Drakon's Knight

by N. J. Walters

  And it just might.

  Karina didn’t shrink from his passion but met it with a desperation that gave him pause. He forced himself to end the kiss. “What are we doing?” he muttered.

  “Kissing.” She dropped several on his forehead and cheek. “I thought it was obvious.”

  Damned if she didn’t make him smile again. “You must be feeling mixed up, emotional.” He stopped talking when she jerked back and glared at him. Best to quit before he dug himself an even deeper hole.

  “This again. Haven’t we had this conversation?” Her tone was crisp, her words clipped. “You think I’m so emotional, so weak I’d fall into a man’s arms so he can take care of me?”

  “Hell, no.” He’d never met a woman who seemed to need a man less than she did. “But you have to be confused and conflicted after regaining your memories.”

  She drew herself up straight, looking regal and in control, which wasn’t easy with her hair mussed and her lips swollen and damp.

  She looked like a queen, and he was the damn supplicant kneeling at her feet with his hands on the mattress on either side of her. “I don’t want to do something you’ll regret,” he said.

  “But you’re the one more likely to have regrets, aren’t you?” There was no sign of humor now, only sadness. “After all, I’m Karina Azarov, leader of the Knights. For all you know, I may be playing you so I can set a trap. Isn’t that the kind of thing you would expect me to do?”

  It was the truth, yet it wasn’t. She was everything she said, but she was no longer the same woman. It was a fine distinction. He had to believe she was a different woman now. If she couldn’t change, there was no hope for them. They’d both be doomed to lives filled with death and despair.

  “You’re whoever you want to be going forward.”

  “Do you truly believe that?” she asked.

  He had no idea if his opinion meant anything to her, but he nodded. “I do.”

  “Everything is a mess,” she began. He started to move away, to give her space, but stopped when she added, “The one thing I know for sure is that I want you.”

  Inside of him, his dragon roared to life, powerful and protective. Mate. That was the one word that kept repeating in the back of his brain. The human side of him yearned for her. He had only one thought—Mine.

  “Be sure. Be very sure.” There was no going back once they did this. He’d never be able to let her go if he claimed her. If she turned on him, it would send them both into a downward spiral that would likely end in both their deaths.

  “You’re the one who needs to be certain this is what you want,” she told him. “You’re the one who has the most to lose. I’ve already lost everything.”

  He took her hand in his and brought it to his chest, laying it over his heart. “Not everything. You have me.”

  “Do I?” She curled her fingers inward before dropping her hand back to her lap. “I suppose I do. At least for now.”

  She didn’t trust him, didn’t have faith in the future. And in spite of how much he wanted her, he, too, was wary of trusting her too far.

  “Where does that leave us?” he asked. He wouldn’t pressure her. If they were going to do this, he wanted them both to go into it with their eyes wide open.

  “You’re my kidnapper, and I’m your enemy, but I want you more than I’ve ever wanted another. I don’t know what will happen to either of us, but I’ll regret it for the rest of my life—however short it might be—if I don’t grab this moment.”

  It was enough for him. His dragon was disgruntled, but he didn’t care. He wanted Karina and she wanted him. There would be a price to pay if they tossed aside their pasts and lost themselves to the passion sizzling between them. There was always a price.

  But he was willing to pay it.

  After slipping her shoes and socks off her feet, he reached for her sweater but paused. “Yes?” He needed that final confirmation.

  “Yes.” She grabbed the hem and drew it over her head. With the bruising on her body healed, she was positively lovely. Her skin was pale, her body toned, if a little on the thin side. Her breasts were firm and full and encased in black satin.

  He covered the mounds in his hands, growling when the hard tips of her nipples pressed against his palms.

  “Take down your hair.” He wanted to watch it flow over her skin and see the contrast between black locks and creamy flesh.

  She removed the elastic band holding the ends together and tossed it onto the night stand. Then she slowly unravelled the loose braid. He slid his hand over her collarbone and neck and dragged his fingers through the soft strands. “Beautiful.” It was like silk against his skin.

