Black Dragon's Blood

Citation preview

Black Dragon’s Blood by Anita Philmar

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental. Black Dragon’s Blood COPYRIGHT © 2008 by Anita Philmar All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Contact Information: [email protected] Cover Art by Angela Anderson The Wild Rose Press PO Box 708 Adams Basin, NY 14410-0706 Visit us at www.thewilderroses.com Publishing History First Scarlet Rose Edition, 2008 Print ISBN 1-60154-232-1 Published in the United States of America

Dedication To all the men in my life. They balance my world.

Chapter One The predator’s scent hung in the air, a direct contrast to carefree party going on. The tart citric aroma mixed with the spicy heat of Habanero peppers trapped her as effectively as shackles tightened about her limbs. She had no doubt about his hunger. Raw and greedy, a strong sexual appetite made this man prowl, drove him to search for the right mate. The same cravings ran through her dragon blood, ruled her thoughts and fought with her intellectual side. The hunger to have a man had plagued her since she reached puberty. But as the female of the species, she’d learned to hide it beneath a fey veil of decorum and graceful avoidance. Her tongue ran over her lips. The tart flavor of him floated on the twilight breeze and tickled her taste buds. Her body responded with an excitement that alerted every cell to his proximity and to the hot desire to have him as her mate. The air, electrified by his desire, waltzed over her senses like the seductive music whirling around the party guests. He was heading in her direction, but she refused to turn and watch him enter through the large stone archway that led to the metal patio. He would be at her side soon enough. Her scarlet body-hugging gown and airspike heels wouldn’t be necessary to attract his attention. He knew her scent. As a distraction from the erratic pulse beating through her system, Amanda endured her selfinflicted level of starvation and glanced at the red 1

Black Dragon’s Blood glow in the western sky. The bright orange streak from the spirit comet marked the end of work length. Fun and sex would be on everyone’s mind for the next three days. The night young, she recognized the heated looks from both men and women. Many eyes followed the man stalking her every step. His strong animal magnetism, dark looks and muscular frame drew female attention. She could picture him in her mind, tracking her footsteps. His quiet hunter gait tread across the dark iron flooring. The jungle of twisted metal that formed tables and chairs didn’t slow his pace. His dark gaze focused on her back. Excitement sprang from the women around her. Several fluttered their hands nervously over their breasts, hoping needlessly to become his next lover. But the dragon’s blood running through his body would never be satisfied with the conquest of inferior human blood. He stalked her for that reason. And Amanda knew it. Heat coursed through her veins as he came within striking distance. No one in Scaup could save her now. “Can I get you something to drink, Amanda?” The tall blond man beside her drew her attention from the predator’s presence. She gave Nathan her most seductive smile, unable to keep from toying with the handsome figure of a man. The dark force closing in on her heels would not be pleased to find her enticing another. Her smile widened. She refused to be easy prey. “How very sweet of you, Nathan…” A large hand pressed against her lower back. “There’s no need, Nathan. I’ll direct Amanda to the bar.” William’s deep voice allowed no opposition. “Amanda?” 2

Anita Philmar Nathan’s questioning glance told her that he and other males in the area had picked up the rich scent of her dragon blood. Knowing the young buck, he’d probably be willing to fight for her honor. William would of course devour anyone in his way. Amanda couldn’t see wasting such a beautiful male resource. She laid a reassuring hand on Nathan’s arm. “I think William wants to show me around, seeing as I haven’t been invited to one of his parties before. As head of the Dragon Center, I’m sure he has all sorts of treasures he wants to reveal. I’ll be back in a few moments.” Nodding at several other people standing nearby, she let William maneuver her into the house, past elegant rooms filled with expensive furnishings made of copper, silver, gold and iron. Tall marble columns stood beside a circular staircase that wound up an amazing three stories, a classic example of the early architecture of the post dragon era. Even the crystal globes, which sent prisms of light sparkling around the entryway, represented the same polished stone of the time period. William, determined to be alone with her, didn’t speak or pause to address anyone on his course to his study. Once inside, he slid the door shut, as if secure in the knowledge he had her contained. Amanda smiled. She knew what was coming, had been expecting this ploy. She stepped to one of the wing back chairs in front of his desk, sat and spread the fine fabric of her gown around her ankles. “I take it you wanted to talk to me.” His long easy stride ate up the distance to his chair behind his desk. She noticed the strong elegant lines of his dark gray silk suit. The jacket accented his large square shoulders and ended at 3

Black Dragon’s Blood the top of his hips. Tight pants hugged his buttocks and thick thighs. Light pink ruffles ran down the front of his shirt and hid the magnetic clips, which held the whole thing together. With a mere flick of her finger, she could have him undressed. Tempted, her hands started to sweat. He took his seat and pulled a thin sheaf of metal forward. “I have the prenuptial agreement right here.” Dark brooding eyes met hers over the top of the documents. “I have a list of jewels and property you will receive upon our marriage.” He offered the contract for her to review, but ignoring it, Amanda smoothed her hands over the satin material of her skirt. The nerves in her stomach knotted. Her heart raced in her chest. His square jaw framed by his raven black hair showed a man with a purpose. He wanted her as his mate. “That’s very considerate of you, William, but I’m not interested.” His full lips formed into a straight line as he dropped the thin metal sheets back on his desk with a soft ting and tented his long slender fingers together. The sharp claws of a predator’s rage flickered briefly in the depths of his eyes. “I don’t think you understand. You don’t have a choice in the matter if you want your father to keep his job.” His tone held a threat, one Amanda was sure he could carry out. “Good.” She refused to pay for another of her father’s mistakes. “As far as I’m concerned, he should be fired. Any man who fools around with a married woman deserves to be dismissed.” A determined glint flashed in his eyes, which only stiffened her resolve. She rose from her chair. “I’m not a pawn, William. My father played a card like this one before and foolishly I went along to help him. But not this time.” She took a step toward the thick metal door. From the corner of her eye, she saw him stand, 4

Anita Philmar large and intimidating, every muscle primed to pounce. A shiver of sexual awareness raced down her spine, and a drop of liquid need slipped between her legs. “I suggest you do your job and kick my father’s butt to purgatory and back.” A hint of a smile played over her lips as she considered her father’s reaction to his latest deal. For once his little girl wasn’t going to bail him out of one of his problems. “I’m not for sale.” William blocked her path before she could take more than two additional steps; a gift of his blood to be able to react so quickly. Her curse was to smell his heat, to know his need, to want him inside her, making her blood boil. Luckily, the human part of her nature controlled her actions, reminded her of past heartache. “A woman with your level of dragon blood needs a man, needs to have his children.” His strong hand circled her forearm. She sensed the heavy pulse of his blood beating against her tender skin. “Not a possibility, William, even if I did agree to marry you.” She tugged her arm from his grasp. “I’ve been married twice. In neither case did I have a child. With you, it would be no different.” His eyes narrowed to slits. “Are you telling me you’re unable to bear children?” “You’re an intelligent man, William. What do you think?” “Your father didn’t tell me this.” “Yes, well, why would he? It would have been counterproductive to his plan, wouldn’t it?” The angry tightening of his jaw told Amanda she’d gained her freedom. Stepping around him, she slid the door open on the metal railing and stood for a moment staring at his back. Other more pressing business required her attention. If she was lucky, she could 5

