Mikkay's lips curled back from her pointed teeth. Glaring at him, she pulled me aside and whispered, “Whatever choices you make about the Slayer, girl—don’t give him your heart.”
With a final nod, she marched from the room. The sound of her staff striking the stone floor could be heard for a long time after she was gone. I met Drake’s eyes, and his lips curved into his half-smile.
Before he could say anything, I said, “I don’t want to talk anymore.” I sighed, running my hands through my tangled hair. “All we’ve done is talk, and the only thing I’ve learned is that I shouldn’t believe anything anyone says.”
He nodded. “Fair enough.” And then his arms were around me. Warm. Strong. Comforting. Just the touch, the affection, made me want to weep. How I needed someone to lean on! Someone to share this burden with me. I should have pulled away—especially after Mikkay’s warning—but I leaned my head on his chest instead. Beneath my cheek, his heart thudded. My arms snaked around him and soon I was embracing him tightly. He didn’t mention it. His breath stirred my hair, and his fingers circled over my back. Not demanding, just giving. How long had it been since I had felt such a touch? It seemed like a century ago.
I don’t know how long we stood there, but it was too soon when Drake pulled back. Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, he murmured, “You should get some rest. You look exhausted.”
I nodded. I was exhausted. But what I wanted more than sleep was to forget—to forget for a moment who I was . . .and who Drake was. I looked up, staring into the honeyed depths of his eyes. He gazed down at me, and for once I thought I might have seen the scarred dragon beneath the dragonslayer veneer. The vulnerability. The need. And before I could rethink my rash decision, I pulled his mouth to mine.
I tasted his surprise. And his pleasure. It was just the faintest brush of lips at first, and then with a growl that shivered through my veins, Drake increased the pressure. His tongue slipped into my mouth and tangled with mine. Moaning, I arced my body into his. I nipped his lips. I thrilled at his gasp, his hungry groan. My hands traveled over his back, tracing the hard ridges of his muscles. His hands mimicked the movement, but dipped lower still, gripping my buttocks, grinding me into the evidence of his arousal.
Want flamed in my veins with an intensity that frightened me. Stars, how I wanted Drake! No—more than wanted—I needed him. I broke the kiss, intending to ask him to join me in my chamber, when Mikkay’s warning echoed in my head: Don’t give him your heart. And I knew, without a doubt, that if I took Drake to my bed I would end up loving him. I jerked free of his arms, backpedaling until a chair stood between us. I gripped the backrest until my knuckles turned white.
Drake, eyes blazing like the sun, took a step toward me. Confusion wrinkled his forehead. “Jade—“
“Don’t,” I rasped. “Please don’t, Drake.”
Pain iced his features. His eyes turned cold. “You’re going to let that old snake’s words keep you from me, Jade? Keep you from the little happiness that could comfort you in this dark time?”
Tears welled in my eyes. I didn’t reply.
He cursed, but then his half-smile pulled at his mouth. “Don’t worry about giving me your heart, Jade,” he said. “Because I gave you mine first.” Turning on heel, he left.
The tears flowed freely.
Ok, so maybe it isn't such a quiet moment. But at least it's a break from all the dialogue going on. :)
....sigh....
ReplyDeleteOh, Drake, how I've missed you. :)
Apparently Jade has missed him, too. :)
ReplyDelete