The Dragon Warrior (Lochguard Highland Dragons 4)

As she and the others sang the final notes to the song, Faye gave Adrian and Kaine a pat each on the back. It was then she noticed Grant hovering near the door. “Grant. Good to see you found us. I ordered an extra big portion of tikka masala, in case you’re hungry.”

Grant didn’t so much as smile. “Can I speak with you privately, Faye?”

Adrian chimed in. “Can’t it wait, McFarland? We have another song queued up to go and Faye was really looking forward to it.”

Faye put up a hand. “It’s okay, Adrian. Grant is my boss, after all.” Faye skirted round the table. “But let’s make it quick. I don’t want my naan to get cold.”

Grant remained silent as they exited the private room and into the hall. Once the door was shut, he asked, “Why aren’t you sitting closer to where Cat is?”

She frowned. “The six-person DDA security team is having supper with the exhibition participants. If there was a problem, they’d sound the alarm and we’d have plenty of time to act.”

“I bet Adrian Conroy convinced you to move rooms.”

She searched his gaze. “So, now I’m nothing but a starry-eyed adolescent who can’t think with anything but my lady parts?” She turned away from him. “I don’t have time for this.”

Grant took her wrist. She tugged, but his grip was like steel. “You and I have unfinished business.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “What? Did you find anything during your flight?”

“Not yet.”

“Then I don’t understand what the hell you’re talking about. Stop being so bloody cryptic.”

He tugged her further down the hall and turned her until her back was against the wall. He caged her body with his arms to either side of her torso. Grant’s face was close enough she could feel the heat of his breath on her lips. Each whisper of air against her skin sent a tendril of heat straight between her legs.

If only it were as simple as kissing him once to get the male out of her system and going back to work with a clear head.

She nearly missed Grant’s husky question as he asked, “Are you trying to wind me up on purpose, Faye MacKenzie?”

/> The gravelly sound of his voice combined with his nearness and heat made Faye’s heart thump faster. Her beast growled. Don’t give in to him so easily. He needs to grovel.

I have no intention of kissing him.

Are you sure?

Her gaze dropped to Grant’s firm lips. A small part of her wondered what his serious mouth could do to her. Maybe Grant would let loose when they were alone and naked.

Blinking at that thought, Faye looked back to Grant’s deep brown eyes. His pupils flashed between slits and round. Faye had never been good at keeping her mouth shut around Grant, so she asked, “What’s your dragon saying?”

Grant leaned an inch closer. “He’s talking about you, lass.”

As Grant stared, her heart rate increased. She should push him away and go back to the room with the others, but she couldn’t find the strength to do it. “Tell me what he’s saying, Grant. There shouldn’t be secrets between Protectors.”

He moved to her ear and she shivered at his hot breath against her skin. “So we’re merely clan mates, aye?”

When Grant didn’t say anything else, all she could think about was how close his mouth was to her ear. If he nibbled her earlobe, Faye wasn’t sure she could walk away without doing something she shouldn’t.

Her dragon grunted. That’s right, we shouldn’t kiss him. He’s an arse.

At the word “kiss,” Faye reached out a finger and traced a figure eight on Grant’s chest. She would prefer his lips, but his pec would have to do.

Despite the fabric between them, he sucked in a breath, and she smiled. But you can’t be against teasing him a little.

Her dragon sighed. Teasing is fine, but I don’t think you can resist him.

Before she could reply, Grant placed his hands on her ribcage and slowly caressed down to her hips. The action left a trail of fire down her body. Maybe he’d pull her close and drive her mad without so much as a kiss. There were many things he could do without starting the frenzy.

She nearly frowned at that thought and focused back on the situation at hand. However, Grant merely stared at her and kept his hands in place.