Black Dragon’s Blood get home, pack and get out of town before William picked up her trail again. “Good luck finding some other lady to meet your needs, William.” **** “Why are you running again?” Nancy stepped away from the spit-iron bed and straightened her black skirt. “I don’t have a choice. You know our history.” Amanda glanced quickly at her young maid, then studied the contents of her luggage to ensure everything she would need had been packed. The planet in the middle of its dark cycle, she wanted the cover of night to make her escape. “Men whose ancestors once ate dragon meat absorbed their instinctive hunger for a mate with similar backgrounds.” Amanda couldn’t help but think of the number of times in the last several years she’d had to flee to avoid some man’s advances. Her father had known her desire not to marry again. Yet he played his game of deception on her again. His only concern was to bail himself out of trouble, regardless of her happiness. She’d played along with her father’s scheme when she’d married her second husband. Her hope had been that if she were married, other men with high levels of dragon blood would quit hounding her with proposals. They had interfered with her efforts to find answers to her first husband’s death. But her second husband hadn’t let her out of his sight. With his unexpected death, she was now free to find Mark’s killer. If she could escape William. “Every man on this planet believes I want to give up my freedom so I can bear him children.” Amanda knew the young girl didn’t understand the problem. With only a small amount of dragon blood in her system, Nancy didn’t have a choice. She 6

Anita Philmar would have to find a normal man to marry. Nancy frowned and hung a dress on the metal clip in the closet. “I know all that, but who’s after you this time?” “William VanHorn. He’s a dangerous opponent. As the new head of the Dragon Center, he has connections I’m going to be hard pressed to fight.” Amanda hit the closing button on her luggage and walked to the bedroom door. The bag floated along behind her. “That’s why I have to leave in the dead of night. He’ll have spies everywhere. Not to mention the fact he has the means to tap into my personal tracking device code.” Nancy followed along. “But I thought you went to his party tonight to reason with him.” “I thought I could, until he pulled out the marriage contract. I knew then I was playing on borrowed time.” Amanda wove her way through the house. “Don’t worry,” she reassured Nancy. “Just do your job. Tell anyone who asks that you don’t know where I’ve gone or when I’ll be back.” The girl’s worried face held an element of fear. “But how will I pay the bills?” “My brother will take care of anything you need. Just contact him. You have his message number.” Amanda walked out the back door and opened the trunk of her Zeppelin. She stored her things and turned to her maid, who’d been her constant companion for the past year. She gave the girl a fierce hug. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” With a smile, Amanda got in and started the vehicle. The flight path she needed to take would eat up several bongs, and her brother’s cabin would put her closer to her final destination. After a short side trip to take care of some personal business, she would simply disappear. 7

Black Dragon’s Blood “Pickled herons, I hate this.” **** Amanda woke with a vague sensation that someone else was in the room Watching the midday shadows dance across the rustic walls of her brother’s cabin, she listened for any sound or movement in the room. To her dismay, a spicy citrus scent hit her senses. “You almost made me believe you until I checked your medical records.” William’s deep voice came from the other side of the room. Turning her head, she saw him standing by the fireplace. She shook her strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes. Overcome by the heated peppery aroma of him, she struggled to focus on the man and not her body’s response to his scent. “How did you get in here?” He shifted several split boles and laid them against the spitting flames of natural butane. “Your brother let me in.” “And why would he do that?” Amanda rolled over and sat up, unconcerned by what the blankets did or didn’t conceal. Her high collared sleepinggown covered her from neck to ankles. “He likes his job.” William placed the poker back in its stand and turned. His dark gaze skimmed over her, and her breasts tightened at his heated glance. “You threatened my brother’s job?” She couldn’t believe the man’s determination. “No, I told him I wanted to see my wife.” William stepped forward making his way to the bed, but before he could get there, Amanda vaulted up from the mattress. She didn’t have time to deal with this delay. She needed to prepare for her appointment with York. She stood toe to toe with William, aware that his height gave the man a distinct advantage. His close proximity sent tingles of awareness racing 8

Anita Philmar over her skin. “But we’re not married.” “We soon will be.” His hands settled around her waist. She braced her hands against his arms to keep him from moving any closer. The heady scent of tart limes filled her mouth with wet desire, and her body swayed. Swallowing the need gathering on her tongue, she quickly tried to think of a way to work her way out of the current situation. “I don’t think you understand, William. I don’t want to marry you.” “You will.” His arrogant statement hit her in the gut. She had no recourse. The current laws of Scaup wouldn’t protect her from his demands. After the last war, the government had granted men with dragon slayer ancestors any mate of their choosing, a prize for gaining the country its freedom. If he wanted her as his wife, she couldn’t turn him down. But she might be able to get him to rethink his plans. “Why do you want to marry me?” “You’re stalling.” He tugged her closer. “You know I want you to bear my children.” His mouth nibbled the side of her neck. “I plan on keeping you with child for the next five years.” Her blood ignited. Hot desire coursed through her veins. She struggled to keep her mind on the path of her argument and not on the lips teasing her ear. “How do you know I can get pregnant? I have red dragon blood. We simmer. We don’t boil.” His hands drew her hips closer which forced his hard erection against her growing need. “I’ll make you boil.” “What makes you think you can achieve that feat when two other men have failed?” Amanda’s hands lay on the curve of his shoulders. His rich spicy fragrance played over her senses, building a desire to melt into his muscular body. She stiffened 9

Black Dragon’s Blood her spine to keep from brushing repeatedly against him. A smirk whispered across his face. “For centuries the people in my family fed off black dragon meat. It changed our genetic makeup. No men on the planet are stronger, more agile or more sexually robust than those who ate the meat or drank the blood of that savage beast.” His mouth slid along her jaw line and teased her bottom lip. “No woman can resist a man with black dragon blood. Not even you.” His arrogant tone excited her with the possibility of having his baby. But if he got her pregnant she would be tied to him forever. Amanda shoved the thought aside and scrambled for a way to defeat him. “And if I do, then will you release me?” **** The sweet tantalizing scent of her sex radiated from her skin, enticing his senses. William tasted the tangy flavor of desire on her lips. Amanda was deceiving herself if she believed he couldn’t give her satisfaction. He knew he could. His edacious hunger would not be happy with anything less. “You’re mine.” His lips covered hers. He tasted the candy orange zest mixed with the red peppery heat of her nature. His tongue savored both sweet and spicy as he stroked the soft flesh of her mouth. When she moaned, marking her surrender, he drew her full, curvy body tighter. “You can’t win.” He deliberately held her gaze and lifted her in his arms. Two steps away, he lowered her to the bed and shoved the blankets onto the floor. Her smooth silky skin glowed with need. “Your body is already on fire. I can smell your heat.” Her gaze trailed down his body, stopping at the thick bulge in his trousers. “I can no more control my reaction than you can yours,” she 10

Anita Philmar panted. “Then why do you think I can’t please you?” His hands hit the metal snap that held her gown together. The light magnetic force gave easily under his touch. “Because I’ve been down this path before. Neither of my husbands could take me to the point of opening my womb.” William couldn’t believe she had been with such incompetent men. Yet, the records he’d seen showed both men had lower dragon blood levels than he and of lesser dragon type. “I have every intention of having you with child before the day is through.” “And if not, then I’m free?” Amanda placed her hands over his when he touched the thin material covering her breasts. She wanted his promise. “I’ll be free, right?”

