LLLDragonWings Kindle (8 page)

Under the glare from the matron of the house, Rovik senior and junior behaved themselves. Rovik’s dad carved the capon and Rovik’s mom piled Emily’s plate high with food. Everything she ate was delicious, even though each dish was complemented with a citrusy flavor. It was nice to eat a dinner she didn’t have to cook, like she’d been doing for years in the McGuire’s household.

After apple pie was served, she helped Rovik’s mom clean the table and do the dishes, and then they joined Senior and Junior on the backyard patio, having after-dinner coffee. Rovik told his dad his purpose for the visit.

“The person you’re looking for is Sir Walsingham, that ancient coot. As my memory serves, he has been the record keeper since the Prince Regent era. He might be able to tell you about Emily’s lineage if she’s one of the wingless.”

“What is that?” she asked.

“It’s a term for dragonlings that no longer have the ability to shift,” Rovik explained. “This would explain why I thought you were a human when we first met. Usually dragon kin can easily detect one another with one look. We have some kind of built-in radar. Call it instinct.”

“That’s interesting.”

“Indeed,” Rovik’s dad chimed in. “I did think you were a Mundane when we met, but that would be unlikely if you’re truly my son’s mate.”

“Because dragons’ fated mates are always within its breed,” she said, remembering Rovik’s earlier explanation. “If it’s true, then my father should be a Schwarzen. Given there aren’t many Schwarzen left, tracking them should be easy, I suppose?”

“In theory, yes. However, Schwarzen are notoriously elusive. We’re hard to find if we wish to remain unnoticed.”

“So, where could I find this Sir Walsingham?” Rovik asked.

“He lives in Bangor, Maine. A chicken farmer, if you’re curious. Though, he ate most of them himself. Raw, feathered, and still clucking. That fellow has an unhealthy fondness for poultry.” Rovik’s dad and mom laughed together as if they were sharing some private joke.

“Maine?” Rovik’s expression darkened. “Maine is near Blutrot’s territory. What kind of dragon is he?”

“
Reinweiss
. He’s a librarian, a perfectly suitable occupation for a peace-loving fellow such as him.”

“Reinweiss?” Emily had to ask. She’d just realized there were many things she had yet to discover about her true lineage.

“White dragons. The least confrontational breed of our kin,” said Rovik’s dad.

“Or we like to call them the pussies,” added Rovik.

“Junior!” Rovik’s mom chastised. “Is that the kind of language you use in front of a lady?”

Rovik lifted both palms. “I apologize. Does Sir Walsingham have a number I could call?”

“I’m afraid I can’t recall it. He lives in a rural area. You must see him in person if you want to contact him. Walsingham lives under a rock and detests technology. However, I can take you to see him. It has been a long time since I paid him a visit.”

“Thanks, but I can manage it myself. Tracking people is my specialty.” Rovik clearly disliked the idea of a road trip with his father.

“Nonsense,” this time Rovik’s mom chimed in. “We can’t let you go gallivanting by yourself when the entire Blutrot clan is looking for you and Emily. Have your father go with you. It is for your own safety.”

“I don’t want trouble, Dad.” Rovik seemed to be trying to be diplomatic.

“I assure you, your father would not be trouble. Don’t be silly.”

“Dad has a store to run.”

“He has employees.”

“But—”

“Son, it is not up for discussion,” said Rovik’s mom with an air of finality. “I wish I could take some time off but I have classes to teach. It would be a good opportunity to have some quality father-son time, heaven knows how rare that is. I’ll book tickets for the earliest flight available.”

Rovik clearly disliked the idea, while Senior seemed to regret his offer to help his son. Perhaps he realized he’d be forced to act civil, when the two of them couldn’t stand being in the same room more than a minute—the nature of males Schwarzen.

Rovik tried to object, but when he saw his mother’s expression, he clammed up immediately. Well, what do you know?
Rovik’s mom is clearly the dragon in this household who reigns supreme,
Emily thought amusedly.

They moved inside to seek refuge in an air conditioned room. While Rovik and his mom were involved in a deep discussion, Senior put on Netflix and they watched a Korean action movie so violent that if the film went on for another thirty minutes, everybody in Korea would have been killed. After the movie was over, Rovik’s parents declared it was time to retire for the night.

