EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®
www.evernightpublishing.com
Copyright© 2018 Lilliana Rose
ISBN: 978-1-77339-618-7
Cover Artist: Jay Aheer
Editor: Karyn White
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
DEDICATION
To Maggie, for motivating me to keep writing.
DRAGON DARE
Lilliana Rose
Copyright © 2018
Chapter One
The clank of the metal bell on the front shop door grated on Mia Green’s ear. “We’re closed.” She stopped wiping down the counter and turned around. Her breath caught in her throat. He was drop-dead gorgeous. More than that. His coffee-brown hair was tossed casually, still styled at the end of the work day, and he wore a smart, dark grey suit, probably Armani, with a light blue shirt, no tie, and polished black shoes that she was sure could be used as a mirror. Through his tailored suit she could tell he was toned, muscles carved to perfection all over, his legs, chest, and arms. His smell was divine. Testosterone, musky and heady, with a hint of spice.
She swallowed hard. It had been a while since she’d indulged in some adult fun. Setting up the café had consumed her for the last six months. I’d do him. The dirty thought rattled in conflict in her mind, before she regained her senses.
Why haven’t I seen him before? She’d been managing her small business, Café 21, in the busy rocks area of Sydney for the last two weeks and had been run off her feet. She could barely remember what day it was, let alone the customers who had come in. Her mind whirled with the distraction. It was Friday. And she had the next two days off. Well, not really. There were hours of accounting ahead of her, plus filling in orders for next week. The business was doing amazingly well, even though she’d begun at the start of the Australian winter.
She sighed quietly. The tension of running her own business weighed heavily on her shoulders. This was what she wanted though, and she would do anything to prove she could run her own business.
He stepped further into the café, each step confident as if he belonged there. She looked into his dark eyes. Her breath quickened. I’d remember him. Something drew her to him. A pleasant shiver eased down her spine.
“I noticed you were still working and thought I’d take a chance for a last-minute coffee, since I’m working late tonight.”
Mia didn’t quite believe him. It was Friday night after all. He must be very dedicated if he’s working on a Friday night instead of going out. Something about his tone suggested he was here for another reason. She tensed, but strangely felt calm. There’d been one or two “difficult” customers, and she’d handled them. But this was different. Right now, she was here alone in her café, and if she couldn’t deal with him this might not end well.
She glanced over his shoulder. The sign on the window read “closed”. Normally she’d lock the door during her late afternoon routine. She’d dismissed her staff so she could have some space to quietly pack up, but there had been a last-minute rush of customers and she’d ended getting out of her normal routine of packing up the shop. She wasn’t sure how she got through it by herself, but she had, and now she was tired and just wanting to get home. Boring for a Friday night, and not her usual activity at the start of the weekend, but with her parents closely watching her she had committed to changing her ways. So far, it was paying off. It was quiet now. The cooler months hadn’t been the ideal time for her to start up her business, but she didn’t want to hold out any longer so she’d taken a risk. Sydney workers in the city were always willing to try a new café. But now they were rushing to go home.
Mia was sort of glad she’d forgotten to lock the front door as she looked at the man standing in the middle of the café, chairs stacked on tables around him, blocking some of the view from the large front glass windows. His presence gave off a powerful vibe that lulled her towards him. It was almost overwhelming.
I’m losing my mind. But then, she sort of didn’t care. It was like a safe vibe rippled out around him, causing her to feel secure with him, but more. She wanted to step into this void of power that he gave off and mix it with her own. Her skin prickled with the thought. She swallowed hard in an attempt to regain her senses. This isn’t what I do.
“Coffee machine is switched off, sorry.” It wasn’t the sort of machine that could be easily turned back on just to make one coffee. She sighed. She needed to focus on getting him out of her café. Quickly.
Though she wasn’t completely convinced that she wanted to do that. She inhaled his scent, testosterone, musky, edged with hot desire. It was getting harder to keep her wits about her. Every time she looked at him, she caught his dark eyes, and the lure towards him intensified and she could only think of losing herself with him.
“I can give you a free one if you come in on Monday.” Her mind turned to how good it would feel running her hands down his chest, feeling his strength directly on her skin, and smelling his power closely. A shiver went down her body, causing her abdominal muscles to contract. How could a man she’d never have met before have an immediate effect on her? And so intense that she struggled to ignore it.
He took another few steps towards her. Her body tensed, but it wasn’t in fear. She held her shoulders square, her chin up, and looked him in the eye. Worse comes to worst I can sidestep him and run out the front door. She’d lose the day’s takings, but at least she’d be safe. Though he didn’t look like the sort that was in need of money. He looked like a man that didn’t need anything.
Except maybe that. Her body temperature spiked. She realized that right now she felt very safe. A strange man coming towards her, one she’d never met or set eyes on before. His power radiating out didn’t scare her. If anything, it empowered her, and she stood to meet him. The last thing she was going to do was sidestep him and run out the front door of her café.