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Chapter Two William held her gaze for a moment and registered the doubt buried in her soul about his ability to give her a child. “You will be pregnant, Red,” he assured her and parted the fabric of her gown. His gaze locked on the creamy swells of her breasts. The dark rose berries of her nipples puckered for his attention. His hands circled and cupped her lush flesh. Drawing them together, he nuzzled his chin between them. Turning one way then the other, he drew each one into his mouth to stroke, lick and suck. His thumb and forefinger toyed with the one not being serviced by his tongue. “William,” Amanda’s breathy voice fluttered against his hair. “I can feel your hard penis against my thigh. Don’t you want to be inside of me?” He lifted his head and gazed down into slumberous eyes, heavy with desire. “I think you’re a little impatient for a woman who says she’s not easily pleased.” His hand slid down the center of her body, brushing the curly hair circling her heat. “I’m in no hurry.” “But if you removed your clothes then I could pleasure you while you pleasure me.” The sultry tone of her voice had him wondering about her change of heart. What type of game was the lady playing? “Are you hoping that if I come sooner, I won’t have time to find the combination to your womb’s lock?” He slid a finger over the edge of her outer lip, teasing her again and again with the promise of pleasure. 12

Anita Philmar She gasped. “I thought you might enjoy my touch.” For a moment, William hesitated at the suggestion, then stood and started to undress. He may have felt the pressure to marry so he could boost the declining number of dragon-blooded people. But who was he to argue if his future wife wanted to fondle him? The blazing fire in the fireplace warmed his back, while Amanda lay before him, watching him strip. He noted her green eyes widen when she saw the size of his penis. Her teeth bit into her full bottom lip before she ran a wicked tongue over the marks. Flames of desire danced over his flesh. The thought of those red succulent lips around his cock sent an urgent pulse raging through his body. She glanced up at him, her sea green eyes swimming with desire. A delicate hand took hold of the thick rod between his legs, and she stroked him. His body reacted to her heated touch. He breathed in a heavy gulp of air when her index finger and thumb circled the head of his engorged shaft and squeezed with just the right pressure. “I do know how to give a man pleasure,” she murmured. Her grip slid slowly down the length of his penis. A brush of her fingertips sent his testicles rocking. “Amm…all…gam.” The curse rumbled from his throat as he let her torture him, driving him closer and closer to the edge. Just when he was going to still her hands, her mouth slid over his cock. Fire shot through his balls. Her sweet dragon breath steamrolled over any hope of him staying her movements. His hips bucked forward, his hands cupped the back of her head. He wanted her mouth on him more than he wanted his next breath. Her lips surrounded his rod, and his eyes closed on a long moan of pleasure. Hot moist heat 13

Black Dragon’s Blood spiraled up through his balls. William adjusted his legs to keep his body erect while he endured the most agonizing arousal of his life. Opening his eyes, he let his vision travel down the length of her body. With only her shoulders and head turned toward him, her legs shifted against the rough fabric of the sheets as if the wet heat between them caused her pain. He laid his hand over her thigh, moving upward until he could stroke the flame. One finger tested the wet heat, then two. In and out, he continued to tease her while her mouth sucked and her hands stroked a need from his cock. He couldn’t contain his desire much longer. His control slipped a notch. She gasped and gave him the opening he was looking for. He pulled out of her mouth and worked his way between her legs. His fingers found her sweet spot and rotated around her clit. She will surrender. “William...” She tugged at his hips to force him down on top of her. He shifted his weight. “What is it you want, Amanda?” Her hips bucked up off the bed, working back and forth against his hand. “You...” “Here?” His fingers applied a steady massaging pressure. “Yes...now...” Her head rolled over her pillow, eyes closed, her face flushed. She was close to the edge. Taking his thick sex in hand, William heaved his body forward, penetrating deep into the tight walls of her vagina, enjoying the hot, wet sensations that greeted him. “Yes!” Amanda screamed. Her urgent movements drove him to the limit. She wrapped her legs around his hips, dragging him deeper into her heat. 14

Anita Philmar The muscles in her womb spasmed. His hips thrust forward, each stroke harder, longer, more demanding. She wiggled beneath him, her muscles clamping tighter. His body shook as if he were going to explode. Her next scream should signal the opening of her womb. He waited for the release, the brush of fire marking her body’s acceptance of his sperm. Pumping harder, his body posed to empty, he couldn’t hang on. With one final stroke into her, he collapsed on top of the soft cushion of her breasts. His release washed over him in mind-blowing waves, but his effort to get her pregnant had been in vain. **** The steady breathing beside her assured Amanda that William was asleep. His spicy scent lay heavy over her, like a perfume on her skin. He had tried, but as usual, it just wasn’t to be. Her dragon senses told her no child had come from their lovemaking. She shifted away from him, managing to slide from his grasp and stand. The dark hair lying across his pillow looked as soft and silky as it felt. With his eyes closed, his face at peace, his handsome features called to the dragon lust in her blood. The logical side of her nature, however, knew he wouldn’t keep his word about the two of them not being married, no matter what he’d said earlier. The rough jaw and sharp cut of his chin spoke of a stubborn streak that would bank no opposition. The dark ink on his bicep had a dragon raging with a fury. The man would be no different than his dragon art symbol. Amanda didn’t have time to argue. She glanced at the time-shadows on the mantle. She was due at York’s for dinner in less than four bongs. The trip to his ritzy hotel took three. 15

Black Dragon’s Blood She rushed for the closet, grabbed her clothes and slipped them on as she rushed down the stairs. Luckily, she hadn’t brought in her luggage last night, so she could change when she got to Sin City. Her feet sped over the wood planks of the stairs. The pre-dragon era cabin let out a squeak when she touched one step, but she didn’t avert her stride. Moving quickly to her grandmother’s handwoven rug, she hoped the cloth would silence her footfall. Her hand ran over the back of the red leather couch on her way to the kitchen. She paused by the metal table, wondering if she should pen William a note. Should she explain that she had some unfinished business? Would he understand? And did she want him knowing all the sordid details of her life? That her meeting with York would give her the answers to her first husband’s untimely death. No. She didn’t plan on seeing William again. Better to let it go. **** “I know a woman like you has an appetite.” Nick York slid his hand slowly down Amanda’s arm, exploring, teasing. His cocksure smile, slick black hair and wild hazel eyes that didn’t light on any one object for more than a few moments repulsed her to the point of almost retching. With his tainted touch, he had her pinned against the glass wall of his suite, leaving no easy means of escape. “A burning hunger moistens your sex,” he drooled. Amanda had held such hope of gaining information she needed from York this evening. She’d dabbed perfume in secret places beneath her 16

Anita Philmar favorite skin-tight dress. She had even omitted her lacy underwear. Not that she planned on seducing the man, but she believed in using her assets to gain an advantage. When she’d arrived at his elegant suite, York had seemed almost handsome, possessing a charm she found strangely appealing. But as the evening progressed, he’d become increasingly obnoxious. “Only the right man will satisfy you.” York’s gaze landed on the low cut V of her dress outlining her breasts. He licked his lips. Amanda wanted to punch the sinister man in the nuts. She’d endured about all she could of his vulgar remarks and sly fondling. Adjusting her stance, she waited for the chance to drive home a retaliating point. “If you were mine, I would have you tied to my bed and use you for multiple pleasures. I would live on the taste of your sweet juices.” With another brush of his hand he added, “I would never let you be without an escort.” A sound caught Amanda’s attention. She glanced over York’s shoulder. William stood in the doorway. Air entered her lungs. She relaxed a moment before the heated effect of seeing him again hit her bloodstream. William’s voice rang through the parlor. “That’s why, even though I might be a little late, I came anyway.” He strolled with irritating arrogance across the elegant suite. He didn’t pause to look at the rich north-gauge rugs or the expensive jade statues of naked women from Kura. His course sent him directly to where they were standing. The view of the busy gambling city lay beyond the glass wall. People scrambled around like computer dots. The skyline lit by an array of multicolor lights proved Sin City didn’t sleep. “I don’t like my wife going off without me.” 17