For some reason, Emily was deeply intrigued by Rovik’s childhood bedroom. His mom said she had left it the way it was, staving off the urge to tear down the room and turn it into the extension of the kitchen. Rovik left Waco at eighteen to join the military. A recruitment poster for the Marine Corps hung on one wall, joined by several heavy metal bands. Somehow, it didn’t surprise her that Rovik was a Metallica fan.

For a hell-raiser, Rovik was a tidy guy. His bedroom had no clutter. Everything was organized just like his apartment in Manhattan. She ambled to his bookshelves and delightfully found his collection was alphabetically arranged. She was sure this wasn’t his mother’s doing. His pantry in Manhattan rivaled Martha Stewart’s. Rovik was a fan of Sun Tzu
Art of War
. He had several versions of them. Hamlet and King Lear were among the tomes. He also kept Oscar Wilde, Dumas, Poe, Murakami and surprisingly, Marquis de Sade.

She looked over her shoulder and leered at him. “Seriously, de Sade?”

Rovik shrugged nonchalantly. “Internet porn was rare when I grew up and I was curious.”

She laughed. “So you learned your smut from de Sade. Should I be worried?”

“My taste goes along the vanilla side, actually. Nothing kinky.”

“Right.”

“It’s true.” He leveled his head with hers and grinned mischievously. “Don’t tell me you actually
like
kinky stuff?”

She blushed. “I wouldn’t know.” He knew she had limited experience in the sex department.

Rovik planted a kiss on her lips. “Then, maybe we can find out together if our tastes run through the edgy side. Consider it as our adventure.” He straightened his tall posture. “Do you want to use the bathroom first? I need to take a shower. I’d forgotten how hot Waco is this time of the year.”

“I won’t be long. I want a shower too.”

“Go ahead.” Rovik groped her ass and squeezed it playfully.

Emily raised an eyebrow at him.

“What?” He played innocent. “I can’t touch you whenever I want? You’re mine, aren’t you?”

She sniffed and marched into the bathroom so he wouldn’t see she was at the verge of grinning too. It was absurd. She was actually pleased that Rovik openly declared his possession. She used to hate it when Norman did that.

Maybe because Rovik was her savior.

And she was his mate.

The longer she was with him, the harder she fell for him. She closed the bathroom door behind her and leaned against it. She put her hand on her chest, feeling the galloping thunder of her heartbeat.

Crazy. It had only been a few days since she first met him, and yet, she was giddy like a schoolgirl each time he paid special attention to her.

She sighed. And again, love had never made sense.

She undressed and folded her clothes neatly. Ran the water and showered. She was shampooing her hair when Rovik decided to join her in the cramped bathroom. He shed his clothes, socks and shoes and stepped into the shower. “Here, let me wash your back.”

She cleared the water from her eyes. “Why do I feel you have an ulterior motive other than just washing my back?”

“What? How could you say that?” His grin belied his words. Besides, his cock started to stir as he raked his gaze over her naked body.

“Uh-huh.” She knew this going to be a long shower.

Rovik grabbed the sponge from her hand and squirted a liberal amount of rose-scented soap. He gently scrubbed her back, lathering her with the suds. And of course, he helped himself along the way, groping her breasts and whispering dirty suggestions into her ear.

She laughed and pulled him under the shower head. They kissed—sloppy, wet kisses. Her heart raced as she found herself increasingly aroused. Before she met Rovik, she never was so easily turned on. But with him, she became horny when he looked at her for too long. Her nipples hardened. Her pussy clenched and creamed.

Rovik watched her as if he wanted to devour her in one bite. He skimmed her generous curves, causing electric thrills to spark at the base of her spine. He kissed her, full-mouthed, greedily. He groped her ass and pulled her closer. His cock throbbed between their naked flesh. He ground his pelvis against her belly, as if he wanted to let her know how much he needed her.

“Are you still tender?” he asked.

“Hmmh. Why do you ask?”

“I want you. But I don’t want to force you if you’re still uncomfortable.”

“Oh.” She smiled sweetly and ran her hands on his cock. It jumped, alive with just a touch. She squeezed and stroked him teasingly. He groaned aloud. “How do you know I’m uncomfortable?”

“Well, I haven’t exactly been a considerate gentleman for the past few days.”

“And what would a considerate gentleman usually do, may I ask?”

