by Alicia Banks
“Me too. I can see by your CD collection we share a love for the same music.”
“Do we? Well that’s cool. Have you seen these guys in concert?”
“Only twice.”
“Yeah, I think I’ve seen them once or twice too. So, do you run in a lot of marathons?”
“Oh yeah, I do at least two or three times a year.”
“Wow, and you drink those protein shakes and get in shape at home for all of them?”
“I told you, I don’t like the gym, I like your gym. It’s more, homey. Is that a word?”
“That’s a word, and that was my goal. Make it personal and comfortable. People can’t relax and exercise if they’re not comfortable; they won’t push themselves.”
“I get that.”
“How long have you been running marathons?”
“I ran my first one when I was five.”
“Wow!” He showed genuine interest in her, and that made her relax. He was hot and rich, but he was easy to talk to. “Why did you run a marathon at five?”
“Because of my mom. She has muscular dystrophy.”
“Right, you said something about that the other day.”
“You remember?”
“I remember everything you said that day, and what you were wearing, how you twirled that orchid, right, orchid?” She nodded. “Between your fingers.” He smiled. “I now have that arrangement in my room. I took it. My mother was just going to toss it, but I couldn’t let that happen.”
“You have the arrangement in your room?”
“Yeah.” He laughed. “Sounds silly doesn’t it? A grown man putting a floral arrangement of orchids and daisies on his bedside table so it’s the first thing he sees when he wakes up and the last thing he sees when he goes to sleep.”
“Because of the woman?”
He laughed. “Because of a woman, but not the woman who it was made for, though she liked it. It’s because of the woman who convinced me to get it instead of boring red roses, the same woman I assume who made it.”
She nodded.
“So, what happened to the woman you had me make it for?” She didn’t really want to know, but she felt she had to ask, had to know if there was a competition for his affections, not that there had been any affections. She didn’t want to start anything if there was competition.
What was the saying? There were plenty of fish in the sea?
“I’ve never run in a marathon,” He changed the subject quickly. “Can I still sign up for this one?” His question took her by surprise, first he wanted to train her, now he wants to run with her? She guessed the dinner wasn’t a success.
“Yeah. I think so.” Sarai shrugged. “I can get you the information, if you really want to sign up.”
“Great, send me the information. I might just do that.” He flashed her a smile as they turned onto her street, “So, what else do you do besides work at the flower shop and run marathons?”
“That’s not enough?” she teased. “Those things keep me pretty busy.”
“I bet they do.”
“What about you? Other than the gym, what do you do?”
“I travel a bit.”
“You travel? Where have you been?”
“All over, I’ve gone to Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceana, even the arctic once.”
‘The arctic? Why did you go to the arctic?”
“I had a friend who went for an exploration trip. I was bored, so I tagged along. This was years ago. It was pretty fascinating.”
“Wow, I’ve never been anywhere.”
“If you could go anywhere, where would you go?”
“Paris!”
“They always say Paris,” he laughed. “You know, Scotland has richer history and is just as romantic. True, it doesn’t have an Eiffel tower, but there are hills and castles.”
“Is that where your family is originally from?”
“Yes. What is your last name, Sarai? Also, what kind of name is Sarai? It’s beautiful, but what is its origin?”
“My last name is Michelson, and I don’t know what my name means. Also, I’m adopted, Michelson is my mom’s name.”
“You’re adopted? That’s pretty cool.”
“My moms adopted me when I was a baby. I don’t remember my real parents.”
“Are you curious about them?”
“I don’t have time to be curious about them. I work hard and I help with my sick mother. My other mom can’t handle it all. It’s depressing watching her deteriorate, so we take shifts. There’s no cure, just medication to manage it. She’s been in a wheelchair my whole life.” A tear escaped her eye.
Alistair reached over to put his hand on hers in comfort. She turns hers over and they held hands for a few minutes while he maneuvered the car through the darkened silent streets.
“Excuse me.” He pulled his hand away. “I’m not usually one for touchy feely.”
“It’s fine. Thank you for being kind, and for listening.” She squeezed his hand in appreciation.
“Anytime. I might look like a brute, but I am a good listener. I’m there for people I care about. I care about you, Sarai, because you fascinate me.”
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she looked in to his eyes.
Oh my gosh, he’s so amazing.
“Ever since I met you, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. I have never met anyone like you before.” She could feel the affection in his voice he had for her and her cheeks heating up at the same time.
“You’re not afraid to be you, and you make no apologies for it.”
“My parents, my mothers, taught me to be proud of who I am. They said that someday that uniqueness will draw the right person in.”
“Your mothers sound very wise. I would love to see them.” He said thinking back about his dad. He loved his dad but it was too difficult to follow his rules and that dominating nature.
“Oh, they are.” He smiled as Sarai’s sweet voice entered his ears. He pulled up to the apartment. He parked the car and turned to her. She trembled, wondering what was going to happen next.
“I’ll walk you to your door. It’s the gentlemanly thing to do.” He got out and helped her out, then walked her to the door and she unlocked it. Sarai was getting under his skin. He wanted to tell her how badly he wanted to kiss her right now but he knew he had boundaries.