Black Dragon’s Blood William slid his arm around her waist and maneuvered her away from York’s sticky grasp. Amanda didn’t voice her resistance about the untruth of William’s statement. The man would free her from York. “William, old boy.” York gave his newest guest a sly grin. “I didn’t think you could make it.” She read the undercurrent of York’s tension over the addition to the party. “Your beautiful wife has been entertaining me.” The slimy man spoke as if she’d done more than listen to an exposé on his past encounters with married women. Amanda shifted closer to William. “I’m thrilled you could make it, but I was just about to leave.” “Oh, but it’s early,” York argued. His eyes, now a dark brown, darted around the room and settled on her glass. “You haven’t even finished your wine.” A spark of satisfaction lit York’s eyes. She raised the drink to her lips. A tingle of suspicion danced over Amanda’s senses, but she dismissed the sensation as a symptom of William’s nearness and downed the contents of her glass. She handed the goblet back to her host. “It’s been a long day. I’m sure you’ll understand my wanting to spend a few ticks alone with William before we retire.” She stepped away and walked to the suite’s door, perpetuating William’s lie with one of her own. “We’ve been married for such a short time, you understand?” “Yes.” York’s voice didn’t lower as he directed his words to William. “Your woman would make any man want to spend a lifetime plunging into her hot, wet...” Amanda didn’t wait to hear more. She left the parlor to retrieve her wrap and poche from the other room. No point in getting into it now, not with 18

Anita Philmar freedom in sight. Both men waited by the large copper door when she reentered the room. She glanced at William and wrapped her shawl over her plunging neckline to prevent more of York’s lewd remarks. Her poche hung from her shoulder. Reaching for the door’s release mechanism, she focused her attention on William to get a take on his mood after her disappearance from her brother’s cabin. “I do appreciate dinner, Mr. York,” Amanda opened the door and led the way out. “Maybe, we’ll see each other again someday.” She smiled, hoping someday to see the man hanging from a thin wire with scorpions dancing at his feet, a standard execution for a criminal of his level. William followed her down the long hall. The heavy textured walls and muted lighting created a sensual atmosphere, making it seem as if they were headed to a shrouded rendezvous. The hotel had a reputation for being a place for secret lovers and clandestine affairs. As they neared the hotel lifts, Amanda waited for him to question her about her disappearance from the cabin. He remained stubbornly silent, even after they stepped aboard the lift. “My room’s on the tenth floor,” she instructed when he glanced at the control panel. He mashed the button. The quick movement of the lift caused her head to spin in a dizzying circle. The mirrors lining the wall sent light spiraling through her brain. Disoriented, she reached for the object closest to her—William’s thick bicep. Her hands wrapped around his arm, and her head fell to his shoulder. “I think York may have spiked my drink.” “Easy.” William’s breath whispered over her cheek even as his hands circled her waistline. Her body brushed against his. The spicy citrus concoction of his unique scent entered her senses, 19

Black Dragon’s Blood awakening her dragon lust for a man. But not any man. This man sent a ravenous longing burning through her breasts and to her stomach. Liquid flame seeped between her legs, alerting every nerve ending to her desires. He alone could feed the hunger burning in her soul. She couldn’t stop herself from rubbing her breasts across the hard wall of his chest. Her hands wove their way around his neck. The stroke of her tongue found the beating pulse at the hollow of his throat. Heat pooled between her thighs. His hands slid to her hips and pressed her against his engorged sex. Fire ignited. “I’m so hot,” she whispered in a sultry voice she didn’t recognize as her own. The tight fabric of her dress felt like a vice, squeezing the life force from her body. “I have to get out of this evening gown.”

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Chapter Three Amanda shrugged off her wrap and started to remove the spaghetti straps from her shoulder. “Not here.” William scooped her up into his arms as soon as the lift stopped. His long stride ate up the path to her door. Amanda located her poche and found her keycard. Hitting the device, she unlocked the door, and it swung open. Her head swirled as he carried her into the room and kicked the door shut. Her eyes adjusted slowly to the warm glow of the sun rocks hidden in the ceiling. The arousal room, as she’d named it earlier when she’d changed clothes for dinner with York, was perfect for a seduction. Life-size pictures of nude couples covered the walls. Each pair held provocative poses as they enjoyed their mate. Amanda had often wondered about York’s clientele. Her body heated at the idea of William positioning her into one of those erotic poses. Her hand slid over the smooth column of his neck, and he brushed his fingers through her hair. When he stopped in the middle of the room, she looked at the large round bed. Black silk sheets stretched over the surface like a sexy negligee. Red pillows dotted the top. He dropped her feet but held her aloft for an overlong moment before allowing her body to slide slowly down the front of his. The hard contour of his muscular frame, especially the thick bulge screaming from the crotch of his pants, aroused her more than she’d ever admit. 21

Black Dragon’s Blood “Here, let me take your wrap.” His hands tugged at the silky fabric, removing it from around her neck. Her poche hit the floor with a thump. The emerald green straps of her gown slid off her shoulders and down her arms. Cool, fresh air bathed her breasts, and she breathed in a sigh of relief as the heavy constriction of the fabric released its hold on her senses. Now her body could absorb the true feel of William. Wiggling out of the clingy material, she shoved the dress down her hips, letting the cumbersome thing pool at her feet. William’s dark eyes, full of lust, followed her strip tease. His hot gaze raked over each sensitive spot of her body, setting a wildfire of need dancing over her skin. She bit her lips to keep from moaning. Finally free of her clothes, Amanda slid her hand over the release of William’s suit. With one quick flick of her wrist, the metal strip that ran down the front of his suit demagnetized. The cloth, stretched across the wide expanse of his chest, retreated. He shrugged out of his coat and shirt. Black and white silk fell from his body, and his pants bunched around his ankles. Amanda drank in the tall, lean vision he presented. A beautiful wide chest was covered with dark crisp hair that narrowed over his flat rippled stomach and dove toward the small patch of material cupping his thick erection. Unable to stop herself, Amanda slid a fingertip down his chest to free his captive rod. As William struggled to step out of the rest of his clothing, she wrapped her fingers firmly around his large male member. The size excited her senses. She already knew the pleasure it could give. Working up the length of his penis, down to the round smooth head, she glided back and forth, steadily moving him through her hands. His cock pulsed against her palm in response to her caress. 22

