Series: Willow Winters
Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 60207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
I’m surprised by how gentle Drago’s touch has been. More so by how at peace I seem to be in his presence. I barely tense when he approaches, and it’s been a long while since the sight of a man hasn’t given me shivers.
This isn’t what I expected. I don’t understand any of it, not his treatment of me nor my response to him. Except for the fact that I am so very tired of fighting, and he’s the opposite of what I’ve been told of dragons and what I know of shifters and supernaturals.
I’ve grown up watching those with powers torment humans for fun and take them as slaves or worse. Witches are especially horrid. Truth be told, I never thought I’d live very long. I can’t even say I was surprised when I was taken. I was almost relieved that it would end sooner rather than later. Like my time had come and I no longer had to wait around watching over my shoulder and not trusting a soul.
I hadn’t anticipated living through it. I never thought I’d be at the mercy of someone who says they want to help me.
That cold shiver travels down my spine and my shoulders shudder at the thought. I don’t trust him. I don’t trust that he really wants to help me. My forehead pinches, and I rub the line trying to ease the small headache radiating and growing at my temples. If he had wanted to hurt me, he would’ve done it by now. I bite the inside of my cheek. I just don’t know how much to believe.
My reaction to him, the desire that overwhelms me, and the serenity that promises I can rest…it’s proof enough he must’ve drugged me or cast a spell, or he’s done something that has clouded my mind and judgment.
He is no hero. No one is ever coming to save me. That’s a fact I’ve known for as long as I can remember. I do not believe a word he says and yet, I have to remind myself of that because my body begs to bow to his.
Drago doesn’t give me a knight in shining armor vibe. Instead, he’s a dark knight. The thought makes me close my eyes and try to repress a moan. Him ripping my dress off heats my blood in a way I’ve never experienced.
He’s quiet as he heads back to the bathroom, his footsteps foreboding, and I steady my breath as I do what he said and simply lay here, in the comfort of luxury like I’ve never known. My eyes threaten to close and instantly the vision of his carved muscle in leather pants flashes before me. My eyes whip open and my heart races.
And oddly enough, there’s disappointment when he’s not here. The sound of him cleaning up in the bathroom tells me all I need to know, and I turn slightly and bury my head into the soft welcoming pillow.
It smells like him and I breathe it in deeply. Once again envisioning him.
It’s like they’re designed to seduce. Dominance and power exude from his dark, intense features. Yet his touch is soothing, and I find myself craving more.
I swallow thickly, reminding myself that they all lie. I need to be strong and keep my guard up. If he’s working with Victor, then I need to get the hell out the first chance I get. Just the thought of Victor turns that heat of desire into ice. Anger simmers once again and that feels normal; it feels right. I’m disgusted that I feel the least bit attracted to someone who’s willing to work with that vile prick.
“On your stomach.” His low baritone voice rumbles with approval and I peer up to see his sharp silver gaze. It’s nearly mesmerizing and the concoction of emotion is a drug that seeps into my blood. As I start to turn, his hand moves toward me but he stops himself and adds “No towel. I need to see you.” My gaze shifts to a bottle in his hand and I imagine it’s something for the wounds.
I slowly pull back the towel and expose myself to him, embarrassment and fear return but I do as I’m told. My fingers graze my ribs and I instantly feel self-conscious. I haven’t eaten in days—maybe two or three? I dare a glance up at him and his silver irises flash, it’s enough to make me move as quickly as I can.
My body trembles slightly and I have to force myself to stop.
“It’s all right my pet,” he murmurs, and I brace myself for what’s to come.
The fear and desire, the hope and the exhaustion, all combine as I close my eyes and wait.
“Once I’ve taken care of these, I’ll go get you something to eat.” He speaks evenly and lowly, just above his breath, as he hovers over my naked body. I moan into the bed just thinking about food and then stiffen as I feel his hands on my back. His palm presses lightly at the small of my back while the other moves my hair off my shoulders. My nipples pebble and my thighs clench slightly, adding to my embarrassment. My throat goes dry, and I can’t close my eyes any longer as his heated touch slips down my spine.