  “Now you,” she urged.

  Reaching behind his head, he grabbed a fistful of T-shirt and yanked. She gave a hum of pleasure and placed her hands on his bare chest.

  The heat from her sank into his skin, branding him.

  He needed more and had her bra unhooked and off in a heartbeat. Moving closer, he rubbed his chest against the heavy mounds.

  “What are you doing to me?” she asked on a moan. “I’ve never felt this way in my life.”

  Pleasure and pride filled him. He caught her chin in his hand and waited until he had her full attention. “That’s because this is real. This is your choice. The real Karina, not the one created by your upbringing or by the legacy of the Knights. Not the one affected by whatever was in that medication or influenced by the tattoo.”

  …

  Karina was close to crying, even though she was very aroused. The truth of his words struck her with the force of a sledgehammer. She’d always used men, sleeping with whoever could be of benefit to her. It had been a game of power mixed with pleasure, of sex and control. This was something totally different. She wanted to please Jericho. To not only receive but to also give.

  There was an innate honesty between them that she’d never experienced before.

  There was no way she was going to let the past taint this special moment. Maybe she was out of her mind—or maybe she’d only just found it—but she wanted to make love with Jericho. She’d had sex many times in her life, but now she wanted to experience the sexual act when it had true and honest emotions behind it.

  Leaning forward, she pressed her lips against his. She loved the way he took over the kiss, dominating without trying to control. It wasn’t a game with him, just a natural part of his personality shining through.

  He surged up and hoisted them both onto the bed. More frantic now, she clutched at his back and shoulders. She loved the taste of him, the way he thrust his tongue into her mouth as though desperate for her.

  Rolling on top of her, he braced most of his weight on his forearms so his lower half was pressed against her. The hard outline of his erection pushed against her core. She spread her thighs and wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting to get even closer

  Panties damp with desire, she rubbed herself against him, luxuriating in the exquisite pleasure each stroke brought her.

  She’d thought herself sophisticated, even jaded when it came to sex, but nothing had prepared her for the emotions and sensations bubbling up inside her. It was invigorating and scary, uncharted territory.

  “Fuck.” He reared back, grabbed the waistband of her leggings, and dragged them down and off, taking her underwear with them. His impatience fired hers. He was still half dressed while she was naked.

  “Your jeans.” She tugged on the button, desperate to get them off.

  “Not yet.” He caught her hand and tugged it away before capturing the other. As he raised them over her head, he kissed her, tangling his tongue with hers. The kiss was long and hard and deep, as though he couldn’t get enough of her.

  For the first time in her life, Karina let go of the need to be in charge while having sex and allowed Jericho to take the lead. But that didn’t mean she was passive. He might have stopped her from using her hands, but she could still move her legs. She twined them around him and tilted her
hips for better contact. The friction between her bare skin and his jeans was delicious.

  He groaned and then laughed. It was deep and open, almost carefree. His eyes twinkled as he looked down at her. “Think you’re clever, do you?”

  “I know I am,” she shot back. Teasing him was fun and something she’d never done with any other lover.

  “Maybe, but I’ve been around a lot longer than you have.” He kissed her again, using his tongue to taste every inch of her mouth. He held her hands in one of his and coasted the other down the underside of her arm. Goose bumps rose on the sensitive skin.

  Then he cupped one of her breasts in his big palm.

  The heat, the sensual sensation made her pulse jump and started a throbbing ache deep in her core. Moaning, she arched into his touch. He plied first one mound and then the other, using his fingers to tease her nipples into hard points. Breathing heavily and desperate for more, she rubbed against him, riding the hard ridge of his erection through his clothing.

  A low growl escaped him, vibrating through his chest and into her. She shivered, her need for him growing with each passing second. It was crazy how much she wanted him.