Anita Philmar She wanted to build a hunger in him as strong as her own, a hunger that wouldn’t let him think, wouldn’t let him control, one that would only drive him to give. “Amanda, you’re killing me.” William took her wrists and put her hands on his shoulders. “I want to give you some attention.” Then he captured her mouth, enslaving her lips until they parted, obeying the powerful stroke of his tongue. With each penetration she discovered a tangy new flavor to his moist, slick mouth. His hands cupped her butt cheeks, squeezed and then lifted her onto the bed. Except for the sea green air-heels still strapped to her feet, she lay naked beneath him. Heat radiated like a fire at every point their bodies met. Her sex throbbed with longing. One thick thigh lay between her legs, while the other ran the length of hers. His chest covered her breasts with a seductive pressure, electrifying her body to demand a release. His stone-hard erection stood so close to where she needed him, yet too far away to please. Frustrated, she shoved several pillows off of the bed. One of his hands smoothed its way down her neck, over the round curve of her ivory shoulder, while the other stroked the thick locks of her silky hair. Amanda shuddered at his touch. “Please, William, don’t make me wait.” William raised his head and stared at the green flame glowing in her eyes. An extension of the inferno burned within his own blood. He closed a hand over one plush soft breast as he discovered the gentle slopes of her body. “We have all night.” All the information he’d been able to obtain about women with red dragon blood told him that the lady had to be very excited before he released his sperm or she wouldn’t become pregnant. That’s what he’d done wrong the first time. He’d rushed 23

Black Dragon’s Blood it.

“I guess now you’re willing to marry me.” William’s fingers toyed with the puckered flesh of her aureole, elongating her nipple. “I...uh...can’t give you a child.” Amanda’s eyes showed her regret at what she believed to be the truth. “You will.” His gaze fell to her breasts. He would not give up on his dream for her to have his children. “We’re not leaving this bed until you’re pregnant.” Her lower body bucked as if she were going to rise. “You don’t understand.” He shifted and tugged her back beneath him. Her wet heat scorched his thigh. “We’ll see,” he whispered against her breast seconds before his lips covered her nipple. Sucking, nipping, teasing the tip, he didn’t ease up until she moaned and wiggled with need. Then he shifted to its mate and started again. Her fingers wove through his hair, demanding he take more into his mouth. He followed her demands, cupped her creamy swells in his hands and milked her, drawing his lips again and again over her breasts until her moans grew louder. Her breasts filled, swelled with need. If his father’s erotic books were correct, he was only a hair’s breath away from having Dragon’s candy. A rare treasure, but if Amanda had a high enough level of dragon blood, it was possible. The first bead of sweet nectar played across his tongue, enticing him with its unique flavor. He rolled her nipple against the roof of his mouth, working his mouth to absorb every drop of the sugary tart candy. His puckered taste buds fed the lust racing through his loins. “William, please you have to stop. I want you moving inside of me.” Amanda rocked her wet mound against his thigh, riding the wave of her 24

Anita Philmar desires. He lifted his head and looked down at her. Aroused, the pupils of her eyes were huge with only a small outline of green. Hair tangled, her teeth bit the soft, pouting flesh of her bottom lip. Their future lay before him. He couldn’t let her distract him from his mission. Send her over the top, something in him demanded. Make her lose control. Then his seed would be accepted into her womb. Giving her mouth a quick kiss, he charted a course back down her body. “I have other treasures to find.” “No, William.” Her hands dug through his hair. His lips brushed the soft skin of her stomach. “I have to taste you first.” She gasped for breath when he blew a hot stream of air over her red honey curls. Smelling the citrus orange aroma of her sex, he inhaled deeply, drowning in her special scent. He darted his tongue over her sweet juicy folds. Testing, teasing, stroking until he found her clitoris. He played with the flowering fruit until it bloomed under his attention, then fed on her moist nectar. “William, please...” Her hands urged his head into her swollen flesh. He dipped his tongue into her wet heat, venturing into the tight channel leading to her womb. Her legs clenched against his back. He drove her closer and closer to the edge. His tongue slipped in and out along the hot passageway. Her inner thighs trembled. The peppery-rich flavor of her sex mixed with sugary tang of dragon candy from her breasts ate at his senses and elongated his tongue. Deeper and deeper he traveled, searching for the opening of her womb. Thrusting back and forth, he slipped further along the trail, sampling her pleasures along the 25

Black Dragon’s Blood way, until his tongue brushed against the outer opening of her uterus. Her hips flexed. His hands held her legs in place, not letting her change his course. “William!” She bucked beneath him when he found the small slit. Hot sweet moisture flowed over his tongue, shrinking it back to normal size. Need raced violently through his body, demanding that he release the burning pulse vibrating through his penis. “Now, William, I have to have you now.” He lifted his head and caught her as she sat up grabbing for his shoulders. Rearing backwards, she pulled him down on top of her, arching repeatedly against the length of his staff. “Wait.” He yanked back, aimed his thick sex and plunged deep. One thrust. Two. Her wet, hot walls encircled him with quivering muscle. Spasms ran the length of his cock. Her orgasm swept him along her tight channel until he felt a small kiss on the end of his rod. Now, on the edge of every man’s erotic dream, he drove deeper, then froze. A tight band circled the head of his penis like a woman’s hungry lips greeting her lover. Fire ignited his blood. His balls sweating against her soft curves, he fought the desire to pump. Amanda shifted beneath him as if to dislodge him from his place in heaven. He centered his weight, securing his home deep within her womb. The short panting beside his ear, her fingers digging into his back, the tight grip of her legs wrapped around him, told him of her place on the edge of sanity. Muscles tightened, contracting in an uneven rhythm. Pulling, pushing, sucking his body of sperm. The pulsating beat rode against his engorged shaft. His mind numbed, veins flared, heart 26

Anita Philmar hammered. He couldn’t contain his lust. The first wave crashed over him, snatching his breath. “Amm...all...gam,” he groaned and quickly inhaled. The next wave should have warned him this wouldn’t be quick. The force of his climax shot through his body. He poured himself into her with a grunt of pleasure. Amanda’s body jerked beneath his, caught in the same tidal wave of emotion. His iron control collapsed. Slamming his penis again and again past those seductive lips, he pumped into that tight channel. Her body didn’t let up either. Matching him stroke for stroke, she milked him, demanding he work harder, give more, take the plunge that would give her a sweet reward. Her scream marked his release into the passionate abyss of two lovers. A physical explosion burst through his system. He fought to catch his breath and ride the waves of their joint orgasm. Her hands relaxed their grip, and her legs fell from his hips. He slumped forward and rolled, dragging her over with him. His exhausted body spent, he drifted off to sleep, secure in the knowledge she would forever belong to him. **** A steady beat under her ear woke Amanda. She attempted to turn over, but something as heavy as shackles held her in place. A spicy citrus fragrance floated across her nostrils. Her mind stirred. Memories surfaced. She opened her eyes to view the wide expanse of William’s chest, and then saw the video screen on the wall. It displayed a view of Sin City from the roof, the hotel’s substitute for not having windows. The time flashed in the corner of the screen. Hiding her face from the sight of the world outside, Amanda remembered the force of the 27

Black Dragon’s Blood multiple orgasms William had given her before exhaustion had claimed them both. His seed was growing inside her womb. Tiny contractions tightened her stomach. The baby would be demanding food only its father could provide. Unlike normal humans, a dragon blood female would need to have sex regularly with her mate for the next six months. The baby would need his father’s sperm to survive. Amanda knew the pain and sacrifice of not having the right man available. She’d been down that road before, but she didn’t want to think about the past. Wiggling out of his arms, she easily slid off the edge of the bed. The round shape was not conducive to sleep. Her high heels hit the white stone floor. She stood, took one step and her wrist was enclosed in a vice grip. “And where do you think you’re going?” William hauled her back to the bed. When her butt landed on the mattress, she planted her other hand on his chest to keep from toppling onto him. “I was going to the washroom, if you don’t mind.” She yanked her wrist out of his grip. “I’ll be right back.” His dark eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened as she stepped away from the bed. “You have a habit of running off,” his voice followed her steps. “I’m going to need you really soon.” His words sent a jolt of longing through her, and she paused. She glanced over her shoulder to the evidence of his arousal. A large hand cupped his long thick erection, offering her the enticing item. The round bed, covered in a black sheet, displayed him like a feast on a platter. She gulped. Her stomach jumped. Wet need slipped between her legs. His crisp lime scent tickled her nose. 28

Anita Philmar Bending, she picked up her poche off the floor. “You’ll have to wait.” Not wanting him to see how he affected her, she kicked a pillow out of her way and forced her wobbly legs to continue to the washroom. The tap of her shoes echoed through the room. “You look incredibly sexy with nothing on but those air heels.” She closed the washroom door on his comment. With her time alone short, she needed to hurry.

