She tried to get her bearings, but the world was spinning, and the only one who could anchor her was Cain.
“You doona have to,” he said in a voice roughed by need. “This isna part of my deal to protect you.”
She reached for him, blinking to focus. “Shut up and kiss me.”
He didn’t need to be told again. The next instant, she was plastered against his body. And this time, the kiss was molten-hot. It scorched her, leaving her body quivering for more. The more he kissed her, the more she wanted his kisses.
Actually, she wanted all of him.
This time, she was the one who ended the kiss. When she stepped out of the circle of his arms, she used her magic to remove her clothes, leaving her as naked as he.
“Och, lass,” he murmured as his hot gaze raked over her. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
There was a smile on her face when she reached for him for another kiss.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The desire was inescapable. It consumed Cain, enveloping him in a cocoon of lust that drowned out everything else. There was only Noreen.
The hunger, the yearning within him was dark and ominous. He knew if he gave in, there would be no turning back. But he didn’t care. He had to have her, needed to taste her, hold her.
Claim her.
Cain rested his hands on her hips as she kissed him. Then he slid his hands upward, over the indent of her waist until his thumbs touched the undersides of her breasts. His balls tightened when he felt her hard-tipped nipples against his chest.
Unable to hold off another moment, he cupped her full breasts, one in each hand, and ran his thumbs over her turgid peaks. She gasped and ended the kiss. Her moan, low and throaty as she leaned her head back, made him want to sink into her in that very instant.
Somehow, he managed to stay in control. But it was fast slipping away. He’d never felt such longing, such craving before. He wanted to experience pleasure with her because he knew it would be something spectacular and special.
He drank in her exquisiteness. From her pale skin that felt as soft as silk to the way the moon shone upon her like a spotlight. The silver in her hair glowed in the moonlight like a platinum flame.
She was ice to his fire. Like yin to yang. They shouldn’t complement each other, but they did. And he felt it all the way to his soul.
He rolled her nipples between his fingers, his breathing coming faster as her nails sank deeper into his arms. Her mouth was parted, the pulse at her throat rapid and erratic. He ground his aching rod against her and heard her answering moan.
As much as he loved her breasts, he wanted more. He bent his legs and moved his hands below her shapely behind before he lifted her. Her legs came around him at the same time her eyelids rose, and she looked at him. Her eyes had darkened to a deep crimson, the desire so flagrant that her gaze burned with it. It made his heart race knowing that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
No matter who they were, no matter what sides of the war they were on, passion didn’t know or care. They were proof of that.
“Cain,” she whispered as her hands caressed his shoulders.
He knelt on one knee and gently laid her on the ground. Right before her back touched the grass, a blanket appeared beneath her. She smiled up at him, letting him know that she had done it.
After shifting to his side while propping himself up on an elbow, his eyes drifted down her amazing body. There was a small patch of black curls on her pubis, but to his delight, her sex was devoid of any hair.
She gaped at him. “You think I don’t know what you sound like? I do. It didn’t matter that we weren’t part of the war. The sound of your roars could be heard for miles away from the battle.”
“I realize that.”
“You still don’t believe me.” She snorted loudly. “I don’t need you to. I know what I heard. I felt the heat of that fire all around me. And I watched my parents turn to dust before my eyes.”
“No one should have to endure such a thing,” he said softly.
Fury burned in her gaze. “No. They shouldn’t.”
It made him realize that her coming to the Kings had been a huge step. “You hate us.”
Noreen shrugged and turned away, dropping her arms to her sides. “Does it matter?”
He wasn’t sure how to respond. Everything that came to mind sounded … lame and lacking. Cain stared at her profile. If he were her, he wasn’t sure he would’ve done what she had. She blamed the Kings for her parents’ deaths, and she had carried that hatred and loathing around for thousands of years. To put something like that aside took a great deal of effort.
Cain couldn’t help but wonder if she had fooled him, if this was all some kind of setup to trap him. But if it was, why would she have told him about her parents? That was something she would’ve kept to herself so he wouldn’t doubt her.
Or maybe it was part of her plan.
Cain ground his teeth together. The questions went around and around in his head. He’d been positive back on Earth that Noreen was telling the truth. Now, even after this new information, what little doubt he had wasn’t enough for him to reconsider the mission.
That didn’t mean that he wouldn’t keep an eye out, though. In all his long years, he’d seen every kind of deception there was. If Noreen thought to fool him, she had another thing coming.
