The Dragon's Bidder (Tahoe Dragon Mates 3)

However, he wanted his true mate alone. So Wes lined up his next shot and hit the bull's-eye again.

Ashley knew she should be mentally preparing for her throws, but there was no way she could ignore the six-foot-plus frame of muscled dragon sexiness in front of her. As Wes threw his first dart, his muscles bulged under his clothes. While she'd never seen him without a shirt, her imagination didn't have trouble sketching it out.

Damn, she wanted a night with Wes. And for more than darts and drinks.

Stop it, Ash. One night of foolishness can ruin your career.

While the reminder helped to cool down her hormones a fraction, the alcohol running through her veins countered most of it.

Asking for a strong drink had been her first mistake. And if things kept going as they had, it wouldn't be her last.

After his first bull's-eye, she barely paid attention to the throws and watched how he flicked the dart with little effort. Wes eventually turned toward her, a triumphant gleam in his eye. It was only then she looked around him to the dartboard and groaned. "Three bull’s-eyes in a row? How is that even possible?"

"With my superior eyesight and reflexes, you don't stand a chance, human."

Standing up tall, Ashley shimmied her skirt down and did her best to ignore Wes's flashing pupils. Good, let him notice her. Maybe if she worked it enough, he'd lose his concentration and have some shitty throws.

She answered, "The night is young."

Walking by him, her arm brushed his, and she nearly sucked in a breath. Thank goodness dragon-shifters couldn't read minds because then he'd know that if he took off his shirt, she'd not be able to concentrate worth a damn.

Her darts in hand, she lined up her throw. No, she didn't have superhero-like senses, but she'd learned to be awesome at darts to win against some of the good ol' boys inside the American Department of Dragon Affairs.

When the dart landed in the center, she nearly jumped for joy but decided her heels weren't stable enough for it. One of the trade-offs for sexiness, for sure.

Just as she lifted her next dart, a light caress danced down her other arm. Electricity sizzled from her skin and ended between her thighs.

Ashely dropped the dart and it clattered to the floor.

A male chuckle filled her ear. "You didn't say we couldn't play dirty."

Wes. Turning her head to meet his gaze, her heart skipped a beat. The lazy smile and humor in his eyes transformed his usually handsome face into movie star territory. "Who are you and what have you done with Wes Dalton?"

He leaned closer, his hot breath dancing against her cheek as he replied, "Wes the male is very much here. The clan leader part is taking a very, very short vacation. Maybe only for an hour or two." He ran his finger down her arm again, and this time she shivered at his warm, slightly rough touch. "Maybe we should take advantage of it."

She blinked and then laughed. "Are you trying to be sexy or something? Because it's so not you."

He frowned. "What the hell are you talking about?"

She lowered her voice to mimic him. "Maybe we should take advantage of it. Come on, baby, let's have a good time." He opened his mouth to protest, but Ashley beat him to it, her voice once again her own. "Let me ask you something—do you want to know the reason I bid for you and was determined to win you?"

His frown eased. "Why did you?"

She whispered for his ears only. "Because if you were a regular man and I was a regular woman, I know for a fact we would've slept together already. Maybe even dated. But since all of that is forbidden—not to mention we both have too much to lose—this was the best I could do. One night of fun before we go back to trading barbs about policy and reports." She dared to place a hand on his chest. "So just be you tonight, Wes. There's no need to impress me or try to be some guy you think I want, okay?"

Well, the alcohol had done its work, it seemed. The truth was out there.

And so Ashley searched Wes's gaze and waited to see how he'd reply.

Wes somehow managed to block out his dragon's demands once Ashley stated her truth—if she could've had him, she would have.

Why did she have to go and say that? It would make staying away from her and not kissing her that much harder. She wanted him, and he sure as hell wanted her.

His dragon flashed an image of them tangled in bed, Wes thrusting hard as he claimed Ashley's mouth at the same time.

His already hard cock turned to stone.

But for once, he didn't tell his dragon to stop.