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Chapter Four Glancing around at the red and black décor of the washroom, Amanda rushed through her business and dried her hands. One of the wall decorations caught her attention. A woman with her legs over a man’s shoulders was doing a hand stand while her mate licked her wet folds. Amanda wondered briefly at the feasibility of the position. Picking up her poche, she located her messenger and quickly typed in a note. No luck, drugged. Blood sample needed. A. Hitting send, she waited for the words on the screen to clear, placed the device back in sleeper mode and put it back in her poche. She thought about the sexual fever raging through her system earlier. If York’s cocktail had that strong of an effect on her, what had the man been planning for the evening? The idea of him touching her made her cringe. Her body had been on fire in the lift. She hadn’t been able to think of anything but having William’s hands stroking her desire and giving her pleasure. His mouth glued to hers, his erection pounding into her, the bliss of an orgasm calling. She shuddered again. The urge had been so strong that if William hadn’t shown up when he did, she might have jumped York. A shaky hand covered the button that slid the door open and hesitated. The effects of the drug weren’t wearing off. Either that or the surroundings were stimulating her imagination because her body was screaming for him again. She’d never needed a man this badly 30

Anita Philmar before, never wanted everything he had to offer. Her mouth watered. He’d played with her earlier. Now, she wanted to have a little fun. Anticipating the pleasures to come, she smiled and opened the door. Her eyes met his when she walked from the washroom. Then her gaze skirted down his broad chest, over his flat stomach. The curly dark bush around his penis tempted. She wanted to run her fingers through the crisp hair as her mouth sucked his thick rod. She licked her lips and paused next to the wall several steps from the bed. Lying across that black sheet, he looked like an orgy of delights. Skin glowing, his engorged sex standing at attention, his body was ready for whatever she wanted. And her body was demanding she partake of everything he had to offer. “So tell me, William, what exactly did you have in mind?” Her low husky voice echoed her need. Straight white teeth appeared, and a smile bloomed across his full mouth. “I want you on top of me, my hard cock slamming against your sweet pussy with one luscious breast in my mouth.” His hand ran over his penis, sliding along the surface to indicate how he would give her pleasure. The sight of his large hands wrapped around his thick rod started a pulse deep inside, reminding her of his deep penetrating thrusts. She bit her bottom lip to keep from gasping with need. “I’ll have my finger on that sweet spot between your legs, driving you crazy until you explode over me.” Amanda slid her hands over her stomach and down her thighs. Widening her stance, she leaned against the wall, slid her thighs apart and lifted her sex. One finger ran along her moist outer lip, teasing him with where she wanted him to play. 31

Black Dragon’s Blood “Here?” His jet black eyes locked onto the motion of her finger, stroking in and out of her heat. The raw eroticism of his hot stare increased the moisture between her legs. “Yes.” His husky voice was barely a whisper. “And will you watch as your body is covered by mine?” Amanda drove the slender finger deeper into her slick folds. Closing her eyes, she imagined his rod where her finger currently played. “If you’ll come over here, we can get started.” His seductive tone opened her eyes to so many possibilities. She smiled when he beckoned her closer. “Oh, but William, you said earlier you didn’t want to rush things.” She wanted him to burn, just the way she burned. “Don’t you want to know what I want to do?” The urgent pounding of his cock screamed its demands as William ran his gaze over her. The lady looked deliciously sexy with her red hair tangled around her flushed face, her breasts full and swollen, her nipples erect. The pink petals of her sex displayed between the wide V of her legs. She balanced on her green heels, the red dragon art on her ankle glowing. Her hand played in her vagina, but soon his tongue would take its place. His hungry erection stood up straighter to demand her attention. “If it involves anything other than you making love to me, I don’t want to know about it.” The wicked grin didn’t ease the tight tension from his body. She took her wet finger and rubbed the moist flavor over the tip of each breast. “I like it when you play with my breasts, rolling the end of my nipples against the roof of your mouth. Do you want to do that?” He sat up. “Come here, and I’ll be more than happy to oblige you.” 32

Anita Philmar She took a step and stopped. “Yes, but will you let me taste you?” His body almost exploded on the spot. The thought of her hot mouth on his cock sent lust shooting through his blood system. He fell back on the bed, his legs spread wide. He lifted his hips. “Feel free to sample the goods.” She kneeled on the edge of the round bed between his feet that hung over the sides. Her hands did a slow slide over his calf to his knees while her lips charted a moist trail up his inner thigh. Her hands slid around his cock as a low groan escaped from his throat. Long slender fingers worked up and down his shaft. He loved the sight of her hands on his body. She stopped, her mouth a breath from his demanding rod. Her eyes met his. Her puckered lips sent a warm stream of air over the engorged tip. He arched his back, needing to have her mouth on his staff. Hot moist heat surrounded him with an electric jolt of pleasure. He sighed, closed his eyes and concentrated all his efforts on not coming. Her tongue flicked over the small slit before sultry lips circled his mushroomed head, moving slowly down the length of him, only to slide back to the edge. She almost let his cock fall from her mouth. He pumped his hips forward, and her lips took another sensuous trip. Again and again, she teased him, each time almost releasing his cock. On fire, he couldn’t hold out any longer. “Enough.” He growled and caught her by the upper arms, pulling her up over his chest. His hands shifted quickly to her thighs, and he roughly separated her legs so that she lay open for him. He didn’t have time to be gentle. He aimed his pulsing shaft at the tight, wet opening and drove deep into her moist, clamping 33

Black Dragon’s Blood flesh. His hands arranged themselves over her hips, holding her down as his powerful hips bucked. “Yes.” William pumped his rod deeper, filling her to the hilt. She rode him as he thrust harder and faster. His teeth ground together. He couldn’t hold back the mind-numbing release that gripped him. Her body answered his call, clenching muscles milking his cock for the nourishment their baby needed. Satisfied and sated, she melted around him like a warm blanket. William enjoyed Amanda’s soft full breasts cushioned against his chest. The quiet breeze of her breath tickled his neck. She would challenge him again soon, but his body was already responding to the thought of her next climax. Her hips lifted, a slow, sultry movement that glided over his thickening cock to the outer folds of her sweet heat. He refused to let her free him. He tightened his butt muscles and rose to refill her vagina. His hands on her waist nudged her back down. She mimicked the same torturous maneuver she’d used with her lips earlier. Enjoying her long playful strokes, he shifted his hands to her ribcage, raising her upper body. His penis shot deeper. She moaned with pleasure. “I want to feast on your luscious body.” He cupped her breasts, raising one to his lips. He licked and nibbled at the tip. Her hands wove their way through his hair. “More,” she demanded, arching her back and forcing her body forward. Her hips increased the pace. Greedy, his mouth widened and covered the creamy swell, suckling the flesh repeatedly. Desire flamed, a cutting blade knifing through him. He thrust harder. His fingers skimmed the warm silk of her 34