She blew out a loud breath and started walking, letting him know she was tired of waiting. Cain let her get a few steps ahead of him before he followed her. He kept coming back to how she had survived. Either she had massive amounts of magic that could keep dragon fire from burning her—and only a Dragon King had that ability—or it hadn’t been a Dragon King who killed her family at all. He was betting on the latter, but until he had proof, there was no use telling that to Noreen.
For the next several hours, they walked in silence. They encountered several animals but didn’t see anything that would indicate another being was around. It was a mystery, but Cain knew they’d solve this one sooner rather than later.
It was dusk when they came upon a lake. The blue water sparkled with shades of gold from the setting sun, making the ripples look like diamonds blinking from the waves. It was a particularly stunning sight.
“We’ll stay here for the night,” Cain said. “There is cover in the trees. I think it’s safe for you to use magic to build a fire and whatever else you need.”
Her red eyes slid to him. “And what will you be doing?”
His gaze lifted to the darkening sky. “I’m going to figure out how big of an area this is.”
“You’re going to fly?” she asked in surprise.
“It’s the fastest way to see the area and to scout the terrain. No’ to mention, if there is someone here, I’ll be able to spot them.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You could be seen.”
“It’s a chance I’m willing to take.”
A black brow cocked. “Before I give you the information you want?”
He knew her sarcasm stemmed from earlier. He’d hoped she would get past it, but that kind of pain didn’t fade easily, so he didn’t hold it against her.
“If you doona want to be alone, then come with me,” he offered.
She gave a half-snort/half-laugh. “Right. Because I can fly.”
“You can ride on my back.”
Her sneer died as she stared at him with a frown. “Are you serious?”
“I wouldna offer if I wasna.”
She didn’t hide her hesitation.
Cain then said, “You’d be able to get the lay of the land, as well. You might see something that could be important, an observation I might otherwise dismiss. No’ to mention, another set of eyes is always good.”
“I wouldn’t be able to see as far as you.”
“You’re Fae. You have magic.”
She licked her lips, considering his offer. After a moment, she turned away. Cain sighed. He’d thought she might be interested in riding, but perhaps her hatred for the Dragon Kings was too great. He walked to the water and looked at the sun slowly sinking into the horizon.
“All right,” she said from behind him. “I’ll do it.”
He turned and smiled at her. “Good.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Was she doing the right thing? Noreen’s anger was misdirected, she knew that, but she couldn’t seem to stop taking it out on Cain. And still, he asked her to go for a ride.
But not just any ride—one atop him while he was in dragon form.
She had immediately wanted to agree, but she paused to think things through. Then she realized there was nothing to think about. She—a Dark Fae—was going to get to ride atop a Dragon King.
And it had nothing to do with sex.
Although, the moment she thought about sitting astride Cain, all she could imagine was seeing him naked and having him fill her. Noreen tried to shut off her thoughts, but her body had already reacted to the mental images, which meant there was no stopping her mind or body now.
She wanted to fan herself as her blood heated, but she fisted her hands instead. After lashing out at Cain, it wouldn’t make any sense to him if she suddenly let her desire show. He would think she had lost what little sense she had.
Or … perhaps that’s exactly what had occurred. After all, she could hardly tell up from down at the moment. Her emotions were all over the place, making her feel as if she had no control—which only made things worse.
The smile he bestowed on her when she agreed to the ride was mesmerizing. Something intense and all too male flashed in his eyes when he looked at her. It left her breathless and … needy.
“I take it you’ve seen us in our true forms, aye?”
Why did that damn Scots brogue sound so fekking sexy on him? Noreen had to think about what he just asked before she nodded. “Yes.”
Black brows shot up on his forehead. “Oh? When, if I may ask?”
Was he always so damn polite? Or was that only for her? Really, it didn’t matter. Noreen was just trying to find something to anger her so she might stop thinking such lustful thoughts about him. Unfortunately—or maybe fortunately—nothing was working.
He gave her a pointed look, making her realize that she hadn’t answered his second question.
She swallowed, finding her mouth dry as a desert. “The Others have been watching the Kings for centuries. I’ve witnessed a few things, like the fight with the Dark Fae at Dreagan that was recorded. I was also near the Light Castle when the Kings faced off against Usaeil.”
At the mention of the former Light Queen, Cain’s lips twisted in disgust. “Do you know what happened to her body?”
Noreen gave a nod. “Moreann took it.”
Cain’s eyes widened. “Is that so? Interesting. Since you’ve seen us before, you willna be surprised by my size.”
