Her cheeks heated. “A little.”
“I have lube. Got some when I visited the restrooms in the main building. Figured a new source of condoms wouldn’t hurt, especially since we had the first one conk out on us.” He grabbed a package off the right nightstand. “And since you keep disobeying me, I intend to blindfold you.”
Color her intrigued. “Are you going kinky on me?”
“We can do whatever we want.” He ended their conversation with a kiss that stole her breath and dulled her active brain. All she could focus on was the erotic duel of his tongue with hers and the shudder of helpless delight holding her in thrall.
He pulled back. “I happen to enjoy giving my lover pleasure.”
“But it’s still my turn. Let me taste you.”
“I’d like to do that too, but not if you’re sore. I need control.”
Her tongue darted out to swipe her bottom lip.
He sucked in a quick breath, and she heard his now familiar yet strange rumbly purr. “Enough of that provocative behavior, Miss Miller-Pope.”
She looped her arms around his neck and grinned.
Hone rose to dig around in his bag. He came out with a navy-blue scarf.
Some of her good mood faded. “Do you travel with blindfolds?”
“I packed it when you weren’t paying attention.”
“Oh.”
“Cassie, look at me.” When she did, his gaze that reddish-brown glow. “It’s true I’ve had other women. I like women, but right now, you have my full attention. I’m here with you because that’s what I want. Okay?”
“Okay,” she whispered, cursing herself. Stupid insecurities.
“You still want me to put on the blindfold?”
“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate this time. She trusted Hone. He wouldn’t hurt her physically, not intentionally.
He sat on the edge of the bed, swept the hair from her face. His lids rested at half-mast and his lips curved in a faint grin. Her insides clenched, a spear of desire darting through her sex. She knew what awaited her and couldn’t wait to experience his controlled passion again.
“I like your hair loose.” He smoothed his hand over her hair and tucked a strand behind her ear. “Ready?”
“Ready.” Her mouth dried. Silly, really. They’d made love three times throughout the night, each time heat-pumping good.
With quick competency, he tied the scarf in place. A pent-up breath whooshed from her, and she started when his whiskers rasped across the delicate skin of her neck.
“I want you on all fours. You okay with that?”
“Position me,” she said, her pulse racing a little faster. Sex with Keven had been quick vanilla stuff in the missionary position. This—Hone—kept her off-balance.
He guided her into place. “You’re beautiful. Sexy.” His hand ran over one buttock without warning, and she let out a nervous laugh. “Widen your stance. Yep, perfect.”
The mattress shifted and warm air blew down her slit. The action repeated and then his tongue licked and circled her nub. Sensations coursed to life. Her hips jolted, but Hone gripped them, forcing her to stillness.
“Not yet,” he said.
She jumped at the sting on her right buttock. “Hey.”
“Do as you’re told.” His gruff voice lit a flame inside her and expectation, anticipation, had her pulse racing, her breathing hitching. With her sight shrouded, every other sense overloaded her with information. She could smell his aftershave, hear her hoarse breathing while her pussy pulsed and craved friction.
He licked her again, keeping each stroke gentle against her tender flesh. She sighed and relaxed as much as she could to enjoy his attentions. Another lick teased her. She waited for more and nothing happened. Her throat worked, and she groaned.
“Easy, sweetheart. Just getting the lube.”
A rustle sounded, the crackle of plastic and a sharp creak. The thumbing open of a lid?
Without warning, coldness struck her sex. She started, and Hone chuckled.
“I should have warned you, but I wanted to see you jump.”
“Funny.”
The second application didn’t feel so bad. The lube heated from her body and the coolness eased her swollen flesh.
“I’m putting on a condom now, hopefully one that won’t bust. Date’s good. Nah, we’re good.”
“Pleased to hear it,” Cassie said in a tart tone.
He laughed in that infectious way of his, the one where his entire face lit up, sometimes with that weird red glow in his stare. No idea what that was, but she’d already deduced if she saw that gleam, emotion had come to the fore.
