Page 76 of The Dragon Recruit
She lifted her head and met his gaze again. “You say that, but you clearly underestimate my mother’s ability to observe or guilt-trip or quietly manipulate things to the way she likes. Not in an evil way, but still.”
“Then I look forward to the challenge. Maybe I should recruit her for Wicked security…”
“Don’t you even dare!”
He laughed. “I won’t, I promise. Now, how about you show us to our new home?”
Iris had been the one to suggest Antony stay with her. However, her heart still pounded as she led him out of the Protector building.
Her dragon spoke up.It’ll be fine. There’s always the extra bedroom, in case you need to kick him out of our room for a bit.
Antony’s voice prevented her from replying to her beast. “If you’ve changed your mind, Iris, that’s fine. I hear there are some young dragonmen with a spare room these days. MacAllister brothers, I believe.”
“How in the world do you know about Ian, Connor, and Jamie MacAllister needing a roommate?”
“Spy mastermind, remember?”
She rolled her eyes. “We’re going to have to set some rules going forward, aye? Lochguard is to be our home, so no spying, unless you think there’s a threat.”
He sobered. “I know, love. I learned about the MacAllister brothers after working with Emma and Logan. Logan moved out, and well, no one has moved in with them since.”
She softened. “Sorry. My mum put me on edge today. And whilst I’m glad she seems to approve, you still haven’t met my dad yet. Or, the rest of the clan.”
He took her hand, threaded his fingers through hers, and brought it to his mouth to kiss the back of her hand. The brief contact sent a little thrill through her.
Her dragon spoke up.We should skip dinner and eat alone with Antony. Maybe he’ll kiss us.
Soon, dragon. When it happens, it happens. I’m not planning anything.
Her beast sniffed.Well, I hope it happens before dinner, aye? I want him.
Antony squeezed her hand in his. “Is your dragon saying good things about me? About how handsome and strong and clever I am?”
She snorted. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
He tugged her off to the side, behind a tree, and gently pinned her against it. His hard, lean body against hers made her heart race and lips ache to kiss him. He lowered his head, nuzzled her cheek, and said, “I think she’s remembering my little strip show for you, love, and what happened after. Even now, I crave your taste and heat and the little sounds of your moans.”
His words shot straight between her thighs. “Antony.”
“I love the way you say my name, Iris.” He raised a hand to fondle her breast, and Iris arched into his touch. “I’m curious how it’ll sound when you come apart whilst I’m inside you.”
Her dragon hummed.Kiss him. Now.
Not until we’re somewhere private.
Then hurry!
Iris took Antony’s face in her hands and stroked his cheeks with her thumbs, loving the late-day stubble against her skin. “I want to kiss you, but not here. Last chance—are you willing to risk a mate-claim frenzy?”
“I’m ready, if you are.”
“Aye. Now, come on.”
She pushed against his chest. He stepped back, and Iris took his hand before nearly jogging down the pathway to her house.
Maybe she should wait until later, allowing Antony time to settle in, but seeing him again, holding him, and him interacting with her mother, made Iris want to kiss and finally claim him.
And if there was a mate-claim frenzy and a child? She was okay with that because Antony wouldn’t abandon her.