Anita Philmar stomach, brushing her red curls. Her quick gasp fueled his delight of her undulating body. Probing the wet texture, he found the tight bud and caressed the flower with teasing strokes. “Oh, no.” Her hips slammed down over him again and again. “Please,” she gasped. The pace grew faster with each revolution of his finger. His head fell back. Her beautiful body writhed above him. Her hands gripped his shoulders. She teetered on the edge, then threw back her head. The wild pulse in her throat beat at the same rhythm as her movements. Her eyelids flickered then closed tight. The waves of her release washed over her, spreading a pink blush over her cheeks. One more instant, a few more thrusts, but he couldn’t deny the sharp sensation, the bright arrows stabbing through him. Hot semen rushed out of him, into her, to support new life. She fell over him, his body pulsing with pleasure. At that moment, he knew he’d found the perfect mate, a dragon’s wife to give him all the children he wanted. “Mmm, I think you should be able to go a while now without sex,” her voice rumbled against his chest moments later. He rolled over, decoupling them, and laid his hand on her stomach. “I don’t think it will be me demanding sex again soon. You, my lady, have a very strong hunger growing inside you.” Her eyes widened when his hand ventured lower through the wet hair surrounding her sex. “You can’t want me again.” Her hands slammed against his shoulders. Anger flashed in her eyes at the implication that she would need him multiple times in a given day. “I’m more than a hot hole where your penis can play.” He kept her beneath him when she tried to wiggle away. Strong muscles bunched under her hand. The erotic vibration sent longing through her 35

Black Dragon’s Blood fingertips to ignite a flame in her womb. His black gaze pinned her against the sheets, and he nudged a knee between her legs. “I didn’t say you were.” He shifted his weight. “I have a brain.” She fought the desire returning to sing through her blood. “Yes, and I plan on using it.” His hand wedged between them to cup her heat. Air rushed from her lungs. A long finger rubbed over the wet folds. He was testing her. “And you have a lust for sex that rival’s my own.” She concentrated on the conversation, hoping she’d be able to control her response to his caresses. “How?” “How what?” A fingertip teased her sensitive skin. He glanced at her mouth. She couldn’t help but lick her lips. His spicy flavor lay in the air. His lips, only a breath away, could give her such pleasure. “How do you plan on using my brain?” She bit out the word in a tight voice. Her traitorous body hummed with need when an invasive caress shoved its way long and deep into the center of her heat. “Would you stop? I can’t think.” The corner of his eyes crinkled. Amusement rang in his voice. “Oh, but that’s the plan. I want that smart brain of yours to record every moment of enjoyment, catalog it and tell me what my dragon lady finds appealing.” “Why?” She couldn’t understand why he would need that type of information. He didn’t need any help on being an excellent lover. A second finger joined the first. His fluttering strokes teased tiny muscles that stood at alert. Her fingers gripped his thick biceps. She rubbed her swollen breasts against his chest, needing to relieve the ache that had started again. “I think it would be good research for the Dragon Center.” He increased his pace when she 36

Anita Philmar shifted her legs open wider. “I...uh...don’t know.” She couldn’t catch her breath. Yet she noticed, he wasn’t even breathing hard. “I don’t see how this could help the center.” A third finger slipped into her heat. “William, you’re playing with me.” She tried to sound stern, but her voice was husky with need. “I want you inside me.” “Yes, I know. You’re getting closer and closer to the edge. If I apply a little more pressure here, you’ll explode.” His fingers did his bidding. “No...” Spikes of ecstasy spiraled down through her womb, and her hunger for him grew. “Don’t toy with me.” His hand stopped. She gasped. “William...” “You told me to stop.” He lifted his glistening fingers, showing her the evidence of her need. He dribbled the moisture over her stomach, onto her breasts, massaging it into the tip. “Yes, but...” She tried to gather her thoughts as he licked his fingers. A long stroke of his tongue sent quivers of longing across her skin. His dark eyes questioned. She gripped his wrist, pulling his hand away from his mouth. “Are you trying to kill me?” “Do you want to know what we taste like together?” He brushed his wet fingers over her bottom lip. She wasn’t quick enough to stop him, couldn’t control her tongue’s feather stroke. The peppery tart flavor enticed her taste buds. A long finger rushed into her mouth, teased her tongue. Dark eyes drew her under. A dangerous swirl of emotions swam within her, drowning her senses in the spicy flavor of their combined sex. She sank into the warm citrus glow of delirium. He settled back between her legs. His first thrust plunged her into a vortex of need. Yet, this wasn’t just about sex, or having a 37

Black Dragon’s Blood baby. Deeper emotions lay around her, teasing her with crazy ideas. Could she love him? She closed her eyes shutting out everything but the pleasure of becoming one with William. To reach the point where it wasn’t her or him but them—the perfect union.

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Chapter Five “In the unity of holy matrimony, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The man behind the desk asked them to etch their names in the sheet of metal to make their marriage official. No fanfare, no celebration, just another set of forms to be submitted to the government as proof they were now a couple, a depressing process to mark the beginning of a new life together. Amanda glanced around the busy lobby at other couples waiting to fill out the needed marriage forms. William took the thin metal pages from the man and started for the registration desk. “We can get going as soon as I’ve paid the fees.” “I’ll wait over there.” Amanda pointed to a long bench by the exit. He nodded and flicked the device to have their bags follow him. On the way to the black leather settee, Amanda passed the singing machines. The busy “Sand Man” dumped sand into three bucks on the screens, while gamblers waited impatiently for the results. Excitement and bells rang every time someone won. A big game at the other end of the casino called the Labyrinth took up a full wall. People diligently placed their bets on how long it would take a small metal ball to get through the obstacle course. Wheels and paddles could change the ball’s path at any time, increasing or decreasing the time it took to complete the journey. The outlandish sexual theme from their room continued throughout the hotel with large marble statues of nude couples. Dark cubbies lined the 39

Black Dragon’s Blood outer wall for those who couldn’t afford a room. It gave couples a chance to relieve some of their sexual frustration. But most of the crowd stayed busy at the different gambling tables. Not letting the chatter distract her and having no interest in letting the Sand Man fulfill her dreams, Amanda concentrated on the sudden changes in her life. She sat down near the entrance. After her last marriage, she’d decided not to get married again. But last night had changed her decision. Now, she had a baby on the way and a demanding lover to satisfy. Her prior desire to discover how Mark, her first husband, had died seemed almost unimportant. Finally, she had the life she was intended to live. Yet... She laid her hand over her stomach. Didn’t she deserve to know why Mark felt it was so important to leave her the day after they’d conceived their child? The baby, because of Mark’s death, never saw life. The unanswered questions of his mission had been eating at her for past six years. That was the reason behind her dinner with York. The man had been uncooperative in giving her the answers she wanted, going so far as to lie about not having met with Mark that fateful night. But Mark’s body was found near their meeting site. The mutilation of his body had made his identity a mystery until the authorities discovered the dragon art on his bicep. With that being the only form of identification, the police—in conjunction with Dragon Center Investigation Team—had pronounced him dead. She wondered about the slimy man upstairs. York had no principles. He’d planned to seduce her even after she told him she was married. And if she 40

