Dragon Fever: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant Read Free Book Online

psyche. It anchored him in a way that spoke to her, answering a plea she hadn’t realized she held.
    His arm wrapped tighter around her, drawing her into his warmth. She was suddenly cold. It was a bone-deep chill that she feared she might never shake.
    Because he’d made her think of the past, of her home where she had been deliriously happy. In a naïve, childish way she’d assumed life would always be so wonderful.
    Until it wasn’t.
    “Lass, talk to me.”
    She heard the worry in his words, heard the deepening of his voice. Unable to help herself, she lifted her face in order to see him. “I’m fine.”
    “You’re no’. What is it?”
    “You love your home.”
    There was a beat of silence before he said, “Aye.”
    “You’re lucky.”
    “Did you no’ love your home?”
    “I loved it with all my heart.” A picture of her parents and sister flashed in her head.
    He didn’t ask questions or push for an explanation. No, he did something even worse. He simply held her, letting her drift with her memories.
    What was wrong with her? What was it about Asher that kept her from her plan? Why did she allow his words and actions to push past her end goal?
    She knew what he was from her research about Dreagan and what little Sam had told her regarding those who lived there. She knew Asher wasn’t human, but a dragon in the guise of a handsome man.
    Sam had showed her how deceitful and devious the Kings were by hiding their true selves and using magic to keep humans from a large portion of the sixty thousand acres that was Dreagan. All the Dragon Kings were cunning, beautiful liars who had conned an entire race into believing they were as human as the rest of them.
    Sam also cautioned her that the Dragon Kings easily seduced women, but they could also turn on a dime and kill without hesitation. The seduction she believed, but the killing…? That she wasn’t so sure of. Sam hadn’t provided any proof of a King killing a mortal, and neither had her research.
    Perhaps that’s why she hadn’t felt any fear with Asher. Though she wasn’t sure why she didn’t pull away and put some distance between them. Why didn’t she feel the same revulsion for Asher as she had two days earlier?
    Rachel put her hands on the cold metal of the railing and drew in a shaky breath. Asher’s other hand came to rest atop hers. It was a simple gesture, but it rooted them to that spot, that very instant.
    Her gaze was on their hands even as he gently turned her to face him. His fingers brushed her chin. Slowly, her eyes rose to his. The hand he had on her back pulled her closer––and she didn’t resist. She wasn’t sure she could, even if she wanted.
    And she didn’t want to.
    Every nerve ending sizzled, crackled with excitement and…anticipation. She held her breath, unsure of what she felt or why she was experiencing it.
    Then his head lowered and she didn’t care. Their breaths billowed from their lips, mixing together before vanishing into the night.
    She gazed into his striking green eyes and saw the lights reflected in his depths. But more than that, she saw the hunger, the yearning within. Her stomach quivered at the tangible desire swirling between and around them.
    No longer did she feel even a hint of the cold. Every one of her senses was filled with Asher. And she…liked it.
    When his lips touched hers, something electric zapped through her, causing her to suck in a sharp breath in surprise. He pulled back enough to look at her. This was the time she should call it a night, walk away and regroup for the next day.
    Instead, she lifted her face to his. She had to experience more of him, to feel his kiss and know his taste.
    When his mouth claimed hers, his tongue slid along the seam of her lips. They parted for him, on their own accord, granting him access to do as he wished. His arms wrapped around her, holding her securely. With a sigh, she melted against him.
    She tasted the whisky on his tongue. The exotic taste