Page 15 of Fallen for the Two-Headed Dragon

With a sigh and a long-winded disclaimer about not having written in a while, Dana plopped into the chair.

“Seriously, it won’t even read the same once it’s done. You’re way better off waiting for the final product!” she huffed one last time before launching into the story.

The story was about a human detective and her dragon partner, a crime-solving duo who were the top of their line. In the middle of solving a murder mystery, the woman realized there was a connection between her and her partner that she hadn’t seen before.

As she read, her cheeks became red-hot. Obviously, she’d known the dragon part was inspired by her current roommate, but how had so much of herself seeped into this story? Dana squirmed in her chair, her arm hair rising, her eyes glancing up at Rathym’s stoic mask every few words. She felt raw, more bare than she’d been while standing naked in the steamy waterfall. More vulnerable than when she’d lain naked on the table.

Although his expression was devoid of any clues, she still felt his gaze scalding her just as it had in the spring.

“That’s all I’ve got so far.” She cleared her throat. “What do you think?”

“I find myself partial to Ramona and hope she will accept a dragon mate.” He stared at his untouched plate thoughtfully. His ochre-and-crimson irises snapped to hers. “You’ll continue to read me your progress over dinner. I must know how it ends, and if Ramona will accept his advances.”

His seriousness made her giggle, which transformed his frown into a glower.

“Okay, okay. I’ll read it to you every night.”

After dinner, they naturally navigated to the large smattering of blankets, where she rustled through her bag to remove her contacts. Rathym thoroughly inspected and medicated her ankle with his special cream. Then he brought her a teacup that smelled of spice, definitely different than the one he’d given her to help her sleep. She eyed it warily.

“It’s not more of your—erm—seed, is it?”

Rathym’s rumbling laughter caught her off guard. It sounded as rough as a gemstone chipped straight from the earth, like it was the first time he’d laughed in years. Like it had taken him by surprise as well.

“No. Merely a blend of spices meant to assist a speedy recovery. Your little stunt may have upset the healing process.”

She rolled her eyes. Of course he would think of that. Always hyper-aware of her safety.

Between the day’s excursion and her body reserving its energy for healing, Dana was exhausted. She leaned into his warm presence, his two heartbeats thumping rhythmically against her back, his scaled arm draped over her protectively.

As she hovered at the precipice of sleep, she felt him shift. The weight of his arm on her waist turned into a large claw that covered her body, cradling her, easing her into a comfortable sleep.

Chapter Ten

Rathym

The rise and fall of his human’s petite chest brought a sense of comfort he hadn’t known he was lacking. In her presence, Rathym’s could take a deep, invigorating inhale, relaxing into a state of contentment. Even her silence was beautiful, a balm to his spark.

He surveyed the room around them, wall to ceiling with riches. He scanned for an item that could possibly measure up to the admiration he felt for the treasure under his claw.

There was nothing. No item, no matter how valuable, could possibly hold a match to the inferno Dana lit within him. The blaze roared inside him constantly, begging to be set free, to turn into a destructive wildfire. Unbearable, undeniable heat, like the lava pit of his homeland, lived within his very core. Too hot for a mortal to withstand.

A dragon and human pairing was inconceivable. He would not have deigned to consider it mere weeks ago. Improper. Dishonorable. Foolish. But the woman under his claw had changed his mind on many things. Between her and his unrecognizable homeland, he now saw the truth: he was nothing but a resentful old man who needed to change. He would’ve never considered that possibility if she hadn’t fallen into his lair.

What scared him now was not that she would deny him, but that she would inevitably leave his side. He no longer possessed the cruel grit necessary to keep her against her will. It was true that he didn’t like his beloved things strewn about, but with her, it went beyond that. Even if her feelings were true, she still possessed a delicate human body. What if something happened, and he wasn’t quick enough to reach her? The spark of a human was easily snuffed out. Every day, humans died for seemingly no reason, dropping dead in the street or never waking from their bed.

Dana rustled against his palm. He downshifted to greet her, his lower half bare from sleeping in his full form and acutely aware of every brush of her skin. She stretched, her toes tickling his scales. Her slender frame arched against him, and he could not tear his hungry gaze from her body, the masterful work of art that was his greatest treasure.

“Good morning.” Her voice was husky with sleep. Her golden-brown eyes met his and she reached a dainty hand to cup his cheek.

All night, his mind had been filled with thoughts of only her, considering and discarding schemes to keep her in his life. Even his dreams were filled with his treasure’s luxurious sounds, movements, and touches. He leaned into her palm and wrapped an arm around her back to press her body against his. A little whimper escaped her ample lips, and he licked his own, his gaze locked on her mouth. He heard and felt her heart speed up, her gaze as defiant and undaunted as ever.

He dipped his chin without meaning to. Their lips met in a hesitant caress. He wanted to devour her, but he longed to do so slowly, so he took his time and pressed sweet kisses against her lips until she blossomed open. He pressed into her mouth with his forked tongue and greedily swallowed her sweet little whimpers. Her knees tightened together, the strong fragrance of her arousal singing to him from between her thighs.

Rathym retreated, enjoying the way she chased after him. But he wouldn’t rush. He wanted to worship her, but first he had to address his concerns.

“I am much older than you, my treasure. Compared to your lifespan, I am ancient.” He watched for her reaction.

“I’ve never met someone so worldly.”

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