Lightly swatting his chest, she leaned closer. "Don't encourage her."
Grinning, he stepped back and bowed as the final notes of the song echoed in the space.
Somehow Caitlin managed to survive a few more dances without worrying about things outside her control, enjoying the light conversation and teasing from her new mate.
It was still early days, but Caitlin began to think a life with Lorcan might be good for her. He didn't try to force her to be someone she wasn't—unlike her mother. And she didn't always have to be strong—like with her children. She was simply Caitlin Todd.
And she rather liked the sound of that.
After who knew how much time had passed, the latest song ended and Lorcan pulled her to the side of the hall. He whispered, "I've done my obligations. Now it's time to escape and take some time for just the two of us. Are you ready, Caity?"
Her heart rate kicked up at his words, and even further when he lightly stroked the bare skin of her arm.
Her dragon spoke up. Yes, I'm ready. Let's go.
She bobbed her head. Lorcan threaded the fingers of one hand through hers and slowly guided them out of the great hall, stopping to say hello to various clan members along the way.
While she looked forward to the next part of the evening with Lorcan, she couldn't stop her palms from sweating. The last time she'd done this had been over a decade ago.
Don't worry. I can always take over and ride him hard.
No, love. I want the first time. You'll have many more times in the future, provided he lives up to his promises.
Her dragon snorted. We'll see. Most males like to boast, but fall short in reality.
Lorcan took her through a secret door she hadn't noticed in the wall, and up a flight of stairs. The ensuing corridor was covered in old tapestries, helping to keep out the chill of the old stone building. He finally stopped in front of a sturdy, wooden door. "Are you ready, Caity? Because once we get inside, I'm not going to waste time with pretty words."
Taking a deep breath, she answered, "I'm ready. Besides, pretty words will only make me more nervous. I'm anxious to see you naked."
"A female who knows what she wants. You keep giving me reasons to adore you."
She couldn't stop the color rushing to her cheeks. "Let's just go inside."
Before she could do more than blink, Lorcan opened the door, tugged her inside, and shut the door again. Hauling her up against his body, he murmured, "My lovely Caity. You won't regret agreeing to mate me."
"I thought there weren't going to be any pretty words?"
With a growl, Lorcan took her lips in a rough kiss. She instantly parted her own to allow him access, the stroke of his tongue against hers sending fire throughout her body.
He cupped her arse cheeks and easily lifted her, carrying her to the bed, all while never missing a beat with his exploration and dominance of her mouth.
While she could feel his hard chest against her, she wanted to feel every inch of his skin against hers. Just as she was about to wrap her legs around his waist, Lorcan broke the kiss and gently laid her down on the large bed. "I hope you aren't attached to this dress."
She'd barely shaken her head when he ripped it down the middle and tossed the material aside. His pupils flashed repeatedly as he slowly perused her body.
Caitlin may not be twenty, but she wasn't embarrassed about her body or her age. Both told her life's story, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Lorcan lightly ran a finger down the middle of her chest, to her belly, and stopped short of going between her thighs. "My beautiful female."
"I can't yet make the same assessment about you until you're naked."
Chuckling, he removed his fin
gers and quickly undressed. Her eyes zeroed in on his hard cock, thick and ready for her.
Her dragon huffed. He had better be.
He raised his arms out to his side, preventing Caitlin from replying. "Shall I turn for the lady?"