Aiding the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons 7)

It had to be the clan leader in Teagan that brought out his secrets.

His beast spoke up. Or maybe you fancy her and want her to know all of you.

Thankfully Teagan’s voice prevented Aaron from replying to his dragon. “Your look turned guarded just now. Should I prod or is that a conversation for another dinner?”

“So you admit that you want me back?”

She shrugged. “Maybe. It depends what’s next on the menu.”

“I’ll keep you in suspense, and maybe the wondering will keep you from working past suppertime. Then I won’t have to talk with your gran and have her track down your whereabouts for me.”

She swallowed her latest bite. “Do I want to know why my grandmother is already your ally? She should be on my side, not yours.”

Aaron grinned. “She likes me and that’s enough.”

Teagan sighed. “Her taking a shine to you is both a blessing and curse. Although if she focuses her time on you, then maybe she’ll leave me alone for a while.”

“Leave you alone about what?” Teagan remained silent, so he added, “I poured my heart out about my father. You can surely answer one question honestly.”

She pointed a fork at him. “Telling me he dashed off to America and died is hardly pouring your heart out.”

“Are you sure you’re a clan leader? Because I don’t think you understand male dragon-shifters. That was major breakthrough territory.” She rolled her eyes and he continued, “So tell me—what does your gran go on about?”

She searched his eyes and Aaron kept his face neutral. As persistent as he could be when he wanted, there were some things people needed to explain on their own terms. Maybe this was one of those for Teagan.

His dragon snorted. Since when are you patient about anything?

Shut it, dragon.

Teagan brushed her hair over a shoulder, and his eyes moved to the graceful curve of her neck. If she wore her hair up, every male in sight would itch to trace the elegant lines. Under the table, his fingers flexed, yearning for the same.

Then reach over and try it, his beast murmured.

His hand moved a few inches before he clenched his fingers into a fist. He met her gaze again, but not before he noticed the flush on her cheeks. Blood rushed to his cock at the sight. For all her tough talk, she was extremely feminine and innocent in private moments.

The contrast made him want to kiss her all the more.

Teagan’s eyes flashed. Her voice was low as she said, “Maybe you should go.”

He leaned forward a few inches. His voice was husky to his own ears. “What did I do now?”

Her skin turned a darker shade of pink as she moved what remained of her supper around on the plate. “Your eyes keep flashing as you stare at various parts of my body.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

He reached out and took her free hand in his. At the contact, electricity raced through his body.

He should release her fingers, excuse himself, and return to his own cottage. But as Teagan’s hand tightened around his own, he met her eyes and growled at the desire shining there. Teagan’s voice caressed his skin as she whispered, “My gran wants me to settle down and find a mate. But that’s not what I want right now.”

He lightly brushed the back of her hand with his thumb. Each stroke of soft skin only made him want to kiss her more and see if she was just as soft everywhere else.

His beast hummed. Yes, yes, kiss her. No strings attached. She’ll like the ide

a of fucking once and walking away.

“That’s not what I’m looking for, either,” he answered. Aaron leaned over and kissed Teagan’s soft wrist. So close to her skin, he reveled in her feminine scent.

As he lightly caressed her skin with his tongue, Teagan drew in a breath. Her voice was strangled as she asked, “What are you doing, Caruso?”