by Maia Star
At that moment, the server comes back with the pizza I ordered and places the pizza in the middle of the table, placing paper plates in front of both of us. “One large pepperoni pizza with spinach and green peppers. Anything else for you two?” He looks between us. “No? Okay. Just holler if you need me.”
Once he’s gone, Scarlet reaches for a slice, stuffing it in her mouth, staring off into the distance. “Damn you for getting my favorite pizza,” she says with her mouth full.
I chuckle and grab a piece for myself. “Scar, I left you four years ago because I wasn’t ready to settle down yet. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to find my ma—uh, my girlfriend just yet. I was stupidly young, ready to party and see the world. There wasn’t much room for anything to tie me down.” I meet her gaze. A piece of cheese is stuck on her lips, so I point at it. “You got some cheese there...yeah...no, no, right...yeah, you got it. Point is, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for you back then. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to have a wife or a kid or whatever.” She stiffens at that, making me raise my brow. “But that’s all changed now. I’m ready to settle down. With you.”
She chokes on a piece of the pizza slice she’s devouring, but before I can help, she gulps it down and takes a deep breath. “Well, I’m not sure if that’s what I want right now.”
My breath is hot as I lean forward and scarf down my slice. “Then let me prove to you I’m different now. I’m stable. I’m ready to start seeing you permanently.” When she doesn’t seem convinced by that, I take it up a notch. “For the last four years, every woman I’ve met never compared to you. I haven’t been able to stop wondering where you were, how you were doing.”
She frowns. “Wow, so you think telling you’ve slept with a bunch of women since the last time we saw each other will impress me? Are you insane?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Then what is it that you meant? I’m dying to know.”
I’m reaching forward to grab the last slice of pizza. Neither of us has ever been known to eat slowly. Her hand darts forward too at the same time, laying on top of mine. I bare my teeth in a grin as I stare into her eyes. This will be an uphill battle to get her to open up to me again. If I want to settle down with her, I need to show her I’m better...and that I’m a dragon shifter. “Look, you and I are both smarter than this. We both know one night won’t just change everything. I can’t just prove it by wooing you with sweet words. It’ll take time. There are steps.”
She shakes her head, though I assume more out of frustration and disagreement.
“How about you walk with me to my place? It’ll give us some more time to talk rather than just leaving things like this. Besides, you’re a beautiful woman. I’d rather you not walk through downtown this late by yourself.
Staring at me, she slowly retracts her hand and stands. “I’m going to pee. Be right back.”
I blink. “Is that a yes?”
She doesn’t answer, leaving me to slump back in my chair. I grab the last slice of pizza before walking inside to pay for the meal. By the time I’m back at the table, Scarlet is waiting for me, eyes suspicious, arms still crossed. “I thought you left me again.”
“Give me a break, Scar. Someone’s got to pay for the pizza.”
Rolling her eyes, she beckons me to follow her. “So, are we walking or not?”
Once we’re on the sidewalk, we march on in silence for a few minutes. I’m not sure what to say, which is odd for me. She doesn’t seem to know what else to say either.
“Did you mean it?” she suddenly asks.
“Mean what? That I paid for the pizza?”
“No. That you’ve changed. Have you really?”
I smile. “I guess that’s for you to decide, huh? I mean, I certainly think I have, but my opinion doesn’t matter right now.”
Another beat of silence.
“You’re going to love San Francisco,” I say to fill the void. “Seriously. Sure, have we had the odd kidnapping or dragon fight over the last few years? Yeah. But! San Francisco’s been quiet and peaceful for a long time now. The city’s getting better, and now I know I’ll never leave since you’re here.”
Scarlet’s expression relaxes at my words. It even looks like a hint of a smile is on her face.
I grab her sleeve and pulls me to a stop. “Here’s my apartment.”
She stops and look up at the building. It looks cozy and inviting on this slanted street.
Scarlet turns to walk up the steps, but I spin her around and kiss her on the lips.
Instantly, she pulls back and slaps me across the face. She huffs and puffs, but after another heartbeat, she pulls me back and makes out with me.