  He released her lips and worked his way down her neck, placing hot, open-mouthed kisses on her bare skin. She thought he’d stop at her breasts, but he kept going until he was sprawled between her legs. With a big hand wrapped around each of her thighs, he pushed them apart.

  She was exposed, vulnerable, but she’d also never felt safer in her life. It wasn’t logical in the least, but she couldn’t shake the sense that he would protect her, would be careful with her.

  For once in her life she wasn’t thinking in terms of profit or gain or power. It was all about sensation, about giving and receiving.

  She inhaled sharply as he moved closer, his breath warm on her most sensitive area. “Beautiful,” he whispered before he licked at her slick folds.

  She moaned, unable to hold back. And for once, she didn’t want to.

  “That’s it,” he encouraged. “Tell me what you like.” He flicked his tongue over her clit, teasing the tiny bundle of nerves until she wanted to scream. She was on the verge of coming when he moved away, leaving her hanging, wanting more.

  “Jericho.” Grabbing a fistful of his hair, she tugged him closer, wanting him to finish what he’d started. He resisted and continued to lap at her folds.

  Then he pushed one thick finger inside her, testing her readiness, stretching her, preparing her to take him. She sucked in a breath. So close.

  “I love the way you say my name.” He withdrew his finger and pushed it inward again.

  “Jericho.” She said it again and again, hoping it would encourage him. Desperate, she bucked against his hand.

  He pushed a second finger inside to join the first. At the same time, he sucked on her clit. The world around her exploded into a multitude of fireworks. The sensation spread outward until it encompassed her. Every cell in her body contracted and then relaxed until she was floating on a cloud of pleasure.

  He moved away, but she was too spent to care. Through half-closed eyes, she watched him stand by the side of the bed and slowly strip off his jeans. He wasn’t wearing underwear, so she was treated to the sight of his very aroused cock. She made a deep humming sound in the back of her throat.

  “Like what you see?” he teased.

  “Very much.” Reaching out, she wrapped her hand around his shaft. It was heavy and pulsed with barely restrained power. A rough sound of pleasure escaped him as he joined her back on the bed.

  She wanted to touch every inch of his spectacular body but sensed he was at the breaking point. It wouldn’t take much to push him over the edge. Reaching lower, she cupped the heavy sac beneath his shaft and squeezed.

  Practically falling on top of her, he didn’t kiss her as much as consume her. He stroked his hands over her breasts, cupping and squeezing the mounds. As desperate as he was, she guided his shaft to her opening and held her breath as he squeezed in the first inch. Big and thick, he stretched her. But she was wet from her orgasm and desperate for more. Arching her hips, she took him deeper.

  He flung his head back, his jaw tight as he tried but failed to bite back a curse. Her drakon did have a colorful vocabulary. Her drakon. When had she become possessive?

  “I can’t wait.” That was all the warning she got before he clasped her hips in his hands and surged forward, burying himself to the hilt.

  A sense of fullness, of completeness overwhelmed her. It was as though she’d waited her entire life for this moment, for this man who was more than a man.

  They were both breathing heavily, neither of them able to get enough air into their lungs. Sweat beaded on his brow and trickled down his temple. It wasn’t her imagination that he was getting warmer. His skin was almost hot beneath her hands.

  Then he began to move. It was a slow push and slide to start, allowing her time to get used to him. Soon it wasn’t enough for either of them. His strokes got faster and more frantic. She wrapped her legs around his thighs, but they kept slipping down.

  Frustrated, he shoved her legs high and wide and continued to pound into her. He twisted and swiveled his hips, his pelvis brushing against her clit. The pressure built and built until it finally released, pushing her over the edge once again.

  Her inner muscles clutched at his cock. He roared, practically deafening her. She felt the wetness of his release, the heat from his body. Then he collapsed on top of her.

  Before she could protest that she couldn’t breathe, he rolled them onto their sides with him still buried inside her.