“Thank you for the workout and the smoothie.” She fiddled with her keys.
“No problem. Come back any time.” She turned and caught his eyes. Such beautiful and mesmerizing eyes. She failed resist the insanely hot man in front of her and leaned over to kiss him.
Chapter 6
Alistair
The kiss blew him away. The feel of her lips, soft and supple against his. Her little diamonds on the sides of her mouth gently scraped against his skin. It was strangely erotic. He could feel himself stirring. He could feel the dragon in him stirring. He growled against her lips. It was animalistic, but she didn’t seem to notice.
Sarai kissed him with a hunger and passion he had only ever wished to experience. Phoebe had never kissed him that way. She always gave him soft pecks on the cheek. Other girls he had been with had never kissed him that way, usually he had initiated the kisses. He liked the take charge attitude Sarai had. He liked everything about her, and he knew he should have pulled away before it went any further. He didn't know where it stood between him and Phoebe, but he didn’t want to. His dragon side was getting over him, it was difficult for him to stop himself, when the most beautiful woman with that sexy body was teasing his body.
He had been dreaming and thinking about this moment for weeks, and so he gave in. Consequences be damned. He would enjoy the moment while he had it.
She pulled away and giggled nervously. “If I shouldn’t have done that--”
“Stop talking,” he growled, and he took her into his arms and took over as he kissed her back with passion and desire. Alistair wanted her to know he wanted her just as much as she wanted
him. He forced her lips to part and his tongue darted into her mouth to explore it. She moaned against his lips and he pressed her against the closed door. She clung to him as she wrapped her arms tighter around him. Without thinking, he picked her up and carried her inside. He kicked the door shut behind him and she threw the deadbolt.
“Upstairs!” she whispered in his ear. Her invitation made his cock tingle and he smiled as he carried her up the stairs. She directed him to her room. He dropped her on the king size bed and pulled off his shirt. He was already panting with anticipation and he could feel himself growing hard. She was irresistible. He wanted to turn on a light so he could see her better, but he didn’t know where the switch was. He didn’t want to interrupt the moment by asking or by stumbling in the dark. He stood there, hands in hair catching his breath, then the dragon inside stirred and he stepped closer and he helped her with her shirt. She didn’t protest. He threw it on the ground.
“Do you want this?” he asked as he grabbed her leg and yanked off her shoe.
“Yes,” she purred, using her legs to pull him closer to her. “I have wanted this since the day you walked into my shop.”
He smiled. “I’ve wanted this since then too.” He took off her other shoe and then stopped and stared at her. She was so hot sitting there in her bra and leggings. He pulled off her sock and massaged her foot. She let out a little moan and he smiled. His strong hands massaged the muscles in her foot. Her foot felt so smooth and soft. He brought her foot to his mouth and kissed it. She wiggled and squirmed because his goatee tickled the bottom of her foot. He smiled and did it again. She pulled her foot away, so he grabbed the other one and pulled off the sock. He massaged it and she laid back against the bed and enjoyed his touch.
She reached over to her nightstand and turned on her radio. He smiled at the music. “Nice choice.”
He stopped to look at her again. “What are you thinking about?” she asked, not lifting her head.
“How beautiful you are,” he purred. “How ravishing you look and how much I just want to rip your clothes off of you.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled herself closer. “Why don’t you,” she challenged in a seductive tone.
“In a minute. I’m enjoying myself. Are you?”
“Mm hm.”
He smiled, leaned down, and kissed her. She wrapped herself around him and kissed him back. This time she parted her lips for him and his tongue darted in, dancing with her own. It tickled and teased the roof of her mouth and she shivered. He trailed hot kisses down her throat, working his way to her cleavage. His hands reached behind her and his fingers found the clasp to her bra. He kissed her as he worked it, cursing at how many clasps a sports bra had. At last, he pulled it off her arms and tossed it over his shoulder. She giggled again. She moaned when he took her nipple into his mouth and tasted her. She reached for him, but he pulled her hand away. It was his turn to explore her, she’d get her chance to explore him.
His tongue teased her nipple while his hand fondled and teased the other one, rolling it between his fingers. His other hand slid down her body. She shivered as his hand rubbed her over her clothes. He smiled. Her skin felt so soft and delicate beneath his hand. She looked mesmerizing in the moonlight. It tasted sweet and salty from the sweat. An intoxicating combination that sent his senses into a wild frenzy. He could feel the dragon inside stirring.
At last he slid his hands into the sides of her pants. She lifted her bottom as he slid her pants down and peeled them from her legs. He left her panties on for the moment as he kissed her thighs, her stomach, her chest, her neck, and her face. His hands roamed her body as his lips found her mouth again. She trembled beneath him in anticipation. His hand slipped down under the panties and found she was already wet for him. He stroked her, slipping his hand between her folds. She gasped when his fingers found that magical spot and her fingers raked his back. He didn’t seem to notice as he continued to touch, taste, and tease her body into submission. He peeled her underwear off and took in the sight of her in the moonlight, the beauty of her body lying there waiting in anticipation for him to take her and claim her. He was hungry for her, and as he explored her body, all thoughts of Phoebe escaped his mind.