Without another word, we begin climbing the stairs, careful not to trip as we kiss each other.
Chapter Five
Scarlet
Once we shut the door behind us, Arthur is on me like a wild animal. He kisses my skin like there’s no tomorrow and bites my neck as I reach up and dig my fingers into his shoulders. My face scrunches up in the dark and I let out audible gasps from his touch.
Back at the pizza place, I was smart enough to call Cindy when I went to the bathroom and let her know I was going back with Arthur. I didn’t know how long I would be, after all.
His kisses are hot and steamy, his teeth sharp and hard. He grips onto me as if I’ll vanish if he doesn’t, smothering me in his presence, in his scent. The fresh, sweet smell of oranges linger around his collar, which helps me relax. But that didn’t get rid of the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Arthur’s lips on my skin are a mistake. His hands searching my curves, his fingertips brushing my skin, are mistakes. The fact that he is smothering me in his lust is definitely a mistake. If he is planning on leaving me again after this, then that makes me a fool. A romantic, hopeful idiot. Because I want to believe he’s changed. My body and heart can’t resist him. Our bodies, pressed together, ready to connect in ways they haven’t in four years, is too alluring to pass up.
Besides, what if Arthur really has changed? What if this is the start of something so much more?
I kiss him wildly, madly, until I pull back and shake my head. He doesn’t seem to notice, so instead, he steps away and pulls off his shirt, revealing the toned muscles underneath. His six-pack is a marvel to look at, and I cross my arms and grin, looking him up and down, forgetting my momentary doubts.
He matches my smile. “Like what you see?” He begins to pose, flexing his biceps, stretching like Superman. I laugh. I forgot how corny he was when it came to sex. “The going rate is five kisses per touch. You want to feel how hard these muscles are? Then keep planting those sweet lips of yours on me.”
“Idiot!” I say, laughing. “That’s a steal!” Gripping the bottom of my dress, I wink at him. “I guess it’s my turn now?”
“Well, if we ever want to get to the good part, then I’d say...yes, definitely.”
I can’t stop laughing as I undress, throwing my dress on the ground and unhooking my bra. Arthur rubs his chin like a sage, looking at me as if he’s analyzing a great statue. “Perfection…” he mutters, strutting around me.
I don’t stop and pull off my panties, too, kicking off my heels. Soon enough, I put my hands on my hips and raise a brow at him, stark naked in the dark apartment. “Well? Are you going to join me or not?”
It’s his turn to chuckle as he strips off his remaining clothes. I’m feeling guilty as I watch him, remembering how he’s seen scores of other women since me. I’ve barely seen any men, and even the ones I did kind of date, I only went out for food with. I never went this far. Yet it still feels like something’s wrong here. As if neither of us should be with each other right now.
It gets to the point where I have to wrap my arms around my chest, my shyness coming through. I’m glad the window blinds are completely down, or else I would be freaking out at the possibility someone could see us like this.
Before long, Arthur glides over to me, his body almost glowing i
n the dark. I think I hear him growling. I remember hearing the same affectation four years ago. Maybe he thinks the growling makes him sound cooler, kind of like a shifter would. It’s a bit dorkish, but it’s cute, and luckily for him, it kind of works. Though, if he were a real shifter, my feelings could change on that.
Kissing me once again, his arms snake down to rope under my thighs, hoisting me up in the air. My arms come up quickly to wrap around his neck. I realize how hot his skin is. And his breath is even hotter, nearly steaming up the air.
He pushes his hips to mine, and I can feel him hard, rubbing against me. I bite my lips and stare into his green eyes.
“Ready?” he asks, his voice strained. “Once we start, I won’t be able to hold back.”
I smile. “Sure. Go for it.”
Then he’s inside me, and I’m screaming out a curse. I’ve forgotten how sex feels. My mind goes blank as he moves up and down and bounces me on his hips. His hands hold my butt firmly, keeping me from slipping down.