Without meaning to, her gaze drifted down his body, pausing between his legs, which caused her nipples to harden. She hastily looked away when she comprehended what she’d done. “I’m ready.”
He turned away, and she could’ve sworn that she heard him chuckle. With the way she was acting, she wouldn’t be surprised. She took the opportunity to press against her aching breasts in an effort to get her nipples to return to normal.
But it seemed that wasn’t possible with a Dragon King so near, one who also had the ability to make her knees weak with only the sound of his voice and her own thoughts.
“Once you’re on, hold tight,” he warned her as he looked over his shoulder at her.
“Right.”
Their gazes met, and in the next instant, a dragon stood where Cain had been. Noreen took an involuntary step backward at the up close and personal view she had of him. Cain was … gigantic.
Shiny scales in a blue so deep they looked almost black met her gaze. She knew the moment her eyes landed on them that she had never seen him before. With a color like Cain’s, she never would have forgotten him.
Her heart raced as she took a closer look at him. The deep blue lightened slightly on his underbelly. His talons were razor-sharp. His long tail had a stinger on the end of it, reminding her of a scorpion.
Cain stood as still as a statue, giving her time to take him in. She could feel his eyes on her, but she wasn’t ready to look at his face yet. Instead, she lingered on his wings tucked against him. They were the same blue as his scales but appeared leathery.
She looked at the top of his back where she would be sitting and noticed the double row of spines that trailed all the way down to the base of his tail. At least she would have something to hold onto.
Finally, she looked at his face and into the huge pale yellow eyes staring at her. His nostrils flared as he drew in a deep breath. As he blew out, the force of the air lifted her hair.
Cain moved so he was lying down. She knew it was now or never. Either she grabbed hold of the adventure he offered, or she forever remained on the ground, wondering what it was like to be taken for a ride on a Dragon King.
Her life could end tomorrow. She was going to take whatever was offered to her and experience it to its fullest. She gave Cain a smile and walked to his side. She used his front leg to climb up.
It was awkward, and she nearly fell off twice, but she finally managed to get settled. It wasn’t until she looked down that she saw how far she was from the ground. And Cain hadn’t even spread his wings.
He got to his feet, and she could tell he was being cautious. She held onto the spikes before her, using the ones behind her to lean against.
Cain spread his wings, and an excited thrill went through her. He gave her no warning before he launched himself into the air. The force of it took her breath away. Her hands slipped on the spikes, but thankfully, the ones at her back held her in place. She squeezed her legs as hard as she could to help keep herself steady, but it did little good.
It wasn’t long before he leveled out, allowing her a little breathing room so she didn’t feel as if she were going to plunge to her death in the next heartbeat. The wind whipped about her, and the sound of his wings beating was a loud whoosh each time. Only then did she draw in a steadying breath and look around.
“Oh, wow,” she murmured.
The sight before her was so beautiful, she was at a loss for words. It was as if this part of the Fae Realm hadn’t been touched by war. She knew that wasn’t possible, however. Yet, there was no denying that something or someone had gone to a great deal of effort to return this section of the realm to the beauty that had once been here.
Cain remained high in the sky, but anyone who looked up would see him. Noreen felt like they had a target painted on them. Yet she couldn’t deny that their vantage point gave them a view they wouldn’t otherwise get.
The area within the shield was larger than she had thought possible. No matter how many passes they made, she didn’t see any signs of Fae or any other beings besides the animals.
She liked being on top of Cain. It was exhilarating and empowering. The idea that there might be an end to the dragons forever was like a knife to her heart. If she’d had any doubts about her decision to help the Kings before, they were well and truly gone now.
To her regret, she felt Cain begin his descent. She knew their time was up when she saw the lake coming into view. The sun was gone, and the sky was darkening, the stars becoming visible. She wanted to ask him to stay out a little longer. Instead, she held onto him and lifted her face upward to let the wind brush against her.
Before she knew it, Cain had landed. She gingerly dismounted and looked into his eyes. He remained in his true form for a heartbeat longer before he shifted.
Noreen’s stomach fluttered at the sight of him nude. Cain was utter perfection. Hard sinew covered every inch of him from his broad shoulders, to his thick arms, washboard stomach, and toned legs.
Her gaze caught on the dragon tattoo on his chest. The red and black ink formed an intricate design of him as a dragon, standing with his head turned to the side and his mouth open, his wings half-spread. The tail ended just below his navel, and she couldn’t stop her gaze as it lowered to his cock.
He was semi-hard, but the moment she looked at him, it jutted upward as if straining to get to her.