Sarai was the woman he wanted, and he would fight to keep her if he had to, no matter who he had to fight. After all, he was a dragon shifter. Would he be able to do what he had to in order to keep Sarai? How far would he go? Did she feel the same way? Was this human worth betraying his kind? He had to make sure, because the consequences of these actions would be life changing. He stopped for a moment, lost in his head. Sarai sat up.
“Alistair? Is something wrong?”
“No,” he growled, pushing her back on the bed. “I’m just taking my time, enjoying myself.” Could she tell he was lying? If she could, she didn’t say anything as she lay back down. He shook his head and came back to the magical moment.
He climbed on top of her and continued to touch and tease her body. She shook and writhed with passion beneath him. He kissed her neck as he cupped her full breasts in his hands. She let out a moan and arched her back. Her body was fully awake and aroused, her nipples taut and hard. Her pussy was wet and waiting for him. He slipped his finger inside of her.
“You should know, this is my first time.” He paused.
“Your first time? You’re a virgin?”
“Yeah, is that a problem?”
He kissed her. “Not at all. I’ll go slow, but it may still hurt. It often does the first time. If it hurts too much, tell me, I’ll stop. I don’t want to hurt you.” She smiled at him. He kissed her again, this time pressing himself against her. She wrapped her arms around him. He still had his pants on, but if she thought it wasn’t fair, she didn’t say anything. She was lost in his embrace. She enjoyed his touch and his kisses.
He took his time enjoying and exploring every inch of her. He studied every inch of her as if committing it to memory. She was his captive, he had her trapped, but she didn’t fight him; instead, she begged for more. Time stood still for them as they were lost in each other. His mind had stilled; instead it was now filled with thoughts of her. He took in the way she smelled like flowers, though he couldn’t discern which ones; the way her skin felt warm and silky, the way she moved against him, as he continued to play with her. The way she tasted as he licked her salty skin. Then, when he licked her between the legs, she gasped. That encouraged him and he began to lick and kiss her there.
“So not fair!” she gasped as she arched her back.
“You’ll get your chance for pay back,” he mumbled against her warm flesh. “I have all night long.” He kissed her thighs and then her belly, her chest and went back to licking her.
“If you’re trying to make me orgasm before you come inside, keep it up.”
“Oh, I will,” he purred in her ear.
“Just don’t kiss me, I don’t want to know what I taste like.” She sounded grossed out. “And I hope you don’t expect me to suck on you, because I don’t do that.”
“Did I ask you to?” he purred in her ear again. “Do what you want to. Touch me and taste me as much or as little as you want to.” He went back to kissing her neck before he moved his head back down to her breasts and took one into his mouth while he fingered her. She moaned and panted, and he stroked her harder. She arched her back and stretched her legs. He rubbed her, finding that irresistible little spot at the top of her clitoris. He teased and pressed against it till she kicked and shook from the sensations that were shooting through her. He wanted to give her as many orgasms as he could before he entered her. It would help things along since she was a virgin. He wanted to give her pleasure before he gave her any pain. He licked and nibbled her lips making them puffy and irresistible. He tried to hold back from kissing her again, because she had said she didn’t want him to, but the passion and the desire took over, and his mouth found hers. She didn’t resist, giving in to the passion.
Chapter 7
&n
bsp; Sarai
Alistair's hot kisses left a trail of fire over her body. She had never felt anything like it. He was clearly experienced and knew what he was doing. He continued to ignite her body with passion and desire, till her mind was overwhelmed with hunger for him. He made her cum again and again. She had never imagined sex could be this magical. She didn’t want the night to end. She let him play with her a little longer, then she wanted her turn.
She pushed him off her. It was her turn to explore him. She got off the bed and he watched her with amusement. He allowed her to pull his shorts down, but was a bit surprised when she quickly pulled his boxers down with them. She giggled nervously, then she pushed him onto the bed. He sat down, intrigued by what she had in mind.
She straddled him, his cock rubbing against her pussy, but she wasn’t ready for sex. She wanted to feel his skin against hers. She pushed him back against the bed and explored his body. She trailed kisses, copying the way he had touched and teased her body. His skin was warm beneath her, and smooth, except for the perfectly trimmed goatee. She ran her hands down his chest scraping his flesh gently with her nails. The diamonds in her lips scraped, as she trailed hot kisses over his body. He laid there, her willing captive. He moaned and shook with passion beneath her. She could feel him harden against her, his shaft trapped between their bodies with no place to go. It curved up in a perfect arch. She reached down and took it in her hand. It wiggled as if it was alive on its own. She had never touched something so strange yet so alluring. Like the rest of him, it was silky and warm to the touch. The tip was wet. She rubbed it with her thumb, and he moaned.
She smiled. She liked the control she had. She liked being able to manipulate and feel this part of him. Though she couldn’t see it clearly in the dark, it was still fascinating to her, and Alistair seemed content to let her explore him. He laid back with his arms tucked behind his head, perfectly relaxed.
“It’s so big.”
