Surrendering to the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 5)

“Then if I can survive a war zone, I can bloody well survive a few barbs or insults thrown my way. Besides, if my sister is to be believed, she will have all of Britain loving Stonefire once her videocast series launches in a few weeks.” Brushing his thumb against her cheek, he murmured, “So, do you want to give this a chance? Because I know I want to.”

She’d wanted to hear those words for so long. The only question was if she could make the leap to give Rafe a second chance?

Her beast growled. Of course we can. Stop doubting everything and just go with your gut. Otherwise, maybe I should be the one talking with our human.

If you would stop nattering inside my head, I could answer him.

Her dragon huffed. Use me as an excuse if you like. Just spit out the truth already.

Leaning against Rafe, she whispered, “I want to try.”

“Make me believe your answer, Nikki.” He moved a fraction closer. “Kiss me not because of your dragon’s instinct, but simply because you want to.” He lowered his voice. “I know I want you to.”

With her heart pounding in her ears, Nikki was done overthinking everything. She raised her face and touched her lips to his. As Rafe gently nipped her lower lip and caressed the light sting with his tongue, she melted against him.

If there was one thing she would never doubt, it was Rafe’s ability to make her knees go weak with nothing more than a kiss.

Rafe finally pulled away with a grin, his green eyes content.

Damn, he was beautiful when he smiled.

When Rafe spoke, Nikki had to concentrate on his response. “If you ever feel as if you’re going to retreat and cut me down to protect yourself, then just ask for a kiss. That will remind you of why we should try.”

“Oh? So that must make me the best bloody kisser in all of England.”

Moving a hand to her arse, he squeezed. “I rather thought that was me.”

Nikki chuckled, and her dragon chimed in, This is better. Be nice to him.

Rafe brushed her cheek, and she met his gaze again as he asked, “What is your dragon saying?”

“She wants me to be nice to you.”

Amusement danced in his eyes. “And what did you say back?”

“I haven’t said anything yet because of a nosey human male interrupting,” she teased.

“Well, then.” He pulled her tighter against his body and nuzzled her cheek with his own. “Tell her that I only want you mostly nice because your fire and passion is what caught my interest in the first place.” He leaned back to meet her gaze. “Don’t ever lose it, Nikki. I mean it. Or, I will have to tease you endlessly to bring it back out again.”

“Always you and the ordering me around.”

“I was trying to compliment you, woman.”

She smiled widely. “I know. But teasing you is so much fun.”

With a growl, Rafe kissed her again, and she forgot about everything but his firm, warm lips. Needing to feel his skin, she ran a hand to the back of his neck and lightly dug in her nails.

Only because she was still sore and exhausted did she not rip off his clothes and jump him.

Her dragon hummed. Maybe tomorrow. Then he can take his time.

And whose fault is that about the rough, rushed sex?

Her beast huffed. I was running on instinct.

As Nikki was about to reply, Rafe murmured against her lips, “Stop thinking so much.”

“How can you—”