Pressing my face into his sweaty shoulder, my shouts are muffled. He goes faster and faster, almost ignoring my screams. I don’t want to say it’s too much, but Arthur isn’t holding back. He’s turning my insides to jelly and my mind to mush.
I’ve dreamed of a moment like this before, where I was with Arthur, and we went at it for what seemed like an eternity. I always dreamed that he would be rough, but in reality, he was twice that. It’s like the only thing on his mind is to destroy my body.
He wasn’t this dominating four years ago, though I can’t say I dislike it right now.
A steady stream of “fuck” and “ugh” are tumbling out of his mouth now as he continues to ramp up the pace. It’s gotten to the point where I’m straining so much from the pleasure, I can barely speak, let alone shout in ecstasy. He’s getting stiffer with every move, and I can feel him wanting to explode.
Just before he does, he lifts me higher and tosses me on the couch. I fumble, gripping at the pillows to right myself.
He stands over me, staring down at me. “Not yet,” he says again, kneeling and prying my legs apart, pulling my butt over the edge of the couch. At first, I’m unsure of what he’s going for since my mind is still a bit muddy, but then he sticks his head between my legs and my whole world goes wild again. I scrunch up at the feeling of his tongue and arch my back, my thighs locking tight around the back of his head. His hands hold mine and I lose all sense of self as he goes and goes and goes. I forget where I am, where half my body is hanging off of. I feel like Arthur is a powerful beast having his way with me.
Soon enough, I start feeling my excitement build. I go stiff, my moans ceasing. Arthur must sense my imminent explosion too because he leans back and grins up at me. I claw at his head, trying to get him to finish me off. The edging is excruciating.
Instead, he stands up and lifts my butt, and we’re connected once more.
His skin slaps hard against mine, and my mind melds into nothing once again. Soon enough, we’re both stiffening and clamping down on each other. Arthur goes slower, lets out a growl, and explodes at the same time I do. Heat takes over my body.
I must have passed out immediately after because the next thing I know, I’m lying on the couch while Arthur is spread out on his back on the floor. We’re breathing heavily, fatigued. I almost think I see him breathe a bit of fire, but I know that’s probably just my vision screwing up at the moment.
His head rolls over and his eyes sparkle as they catch mine. He starts laughing hysterically. It’s contagious, so I quickly follow suit.
This is nice, I think. Just like four years ago, I can see us doing this every night. We have so much fun together...but the longer I stare at him, the more that laugh fades. This isn’t four years ago. I have a son now. I’ve moved on...haven’t I? Well, at least I’m close.
Staring down at his boyish smile and dimples now, I can’t help but wonder if this is the last moment we’ll share together. It was a miracle we matched together on Fiery Hearts. Miracles don’t happen twice.
“Like old times, eh?” he says casually, cracking his neck on the floor.
I roll over to my stomach, which takes a lot of effort. “I guess.”
“So, what now?” He blinks up at me. “Want to go again? I remember that month we spent together, you were so energetic. It was almost too much for me!”
Staying silent, I stare deep into his eyes, seeing Kai in him. Is now a good time to tell him about Kai? Should I tell him?
A frown forms on his beautiful face and he turns on his side, lifting his head with his palm, staring back at me. “I don’t like that look on your face, Scar.”
All my desire, my lust, is gone, and even my hopeful love is dwindling. I just can’t shake the memory of him leaving me. Did I think sleeping with him would change everything, or anything at all? Sex is sex. As fun as it is, I have more important things to worry about now, and I can’t afford to have someone as shaky as Arthur as a support in my life. Or for Kai’s. What if I tell him about Kai now, and down the line, after Kai gets used to having his dad around, his dad suddenly abandons him?
I can’t risk that. It was painful enough for me, but I won’t let my son feel that way. Ever.
“I think it’s time for me to go, Arthur.”
He blinks. “What?”
Rolling my eyes, I smile softly at him. “It’s late. I need to get up early for work. This was...fun. But let’s just end it here.”