He laughed. Then groaned again when she tightened her hand around his shaft. “A gentleman doesn’t try to mount his lady at every chance he gets. But how can I resist you? I couldn’t help myself, Emily. You’re driving me insane.”

She wore a full-blown smile on her face. “No, you’re not a gentleman. You’re a dragon and that’s why I like you. Maybe, just maybe, I want you too.”

His eyes blazed with fire in an instant. “Just maybe?” His voice was small. “You’re killing me.”

She couldn’t help but laugh with him. “Kiss me.”

Rovik was too happy to grant her wish. His lips descended on hers in a blink, ravishing her mouth until she was about to pass out. She tore her lips from his, inhaling an urgent deep breath. She pushed him against the tiles and slid her hands upward.

He was a tall and broad-shouldered man. Experimentally, she took a long lick over his nipple. She tasted water mostly. But beneath it, she could differentiate the feral scent of him. His musk. The salt on his skin. And the combination of it drove her mad with need. She wanted him so badly.

“Say, Rovik,” she purred. “Are men’s nipples as sensitive as women’s? Does it do anything to you if I lick you like this?” She laved it once more with the flat of her tongue.

Actually, she could already guess his answer judging from the way his cock jumped. Oh, yes, Rovik junior
liked
that very much.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. He swallowed hard. “You have no idea, baby. I love everything you do to me.”

“Really?”

“My cock doesn’t lie.”

She snorted. “What would it be like if I give it a kiss?”

He grunted as if he was in pain. “Please. And you’d better not be teasing.”

“Ask me then.”

“Suck my cock, Emily.” His voice was guttural, laden with need.

“Mmm

She knelt, quite difficult to do in this tight space, but she managed. She pressed her lips on his cock. Hello. Intimate greeting. Rovik shuddered at the first contact. His cock was impossibly hard. She stroked it, once. Twice. Thrice. She took him within her mouth. His girth was intimidating at first. She had to stretch her jaw to accommodate him. She sucked. Rovik drew a sharp inhalation. His cock quivered. Creamy, salty flavor exploded in her mouth. She marveled at the taste. She liked it. She sucked again, trying to swallow him to the base. She couldn’t without gagging. Impossible.

“Easy,” he hissed. “Don’t force yourself.”

She took a deep breath and sucked him until the crown of his cock touched the back of her mouth.

“Like that baby, you’re doing good. Suck just like that,” he urged.

After a few tries, she found her rhythm. Rovik’s breath became uneven. Labored. She kneaded his balls as she fucked him with her mouth. She watched his eyes the entire time. His expression was priceless. At the moment, she felt empowered. She gave him pleasure. He was at her tender mercy.

His grunts became louder. His whole body tensed. Muscles corded on his jugular as if he was trying to hold off the impending rapture. His shaft became impossibly hard.

Suddenly, he stopped her. He panted deliriously. “No,” he whispered. “I don’t want to come yet.” Holding her face with both hands, he angled himself out of her mouth. Saliva dribbled from her lips and was quickly rinsed away by the water from the showerhead. “Get up,” he ordered.

She rose to her feet. Rovik pulled her close and kissed her senseless. He then backed her against the tiled wall and slipped a hand over her pussy. He stroked her curls before finding her entrance. She gasped when he pushed a finger inside. Her pussy gripped his digit, welcoming his intrusion.

“I love it when you’re hot and wet,” he declared.

So vulgar. And yet she liked his compliment. “Rovik…”

He thrust his finger until the pad of his palm mashed against her swollen nether lips. With his thumb, he rubbed her clit with such mastery that she was hot and bothered with the impending pleasure. Morsels of pleasure burst in her depths. Rovik curved his finger forward and hit her special spot.

“Rovik, I…”

She heaved heavy breaths and whipped her head backward, hitting the wall as an orgasm ambushed her. Red hot ecstasy hurled her toward the edge of oblivion.

But he didn’t stop.

He continued stroking her until the second orgasm came crashing on her. She surrendered as the climax hit her hard.

“Beautiful,” he praised.

She licked her lip, it provided him an invitation to kiss her ravenously. His mouth descended upon hers, and before long, she could only whimper her pleasure.

He tore his lips from her. “Turn around.”

Still dizzy from the effect of his kiss, she did what he asked. Her knees were weak. She would have crumpled to the tub floor if Rovik hadn’t wedged himself behind her.