Hands smoothed over her buttocks, the point of contact igniting lust in a big way. Condom. Contact. All engines go.
His cock prodded her entrance and pushed inside her. She winced and forced herself to relax. She hurt, but she wanted him so much.
As he pushed deeper, his finger glided over her clit. Instantly, pleasure pushed to the fore, desire and need. The warmth from his chest as he leaned against her, his cock fully embedded. Heaven.
He continued to move with slow, even strokes. It was magical. It was mesmerizing. It was stunningly beautiful the way he took his time. The man played her like a maestro, then upped the tension until she exploded with the ecstasy, with the joy and bliss of the moment. And as she toppled into orgasm, he increased his pace, driving into her now, flesh slapping flesh until his cock contracted and he reached his own completion.
Hone stilled, deep in her body. “I don’t know if I can move. You’ve worn me out.”
Cassie snorted a laugh. “Not you. You’re insatiable.”
He separated their bodies, and she mourned the loss of contact. “Be back soon.”
Cassie waited a second, then tugged off her blindfold to stare after him. She wasn’t stupid enough to miss the view.
His tattoo drew her attention. She blinked, sure she was seeing things. The dragon. She clapped her hand over her mouth before she made a fool of herself.
She could have sworn the dragon had been ready to leap from Hone’s skin, its red eyes flaring full of fiery life.
Now…now it appeared as if it were asleep.
The water turned on and switched off. Hone wandered from the en suite with a washcloth in his hand, a big yawn splitting his face. He stilled on seeing her. “Something wrong?”
“No, but you’re going to start me yawning soon. Someone kept me awake all night.”
His grin told her that hadn’t been a problem for him. “Spread your legs for me.”
“Hone.”
“Love the way you blush. Go on, babe. I’ve seen you now. Don’t try to hide from me.”
When she hesitated, he pushed her gently, so she fell against the pillows and used his free hand to tug her legs apart. She sighed as the warm cloth hit her swollen tissues and sighed again as the heat eased the lingering sting.
That done, he tossed the cloth aside and gathered her in his arms. “You up for snorkeling?”
“I need a nap.”
“We can do that. A quick nap before we go for a drive to Goat Island. I organized a picnic basket when I walked over to the main building.”
“I like a man with a plan.”
Hone laughed as he tugged her against his chest and nuzzled her hair. She drifted toward sleep, her mind heavy. Life after Hone would be difficult, even if she was richer for their acquaintance.
Chapter Sixteen
Thursday, Jack and Emma’s house, Papakura
“Where is Hone and that friend of yours?” June Taniwha demanded. “I searched everywhere yesterday. Where is he? I demand you tell me.”
Emma exchanged an alarmed glance with Jack and edged closer, needing his proximity. Spittle built at the corners of June’s mouth, the matriarch of the Auckland taniwhas scary when her temper rose.
“Does Samuel know you’re here?” Emma elbowed Jack in the ribs, and when he didn’t move, she elbowed him again. It was his turn to speak.
“He’s out on a job.” Jack maintained his steady gaze, his body relaxed.
“Where?” June jabbed a finger at Jack.
“We signed confidentiality agreements for this job. We can’t tell you,” Emma said, wincing at the wisp of smoke coming from June’s nostrils. “If you want information, you’ll have to speak with George.” Emma threw their boss in as a distraction. While it was true they’d signed agreements, June wasn’t the type to spread gossip. The tribe matriarch took care of official business and ruled their people, so she was trustworthy, but Emma didn’t like the blood-red haze discoloring her irises or her mottled skin. June’s search for Hone didn’t bode well.
“What about your friend? Where is the faithless hussy?”
Emma straightened her shoulders. She’d seen June in action, knew enough for apprehension to crawl up her spine. If June decided to slap her down… But she couldn’t betray her friend or Hone. “I haven’t seen her today.”
June’s lips pulled back, revealing pointy teeth as she inhaled. “Truth,” she said slowly.
