Page 87 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“There’s nothing lowly about you.”
“Your opinion’s likely biased.”
“It definitely is, but I’m still right. I’m glad you’re my mate. I must be honest. I didn’t want one.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. I guess I felt like I shouldn’t have been truly happy. Like I didn’t deserve a mate or something.”
“You have done nothing but serve your emperor loyally,” Tiri argued as he threaded a needle with a thick cord which he worked through the braid.
“My father didn’t.”
“His actions have nothing to do with you. He’s the only one who should pay for his betrayal.”
“I hate him, you know. I still worry that someday I’m going to turn evil or something.”
“I can’t believe you would ever do anything dishonorable.”
“Your opinion’s likely biased,” Zane repeated Tiri’s answer with a chuckle.
“Does your family know you harbor such thoughts?”
“We’ve talked about it over the years.”
“Do they fear you’ll harm them?”
“I doubt I’d be a duke if they did.”
Tiri picked up the second section he’d separated and crafted the teal plait Zane requested. “I know you’ll stay loyal.”
“You have very firm opinions.”
“I had to keep them to myself until I met you. Servants have no voice, but I couldn’t stop my mind from forming them.”
“I like your strong will.”
“I hope you won’t find me a trial.”
“Everything about you is refreshing.”
Tiri smiled at the back of Zane’s head. “You’re kind to me.”
“Tiri?”
“Yes?”
“You about done?”
“Are you calm enough to have sex with me now?”
Zane laughed heartily. “I guess I am.”
“Then I’m done,” Tiri told him as he patted his finished work. Seconds later, Zane turned around on the bed so they faced each other. Since Tiri was on his knees, for once he wasn’t staring up at Zane. Without any thought, he cupped Zane’s face in his hands and pressed their mouths together. The dragon wasted no time and coaxed Tiri into a deeper kiss by licking the seam of his lips. Once they were making out in earnest, he wrapped his arms around Tiri and dragged their bodies close.
That was all it took for Tiri’s dick to get hard. He moaned and threaded his fingers into Zane’s hair. In some corner of his brain, he expected them to immediately disrobe and have sex, but Zane seemed content to stay just as they were forever. As much as Tiri was looking forward to being divested of his virginal status, he could understand Zane’s state of mind. His limbs went languid as his desire multiplied, and he was gratified by the tight way he was being held.
Minutes—perhaps even hours—later, Zane put a sliver of space between them. “Do you want to take your tunic off?” he whispered in Tiri’s ear.