Rising to my feet, I stumble around collecting my clothes. My legs are on fire, exhausted. Arthur quickly climbs to his feet and follows me around. “Are you sure? You can sleep over. I’ll make you breakfast in the morning.”
I shoot him a look, and he stops, sighing. Slowly, he turns to pick up his clothes, putting them on. “Fine. I won’t push you. But let’s meet up again, okay?”
When I don’t answer, he stays silent. Without another word, I leaves. I call up Cindy, telling her I’ll be back soon.
My mind keeps going back to the moment Arthur left me four years ago. Will it ever stop being brought up?
Sitting in the back of an Uber, I watch as Arthur’s building disappears from sight. Without warning, I begin to cry. My tears won’t stop, and I’m bawling.
Chapter Six
Arthur
I’m not able to sleep all night. How can I, after being told to leave like that? I never expected Scarlet to put her foot down like that, to show me the door after some quick fun. We were barely together for more than a few hours, and yet it felt like forever again. That’s how it always felt with her.
I had thought she would come back to me. But it’s just not going to be easy.
So I pace in my apartment. There’s barely anything else I can do while I wait for the sun to rise. Scarlet is an early riser now for work. I’ll use that chance to call her.
The wait is excruciating. Every minute feels like an hour. Will it ever be dawn? My inner dragon forces me to rush up the stairs to the roof, where I perch on the edge of the building and whip out my phone, bringing up the app. There’s a feature that allows for users to call each other after they’ve been matched for a day. My thumb hovers over the button while I watch the horizon.
I’m sure I must look crazy to anyone who sees me, but I don’t care. Other people can think whatever they want. I’m here because I’m ready to settle down, and if I don’t settle down with Scarlet, I don’t think I’ll ever get to. No one else compares to her. This is my second chance.
Besides, I’ve realized over the years that I want to have kids with her. I want my own little dragon babies. The actual number of kids doesn’t matter to me. I’ll be happy with one kid, or ten. It’ll depend on Scarlet.
The universe has decided to give me a second chance. There’s no way I can screw this up again, or it’s all over for me.
My body is tense from barely moving. My thumb is shaking. Glancing up at the horizon, I see the sun barely peeking up, some yellow light beginning to overtake the deep, dark blue of
the night sky. Street lights are beginning to turn off, one by one. Commuters are stepping out of their houses and apartment buildings, yawning, with a fresh cup of steaming coffee in their hands. Early morning joggers are already out, racing by. Night owls are clambering down the streets, aiming to get back home without tripping over their drunk selves.
Now. Now’s a good time.
Pressing the call button, I bring the phone up to my ear and listen to the ringing. I breathe slowly, feeling my inner dragon rumbling around inside. Every ring makes my mind go crazy.
Just pick up. Just pick up. Just pick up.
But the call ends without letting me even leave a voicemail.
“Damn it,” I mutter, pressing the call button again.
Again, I sit patiently, waiting for her to pick up, but the call ends without a peep from the other end. Frantically, I call again, this time more worried that I called way too early. On the fourth call, I start to feel like something is preventing her from coming to the phone. On the fifth, she answers.
“Hello?” Scarlet says, her voice groggy on the other end.
“Scarlet, are you all right? Is there anything wrong?”
“Huh? No—”
“Because if there is, I can come over. You can rely on me. Or, maybe you just woke up?”
“Uh, yeah I—”
“Damn, sorry about that. Look, I know you may not be feeling the greatest about meeting me again. But I need to tell you something. I’m so glad we happened to match on that app. What I said about me being ready to settle down, it’s all true. I’m ready for you. I want a long-term relationship. Hell, I even want to have kids with you! So I want to go out with you again. I’m sure you’ll come around if we keep seeing each other. I can prove to you I’m exactly who I say I am.”
In the background of her phone, I think I hear some mumbling...but it sounds like a child’s voice. “Hello? Scar? Are you crying?”
“What? No! That’s just...oh, Arthur it’s too early for this.” She grumbles something offhandedly. It almost sounds like she’s telling someone to go away. My jealousy is beginning to take over my mind. “How did you even get my number?”
