About a Dragon (Dragon Kin #2)(86)

“I’m sorry I grabbed on to your tail.”

“And…”

Sighing, “And I’m sorry I harassed you about taking me flying.”

“Good.” Since Talaith was behind her daughter, she never saw the spoiled little brat stick her tongue out at him. “Now to your room.”

Practically frothing at the mouth, the girl stomped off. Talaith shook her head. “I’m sorry, Éibhear.”

“Not a problem.” No point in telling Talaith, a woman he adored, that she’d spawned a demon.

Talaith turned to go and that’s when she saw Briec. He used his arm to prop his head up.

“Lady Talaith. Is that what you’re wearing to dinner tonight?”

Talaith looked at her dressing gown. Clearly she’d just gotten out of the tub. Her hair, soaking wet, reached down her back in big curls and she hadn’t put shoes on.

“And exactly when did I start owing you an explanation for anything I do?”

“She’s got you there, brother.” The pair turned on him so fast, Gwenvael stumbled back against the window, almost falling out of it. “Don’t bother. I’ll accidentally hit myself in the head later.”

Muttering to herself, Talaith glared at Briec and left.

Growling, Briec jumped off the bed and followed.

Once the couple were gone, Éibhear headed back to the closet, but Gwenvael’s next words caused him to hit himself with the closet door.

“What I don’t understand is why everyone keeps hitting me.”

* * *

“Talaith, wait.”

“No.”

He caught up to her, grabbing her arm and turning her around. “Please.”

By the dark gods, did he actually say “please”? Ignore it, Talaith. Ignore it. “Why did you tell Izzy what you said to me?”

“To be quite honest, her timing was impeccable.”

“I know. She’d fallen out of the sky.” Talaith pointed an accusing finger. “That’s what you were trying to hide from me, wasn’t it? Her and Éibhear.”

“Talaith—”

“So what you said was merely to distract me. I should have known.” She tried to walk away again, but he yanked her to him, pinning her arms behind her back.

“I meant every word I said to you, Talaith, Daughter of Haldane. And don’t ever suggest again that I didn’t. I don’t say things lightly or merely to get someone into bed. I love you, Talaith. You might as well get used to it.”

“I don’t want to get used to it or you.”

“What are you so afraid of, little witch? Of losing your heart? Of falling in love with me?”

Falling? She’d fallen. Face first off the highest spire. But she’d dare not tell him. She dare not speak the words that would hand her heart over to this dragon for the next six or seven centuries.

“Let me go, dragon.”

He pulled her closer, leaning down a bit to let his lips brush against her forehead. “Why do you keep fighting me, Talaith? We both know you love me. Why won’t you admit it?”

“Is there ever a time you’re not an arrogant bastard?”

“Is there ever a time you’re not a difficult bitch?”

“No.”

“Then I guess that makes us perfectly matched, now doesn’t it?”

He grinned and she couldn’t help but smile back.

“Look at that smile. Now isn’t that a thing of beauty.”

She’d never had anyone say such things to her before. It thrilled her and made her uncomfortable all at the same time. She tried to turn her face away, but Briec wouldn’t let her.

“Look at me, Talaith.” She did, and he rewarded her with a soft kiss on her nose. “You are beautiful. And I’ll tell you that everyday if you let me.”

“Not sure I can handle that kind of pressure.”

“Guess you’ll have to learn,” he muttered as he kissed her cheek, then her jaw. “Stay with me, Talaith. Stay with me until our ancestors call us home.”

Sighing, even with her arms still pinned behind her back, she leaned into Briec, letting his mouth move slowly up her chin toward her lips. “That’s a very long time for both of us, Briec.”

“Aye. If we’re lucky.”

He kissed her, his mouth taking hers gently. Coaxing her to trust him, to allow him in to her life and become part of it as she let his tongue slide in and claim her mouth.

Briec released her arms, allowing her to reach up and wrap them around his neck, bury her hands in his hair. Not until her dragon had she realized exactly how pleasurable kissing could be, how wonderful.

Pulling out of their kiss, Briec’s lips traveled down to her neck. He bit her gently and she moaned.

“Let’s go to your room, Talaith. Let me show you how good we can be.”

Smiling, she managed the impossible and pushed him away. “No, dragon. I promised Annwyl I’d be at dinner tonight.”

“She’ll understand,” he growled, reaching for her again.

She moved away from him, walking backward toward her bedroom door. And Briec matched her pace for pace.

“No. We’ll go to dinner tonight.” She arrived at her door, her hand grasping the handle.