“What do you really want?” Her eyes locked with his. She just knew there was another intention of why he came into her shop. Her abdomen fluttered, her body unable to hold resolve against this man that exuded sexual desire, which called to her. She felt her body naturally answering him, with a need she’d not been aware of, that ached within her for release.
He smiled. “I suspect I want the same as you.”
Mia’s heart quickened as if she’d just drunk an extra strong coffee. She wasn’t sure what vibe she was giving off, but while she’d been having such dirty thoughts she surely hadn’t given any signals that she was going to act on them. He wouldn’t know. A little doubt coursed through her, electrifying, adding to the tension building inside of her. And all he’d done was stand there in her shop and move closer towards her.
“A coffee?”
He laughed gently, deep, the sound musical, pushing away any fear within her. “Well, then what about the next best thing?”
Sex. That was the next best thing after coffee in Mia’s world, well, when she was thinking about things that were pleasurable. She raised an eyebrow. He’d got my thoughts right. Her voice had evaporated in her throat. He seemed to be able to read her accurately. Am I coming across that desperate? She didn’t want to come across as needy. But then, that wasn’t the feeling that was coursing through her entire body. She was hot and turned on. It was like her body was answering, though truth be told she was warming to something more erotic as her m
ind caught up and accepted the potential pleasure to be had.
At least that’s what she was wanting. And he certainly stood there like it was definitely on offer and that he could deliver. Is that what’s drawing me in? How long has it really been? She tried to count up the months in her head, but it was hard to focus.
“No pressure.”
Mia breathed out slowly. He stood close, but just out of her reach. It was her choice. She pursed her lips together.
“I don’t normally…”
“Of course you don’t.” His voice deep reassured her into trusting him. Not that she needed much of that anymore, but it was there, helping her to begin to open herself up to the potential that could happen between them. “Which is all the more reason I’m drawn to you.”
“You’ve only just met me.” She hesitated. Hasn’t he? In the time he stood there in her café she was feeling more and more familiar with him. This went against all the logical thoughts that tumbled through her mind.
“And that is enough.” His face kept a seriousness that only made him come across as someone she could trust.
If her heart could go any faster it would speed right out of her chest. She needed something way more than a coffee. No man had ever been so forthright with her before. And she was completely turned on by his mannerism.
Doesn’t mean I will. There was a slim part of herself that was holding back. There was a risk to be taken. It might pay off with sexual satisfying fun, but then again it might not. It was all part of the lure, she realized. Is that what he’s feeling, too?
He moved his arms away from his body, as if opening himself up. “I saw you, and I just had to come in. You were bent over cleaning the counter, and looked like you could have some, let’s say fun.”
She rolled her eyes. She could just imagine the sight he’d seen. Her tight black skirt stretched over her backside as she cleaned. No wonder he came in.
“So you think hearing that is going to make me want you?” She went to move her arms and fold them across her chest, but she felt a resistance. Her body had decided. Instead she put her hands on her hips and glared at him with the sassiest look she could.
“That I just had to come into your café because I saw you, a hot woman, working late by herself instead of being out with friends?”
“You’re not making a good case for anything to develop.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “You think I’m desperate enough to spread my legs for you and not put up a fight.”
His forehead wrinkled as if he were in thought. She found the subtle gesture endearing. It’s too soon for anything like that. Yet it was there. She was already noticing the subtler behaviors. It was as if her senses had heightened to a completely off this world level.
“That came out wrong.”
“Damn right it did. I should send you packing now.”
She saw a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Her heart squeezed. She held her breath to stop herself from taking back the comment. As much as she wanted to step over to him, put her hands around his neck and slam her lips on his, and see if he tasted as good as he looked, she stood firm, gripping her fingers into her waist, and curling her toes to stop herself from moving anywhere.
“And that’s exactly why I’m here.”
“What?”
“Because you look like a woman who knows what she wants, and one who is isn’t frightened of a proposal like this, and who wouldn’t just do it because she was too scared to say no.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
She realized that not once did she think she couldn’t say no.
“And I must say the smell of coffee in here is glorious. It drew me in, though not as much as you did.”
Mia laughed, the tension easing a little between them. She could barely smell the coffee, not with him standing here. He dominated the room, but at the same time he didn’t swallow her up or squash her. She felt his equal in here. Maybe it’s just as much my sexual desire, too?
If it wasn’t before, it certainly was now, and it was making a dangerous and tempting cocktail of energies in the room that she couldn’t turn down. No, it was that she didn’t want to turn down the offer. The risk was also part of the attraction for her.
“You get it. Good.” He smiled.