She didn’t even attempt to deny the desire that swelled within her at the sight of him. It had already been there, swirling and tightening. Now, it demanded release.
It demanded him.
She raised her gaze to his face. Their eyes clashed. Desire burned in his, leaving her no doubt that he wanted her, too. She was the first to take a tentative step toward him. Once she had, he began to walk. They met halfway, but still didn’t touch.
He was right before her, and yet she was afraid to touch him, scared that this was all a dream. But if it were, she never wanted to wake up.
Her heart skipped a beat when his gaze dropped to her mouth. She wanted his kiss, needed it. To taste him, to feel his tongue against hers. She thought about flying through the sky upon his back and knew that being in his arms, having him fill her with his gorgeous cock was going to be just as thrilling, just as breathtaking.
His hands slid to either side of her face as he searched her eyes. His thumbs moved gently across her cheeks. Then his head lowered.
Her eyes shut as his mouth drew near. She waited, her breath locked in her lungs, awaiting the feel of his lips against hers. The moment they touched, she sighed in contentment. His mouth was soft yet insistent. His lips moved over hers with practiced ease.
The instant his tongue slid into her mouth, his arms went around her, bringing her close. She melted against him, her hands lifting to hold onto him as their tongues danced, heightening the desire in her already heated body.
He deepened the kiss and moaned, making chills race over her skin. She held nothing back, giving as much as he did. One of his hands fisted a handful of her hair while the other pressed against her lower back, bringing her against his arousal. She dug her nails into his skin as she groaned in response.
Then, suddenly, he stepped back, ending the kiss. She tried to get her bearings, but the world was spinning, and the only one who could anchor her was Cain.
“You doona have to,” he said in a voice roughed by need. “This isna part of my deal to protect you.”
She reached for him, blinking to focus. “Shut up and kiss me.”
He didn’t need to be told again. The next instant, she was plastered against his body. And this time, the kiss was molten-hot. It scorched her, leaving her body quivering for more. The more he kissed her, the more she wanted his kisses.
Actually, she wanted all of him.
This time, she was the one who ended the kiss. When she stepped out of the circle of his arms, she used her magic to remove her clothes, leaving her as naked as he.
“Och, lass,” he murmured as his hot gaze raked over her. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
There was a smile on her face when she reached for him for another kiss.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The desire was inescapable. It consumed Cain, enveloping him in a cocoon of lust that drowned out everything else. There was only Noreen.
The hunger, the yearning within him was dark and ominous. He knew if he gave in, there would be no turning back. But he didn’t care. He had to have her, needed to taste her, hold her.
Claim her.
Cain rested his hands on her hips as she kissed him. Then he slid his hands upward, over the indent of her waist until his thumbs touched the undersides of her breasts. His balls tightened when he felt her hard-tipped nipples against his chest.
Unable to hold off another moment, he cupped her full breasts, one in each hand, and ran his thumbs over her turgid peaks. She gasped and ended the kiss. Her moan, low and throaty as she leaned her head back, made him want to sink into her in that very instant.
Somehow, he managed to stay in control. But it was fast slipping away. He’d never felt such longing, such craving before. He wanted to experience pleasure with her because he knew it would be something spectacular and special.
He drank in her exquisiteness. From her pale skin that felt as soft as silk to the way the moon shone upon her like a spotlight. The silver in her hair glowed in the moonlight like a platinum flame.
She was ice to his fire. Like yin to yang. They shouldn’t complement each other, but they did. And he felt it all the way to his soul.
He rolled her nipples between his fingers, his breathing coming faster as her nails sank deeper into his arms. Her mouth was parted, the pulse at her throat rapid and erratic. He ground his aching rod against her and heard her answering moan.
As much as he loved her breasts, he wanted more. He bent his legs and moved his hands below her shapely behind before he lifted her. Her legs came around him at the same time her eyelids rose, and she looked at him. Her eyes had darkened to a deep crimson, the desire so flagrant that her gaze burned with it. It made his heart race knowing that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
No matter who they were, no matter what sides of the war they were on, passion didn’t know or care. They were proof of that.
“Cain,” she whispered as her hands caressed his shoulders.
He knelt on one knee and gently laid her on the ground. Right before her back touched the grass, a blanket appeared beneath her. She smiled up at him, letting him know that she had done it.
After shifting to his side while propping himself up on an elbow, his eyes drifted down her amazing body. There was a small patch of black curls on her pubis, but to his delight, her sex was devoid of any hair.
