Page 36 of Jace

In all his life, Jace had never felt so much pride for the physique he had been born with. Women went wild over his big muscles and blue eyes, but it never meant much to him before.

Now, with Susannah’s eyes caressing him, he felt a happiness so great he was certain he could radiate light like a star.

“I was born for battle against the most vicious enemies in the galaxy. I have fought forces that could level a city, and come out unscathed,” he told her. “Do you think I might be able to handle a little bad luck?”

Her eyes reached his and she nodded slowly.

“Then may I hold you, my mate?” he asked, his voice breaking with need.

Without another word, she flowed into his arms. She was small and soft, yet warm against his chest. Her scent was intoxicating, and he was instantly lost in sensation.

He pulled her closer still, and she made a tiny sound of need that seemed to reach into his soul.

“Susannah,” he murmured, sliding his hands into her hair. It was cool and so silky.

She nuzzled his chest, her warm breath sending waves of awareness through him.

The dragon was screaming with triumph, his joy a palpable thing.

Jace cupped Susannah’s cheek in his hand, tilting her head up so that they could gaze into each other’s eyes.

But hers fell to his lips, as if in invitation.

Unable to help himself, he lowered his mouth to hers, pausing for an instant to give her time to pull back if she wanted.

But she closed the distance and suddenly her soft lips were pressed to his.

He groaned against her mouth, putting everything he had into the kiss.

She whimpered, her lips parting slightly, and then their tongues were dancing intimately.

Jace had indulged in casual pleasures with females in his travels. It had never felt like this. He wanted to protect and shelter her, and tear her apart with pleasure, all at the same time.

Under his hands, Susannah was trembling.

“Do not be frightened, my mate,” he murmured to her, pulling back.

“I’m not frightened for myself,” she told him, her eyes hazing with wanting.

“I will not claim you tonight,” he promised her, as the dragon screamed in protest.

Her shoulders lowered slightly, as if in relief.

Then she was kissing him again, sending waterfalls of sensation through his blood.

He could feel her need as if it were his own, a living, writhing thing.

She whimpered against his lips, and he drew her down to lie beside him in the soft bedding.

Slow down, his conscience begged.

But he was already tugging at the stays on her purple gown, sliding it off her shoulders to reveal her beautiful breasts encased in the tiniest band of lace.

“I need to see,” he murmured.

She nodded to him, and he nearly wept with relief.

He ran his thumb down the slide, allowing the pink-tipped globes to spill out.

---