“Not entirely. You really think I’m just going to jump you?” She wasn’t about to make this easy for him. Besides, she was enjoying this banter between them. Just a little longer. She had the means to play and put out her own allure into the mix, and she was going to do just that.
“I’m hoping.” He kept his arms out. The gesture made him look slightly vulnerable, if that was at all possible with the power he exuded. He was tall, six-foot plus, strong shoulders, smart suit, and polished black shoes. His face was masculine, broad jaws, a little dark stubble, and his hair neat and tidy, as with his entire appearance. His eyes held a promise of respect, and a whole lot of desire if she chose to take a risk. She loved a dare. How much trouble had she gotten into with dare games in her teenage years? Nothing that landed her in jail or in any situation she didn’t want to be in, just barely.
He took a deep breath. “If it helps it could be a once off. You never have to see me again. Think of it as a way to relax.”
What if I want to see you again? She pushed the thought away. What little was left of her resolve was melting away. Mia knew she was stressed. This could be just the way to let off a bit of tension, and to reset at the end of the working week. Heat emitted from him heavily, enhancing his scent, sending a headiness through her. She kept her mind. Just.
“I dare you.”
Fuck. He knew just what to say to challenge her. She loved a dare. She couldn’t resist them.
“One kiss then.”
“Only one?” He raised his eyebrow as if quietly challenging her further.
“Yes.” She just knew right now that she wouldn’t be about to stop at one kiss. “You got protection?”
“Of course.” He took out his wallet, and pulled a square, foiled packet. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. I can assure you’ll be so much more relaxed afterwards.” He put his wallet away, keeping the condom packet in his hand.
“I dare you.”
His eyebrows lifted, the look on his face was one of delight. “You won’t regret this.”
“I better not.” She tilted her head to one side, suggestively inviting him over. He read the subtle gesture exactly and stepped forward, placing his hands on her shoulders, and pulled her gently into him. His strength, his scent enveloped her.
She looked up and saw a golden flicker in his eyes. She went to pull away, but his lips pressed against hers. His heat burned through the stress she’d been harboring. She melted into his embrace, giving herself over willingly, something she’d never done with a stranger before, but she didn’t care. Then there was the open front door, and the glass window front. It wasn’t exactly private for something like this. She couldn’t stop herself. Instead her abdominal muscles contracted with need, and her juices pooled between her legs. She kissed him back.
His tongue danced gracefully over hers, alighting her taste buds. Her desire burned hot, matching the heat that poured from him. His hands brushed down her bare arms, sending a warm trail, and prickling her skin with the promise of pleasure to come.
He pulled away.
“What are you doing?”
“One kiss, right?” He stepped back.
Fuck. His respect for her only turned her on more. She felt naked and exposed, despite being fully clothed. She closed her eyes. She sensed him simply standing there. It was her move. It was her dare to complete. She wanted it. Fuck, how she wanted it. Her mouth dried. Can I say the words?
She opened her eyes. Saw him standing there. Waiting. Wanting, yet not forcing her to make a decision. Yes. Fuck yes. There was no point holding back anymore. Both her heart and head were in this together now.
“I want more.”
“Thank fuck for that.” He closed the g
ap between them swiftly. His lips were back on hers before she could inhale, and once more his power filled her, sparking into her mouth and down her body, pooling between her legs.
Soft sounds escaped Mia’s lips between kisses. Each movement he made, exploring his hands over her body, heightened her desire, and burned through her wall of stress. She tilted her neck back, enjoying the sexual bliss pulsing through her body, savoring the moment. His breath suddenly burned hot on her neck, causing her to jump. The pain quickly mixed with pleasure, especially as he kissed the affected area, his lips hot, yet cooling the sensation on her skin.
“Sorry, I got carried away.”
She was about to ask him what that meant when his hands slid over her hips and down the sides of her thighs. The thought melted away. The only thing mattered was him and how he touched her to bring her senses alive with want.
Mia pushed her hands under his shirt. His skin was hot to the touch and toned, just as she imagined. Her fingers tingled from feeling his body, and they vibrated with his power. She pushed her hands harder into his chest, wanting to feel more, an urgency taking over her body. He responded, moving his hands under her skirt, pulling up the material and grabbing her backside and squeezing hard. She gasped as the sensation ripped through her body. He relaxed his grip for a moment before squeezing again, pushing each buttock upwards. She held her breath, enjoying the feeling coursing through her body, stirring desires she’d denied for so long.
She wanted him. Now. To feel all of him, and all of him on her.
Mia ripped apart his shirt, ignoring the buttons pinging off and rattling to the floor. She leaned forward and ran her tongue up his chest, his manly saltiness bursting in her mouth. She followed the curves of his muscles. She flicked her tongue over his nipple, enjoying it harden from her touch. She exhaled softly on his now moist skin, enjoying seeing it prickle.
Dragon Dare Page 1