“If you think Cassie is a slut, then why are you so angry?” Emma demanded before good sense kicked to life.
“Manu showed interest in her. He’s never looked twice at another woman. Your friend was meant for Manu and Hone has stolen her. I want my son settled. I want grandchildren. I want my dynasty underway, yet my older sons continue to play as if they have all the time in the world.” She glided into Emma’s personal space, her hands clenching and unclenching with each strident word.
“Emma,” Jack warned.
Emma’s teeth clacked together. Why wasn’t she lecturing Manu and her other sons? This wouldn’t end well. It was easy to decipher the watchful caution in Jack, almost if he were afraid to move and incur June’s reprisal. She couldn’t let June’s behavior pass. It wasn’t right for the matriarch to threaten Cassie, who was innocent of wrongdoing.
Jack’s phone rang. He answered. “George. Right. Okay. Yeah, Emma and I have time to do the job. We’ll come now.”
“Emma can stay here with me,” June said. “We’ll have a cup of tea.”
“She is coming with me,” Jack said. “I won’t have you threatening my mate.”
“I will speak with the hussy.”
“Stop calling Cassie that,” Emma snapped. “She’s my friend.”
“Emma,” Jack said. “Grab your camera.”
“George said just you,” June said. “Emma will stay with me.”
Jack growled, low and mean. “Do your worst, June.” Jack grasped Emma’s arm and propelled her toward the exit.
“My camera is in the bedroom.” Emma fought him.
“We’ll pick up a spare at the office,” Jack countered, implacable in his determination.
Emma glimpsed June over her shoulder and her stomach hollowed out with a quick shot of fear. Jade-colored scales had formed on June’s cheeks and her pupils shifting into a dragon slant.
“Good idea.” Emma hurried after Jack.
June wouldn’t follow them immediately. At a recent conference of all New Zealand’s taniwha leaders, the matriarchs and patriarchs of each tribe had decided it was too soon to come out to the human population. June wouldn’t break the treaty they’d signed and appear in public with her dragon showing.
“Ring Samuel. Tell him June is out of control. Once you’ve talked to him, call Manu and tell him to put his mother straight about Cassie. Hone’s taniwha wants her and he’ll fight June if she tries to interfere with his courtship.”
Jack strode to his vehicle and Emma trotted after him, fear still pumping through her veins. She’d seen June angry but never to the point where she’d lost control.
“You didn’t court me,” Emma said.
“I didn’t have to because you chased me.” Jack started his work vehicle and backed from their driveway. “Ring Samuel now.”
A loud crash sounded above the engine. Smoke poured from their kitchen window.
“Fuck,” Jack muttered.
“Fire! Our house! Crap, what is she doing?” Emma hit speed dial, prayed Samuel would answer. “S-Samuel! June set our house on fire. You have to come. She’s furious.”
“Are you inside with her?” Samuel demanded.
“No, we’re outside.” Emma gaped at the flames licking across the window frame.
“She hurt you?”
“The house is on fire,” Emma snapped.
“I’m on my way. Leave it to me.”
“I’m calling Manu next. This is all his fault. If our house burns down, you will pay for a new one. I’m not claiming insurance for fire by dragon.” She ended the call. “She won’t burn our entire house. We should go back.”
“It’s too dangerous.” Jack’s grimace dug deeper, and he kept driving toward the office. “She’s likely to hurt you if she’s this out of control.”
“I didn’t do anything. I love our house.”
“Don’t worry. Samuel will calm the situation and pay us restitution.”
“But it’s our house,” Emma wailed.
“I know, sweetheart.” Jack’s tone was grim. “I’ll be voting for Manu to take over at the next tribe gathering. No one threatens my mate without consequences.”
* * * * *
Matthew strolled through the paddocks, stopping now and then to check the buds on the female plants. They were in perfect condition, pest-free and ready for harvest. He rang Herbert.
“Harvest tomorrow,” he said as soon as his employee answered. “This one is ready. The other crop needs a week before it reaches maturity.”