  Karina was completely and utterly undone. She had no frame of reference for what had just happened. Never had she given so much of herself to a man. The honesty of it was almost too much to bear.

  She tried to look away, but he wasn’t done. Clasping her head with his large hands, he kissed her, this time soft and gentle.

  In spite of her best efforts, a tear rolled down her cheek. He lapped at it with his tongue but didn’t question her, for which she was grateful.

  She wasn’t sure why she was crying. The beauty of the moment, the sense of completeness, of vulnerability, or maybe the fact she knew it couldn’t last. Not as long as the Knights of the Dragon were out there. This was nothing more than an interlude, a time out of time. It wasn’t real, wasn’t permanent.

  And for that, she wanted to shed a thousand tears. Instead, she snuggled against his warm chest and closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of warm male and hot sex. And he gave her what she needed, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close.

  …

  The moment she drifted off to sleep, she went lax in his arms, her full weight against him. Pressing a kiss to her temple, he contemplated what had just happened.

  He’d had sex over the course of his long life with women from all different cultures, rich and poor, exotic and plain. But never had he experienced anything like making love with Karina.

  The restlessness that was like a relentless itch under his skin, the low-level anger that normally filled him were both silent. She gave his soul comfort and peace, his body the best sex he’d ever had, and his mind a challenge. She completed him in ways he’d never thought possible.

  He wasn’t sure if he should bless the fates or curse them.

  The temptation to make love to her for hours was tempered only by the fact she was still recovering from her brain injury. Even with his blood to physically heal her, there was the emotional and psychological fallout to deal with.

  He had no idea what he was going to do about her, about them, but he did know he owed the others an explanation. They would have left the house when he’d started making love to her, but they would be waiting.

  Jericho reluctantly untangled himself from Karina. She looked warm and inviting, so welcoming lying in bed. When he tugged the covers over her, she didn’t budge.

  He pulled his jeans on, grabbed his shirt and boots, and silently left the room.
>
  Chapter Thirteen

  Sadiq confronted him as soon as he stepped out onto the front porch. “I assume she’s sleeping.”

  He nodded and sat on the step. Enoch was sprawled on the porch with his back against the wall and his legs extended, while Khalil rocked back and forth in the swing that hung from the rafters. Sadiq paced in the yard.

  He waited, knowing Sadiq wasn’t anywhere near done.

  “Are you out of your fucking mind?” He stopped pacing long enough to glare at Jericho. “I know you want her. I get that. Hell, a blind man would pick up on the vibes between you two. But she just got her memories back. She knows who she is, and that makes her more dangerous than ever. You can’t forget for one second all the things she’s done in the name of the Knights. It doesn’t matter if the drugs she was on gave her a push in that direction. Or if the tattoo had some magic influence. She’s the fucking head of the Knights of the fucking Dragon. Our sworn enemy.”

  If their positions were reversed, he’d be giving his friend the same lecture. He put up his hand to stop the next diatribe before it started.

  “You’re right.”

  That took the wind out of his sails. Hands fisted by his sides, Sadiq stalked over and threw himself down onto the step beside Jericho. “I am?”

  He chuckled in spite of the seriousness of things. It was rare to see Sadiq out of sorts. “You are. I’ve told myself all the same things.”

  “Then why?” He jerked his head toward the house.

  It was difficult to explain something he didn’t fully understand himself. “I can’t fully trust her. But I needed to be with her. I’d regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t sleep with her, have her at least once.”

  “What’s it like?”

  He swiveled his head to look at Khalil. “What’s what like? Sex? I thought you must have done it at least once or twice by now.”

  “Don’t be an ass.” Khalil leaned forward on the swing, planted his huge, boot-clad feet on the porch floor, and rested his forearms on his thighs. “Making love to her. The one.”

  They’d shared everything for thousands of years, had talked about the possibility of finding mates more times than he could remember, yet Jericho suddenly wanted to hoard the moment, keeping it to himself like a miser. But he owed them more than that.