Herbert grunted. “The woman has disappeared. Still can’t find her. She has checked out of the motel.”
“If she is with the man, that will work to our benefit. A romance will keep her busy.” Matthew continued walking through the head-high plants. This weed should yield high prices. “Keep up the search,” he ordered. “Tell me when you locate her.”
“You don’t need my help with the harvest?”
“No, I’d rather keep tabs on the woman. The harvest is organized. I can’t see any problems. Talk to you later.” Matthew hung up and shoved his phone in his pocket. Not long until his plan came to fruition, and he’d be free of his ex. He couldn’t allow Cassie Miller-Pope to get in his way.
* * * * *
Two nights later, Cassie prepared for her spot at the show. Hone had said it was a short drive to the vineyard, and it was almost time to leave. Nerves—the good kind—bounced in her stomach. Pure apprehension would take over if she let it, but applying her stage makeup and dressing in her Katie-Jo clothes calmed her and helped her to don her stage persona. She became a professional singer. She slipped on her strappy sandals.
Hone had practiced with her several times and confidence soared within her, even though she intended to perform two new songs.
As if she’d conjured the man, he wandered into the bedroom.
He came to an abrupt stop. “I wouldn’t recognize you if I walked past you in the street.”
“That’s the beauty of my disguise,” Cassie said lightly. She swiped a final coat of mascara over her lashes. The heavier eye makeup and the lip gloss took her from ordinary to mysterious. The bright pink wig was an awesome touch. If she decided to go back to performing in the States, she’d keep this wig.
“Will I do?”
“You’re gorgeous.” Hone kissed her gently on the lips.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” Black trousers. A pale blue shirt with an open neck. Black boots. “Very sexy.”
Hone grinned. “You ready to rock ’n roll?”
Cassie picked up her guitar case. “Let’s do this.”
Crowds of people, male and female, young and old, queued at the gates, picnic blankets and rugs in hand.
Hone slowed at the carpark and wound down his window to speak to security. “We’re performing. Katie-Jo.”
“Right.” The man removed a barrier. “There is a parking spot reserved for you up there. Someone is waiting for you and will escort you to the stage. Are there more coming or is it just the two of you?”
“Just us,” Cassie said.
The man waved them through. Hone parked in a space marked with her name. An older man with long gray hair and wearing a white T-shirt advertising the Vineyard concerts straightened from his lean against a silver Nissan.
“I’ll get your guitar. You take care of the other stuff,” Hone suggested.
Cassie greeted the man with a handshake. “Hi, I’m Katie-Jo.” On the other side of the vehicle, she saw Hone’s quick surprise before he bent to retrieve their instruments. She grinned. She’d forgotten to remind him she played up her American accent while in her Katie-Jo role.
“Pleased to meet you,” the man said. “Charlie Blake. I spoke to your manager. We appreciate you filling in for us.”
“My pleasure,” Cassie said. “I’m looking forward to it. This is Hone Taniwha, my musician.”
The two men shook hands.
“I’ll show you around,” Charlie said. “You’re third on the card, right before our main act, The Geraughty Rock.”
“Thanks. I requested two tickets for my friends. They’re going to ask for them at the gate.”
Charlie consulted his clipboard. “Jack and Emma Sullivan. I have their name on the comps list.”
“Awesome.”
She was quietly impressed with their setup. The actual concert venue was a natural bowl set amongst the vineyards. Now that it was early evening, the heat of the day had dispersed and families, groups of friends and couples dotted the grassy area. Excited chatter and laughter floated on the air.
“You hungry?” Hone asked once Charlie left them alone in the employees’ lunchroom, which he’d commandeered for his performers. “I got the kitchen to pack us a sandwich.”
“I never eat before a show,” Cassie said, her fingers strumming chords. “You go ahead and eat if you’re hungry.”
“No, I’m good. Anything you need? Want a bottle of water?”
Blood Moon Dragon (Dragon Investigators Book 2) Page 14