Anita Philmar wasn’t mistaken, he had slipped something in her drink. She felt sure he was guilty of more than an overactive sex drive. His slicked back hair and impatient eyes played on her nerves. Yet, he knew something he wasn’t telling. A man didn’t die without a reason. “Are you ready?” William held out a hand. Looking up, she took in his features. Chiseled chin, strong jaw, full lips, the man’s handsome face sparked a fire in her soul. Her gaze ran over his broad shoulders, tapered waist and thick thighs. She wanted him again. She sighed. “How long do you think it’ll take to get back to my brother’s cabin?” “A lifetime if you keep looking at me that way.” He drew her against his chest and gave her a quick kiss. “Now, let’s get going.” He looked back at their luggage and directed her out of the lobby. “Where’s your vehicle?” Amanda turned and led the way into the parking structure. “How did you get here?” “I took the express.” He walked behind her. His hot stare burned into her back. Her blood raced, her body on alert, she waited for him to make a move. He needed her, too. She could smell the spicy desire clinging to his skin. When they neared her Zeppelin, the lock clicked open. “Do you want to drive or should I?” He stored their things in the cargo area under the vehicle. “I’ll drive. I want you available in case I need some relief.” “What do you mean?” Amanda took her seat and waited for him to slide into his. Lifting a brow, he hit the ignition switch and put the machine in gear. “After I get us to the right altitude, I’m putting this vehicle on autopilot.” He flew the Zeppelin off the exit ramp, making several turns before he took the machine up to the cruising lane. “I hope under that very pretty skirt, 41

Black Dragon’s Blood you’ve deleted the need for underwear.” Amanda’s body heated. The man wanted to make love at a thousand lengths. “I might have.” She hit a switch. The console between them dropped out of the way. Her chair shifted closer to his. Teasing him, she guided her skirt farther up her thighs. “Would you like to find out?” He didn’t take his gaze off the traffic as one large hand landed on her leg, slipping impatiently to her inner thigh and nudging her legs apart. She shifted on her seat to give him freer access. He ushered a wicked finger across her wet folds. “I...uh...” She couldn’t hold back the sigh. It escaped between her lips when he drove a long finger into her heat. “You’re very wet.” He toyed with her clit, coming close but not giving her just the right pressure she sought. Pushed against the backrest, she gripped the edge of the seat and raised her hips. Her eyes locked on his. “I want you inside me.” He smiled but didn’t change his playful strokes. “Oh, I’ll get to you, but first we have to get to the right cruising altitude.” The tight sensation mounting throughout her body forced Amanda to grab his arm. She tried to shove his hand away. “Then I’ll wait.” “No.” He continued his intimate exploration. “I know you need that first climax.” “But...” Her sex clutched. Every erotic thrust of his finger demanded her entire concentration. Her eyes closed as a shiver rushed over her, sending goose bumps across her skin. She couldn’t breathe. Her nails bit into his arm. “Come on now, you’re so close.” His husky words drove her almost as much as his insistent finger. “You want to feel the rush.” “I...” She screamed out her frustration, knowing he’d send her over the edge any moment. 42

Anita Philmar “I want more.” He increased the rhythm of his strokes. “You think one little finger can’t do it for you.” Her hips rocked. “I...more.” Body vibrating, she became a quivering mass of need as her release shimmied through her system. The irresistible sensation melted her with the power of the explosion. Tiny muscle spasms sucked at his finger. Sated and relaxed, she didn’t want to move. The airways in front of the vehicle were finally clear for William to hit the autopilot. He freed his thick erection, wanting only to feel his wife’s liquid heat around his cock. He lifted her from her chair and over his thighs, her legs on both sides of his seat. Shoving her full skirt out of the way, he glided his throbbing shaft into her wet channel. He let her settle on top of him, enjoying the warm heat surrounding him. Her arms slid around his neck. Heavy-lidded eyes greeted him with a lustful glance. “Now, I guess, you want me to satisfy you.” She commented as if uninterested in the hard pressure of his arousal. “No.” His hands ran over her thighs and cupped her hips, “I think we’ll both be able to find some satisfaction.” “I guess you wouldn’t believe I’m too tired to give you the satisfaction you need.” She put her head on his shoulder. “Someone kept me up most of the night.” He squeezed her bottom and rocked her body. She was tired, but the tight channel surrounding his erection demanded her attention. “You can rest after I have my way with you.” Her lips brushed across his neck. “You promise.” The slumberous nature of her voice pulled him 43

Black Dragon’s Blood back to look at her. Exhaustion lay heavy over her eyelids. Briefly, the corners of her mouth lifted into a weak smile. “I’m sorry, William, it just hit me.” “No problem, we’ll try again later.” He laid her back against his chest and lifted her hips to help her return to her seat. Instead, Amanda shifted her weight and slid back down his penis. “No, I want to sleep here.” William tightened his grip. The thought of her sleeping on top of him, his cock buried inside her silken channel, flooded him with need. His rod throbbed. The sweet scent of her played over his senses. There was no way he could sit still and let her rest. The frustration would kill him. She whispered seductively against his ear. “You’re much too hard, and you need to relieve the building pressure. The baby is also hungry. But I...” He shifted his hips, and his hard erection rocked deep. His hands positioned her more securely over him, and she sighed with pleasure. “Yes, now I think you’re getting the idea.”

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Chapter Six William hit the lever to his left, and the pilot’s seat reclined, bringing up the foot rest. “If we shift positions a little here, I think we can arrange for you to get maximum satisfaction with a minimum amount of work.” Adjusting Amanda onto her side, William checked his maneuvering room. He relocated one of her legs over his hips. Taking his pulsing cock in hand, he massaged her wet folds, teasing her with short thrusts before slowly sliding forward into her heat. She cupped her hands around his face. “I can’t tell you how good that feels.” He didn’t argue but covered her lips. The lady would want a lot more before he was through. His mouth didn’t settle over hers but teased and nibbled at the tangy flavor clinging to the surface. He timed each caress of his lips to match the thrust of his hips. A long thrust garnered the slide of his tongue down the side of her throat. The thick aroma of peppery orange blossoms hung in the air. He could taste her unique flavor through his pores. She moaned, and lust raged through him. “William, please...” He lifted his head. “Yes, Red?” She thrust her hips forward. “Pick up the pace. I need you to go faster.” “Like this.” He increased his tempo, and her hands tightened in his hair. The rush of her breath panted against his skin. He stared down into her flushed face. Nothing existed except her and the 45

Black Dragon’s Blood convulsing muscles milking his cock, draining his control. He couldn’t hold back. He was coming, coming with an explosion he felt to the tips of his toes. “Yes,” her cries of encouragement sent him spiraling higher. “Yes!” Sanity broke. Shouting his satisfaction, he drove home one final thrust and buried himself to the hilt. Trembling in the aftermath, he eased onto his back, taking her with him so that they remained connected. She sighed and lay motionless. “Now, Red, I think you can rest.” **** William checked the gauges on the Zeppelin, then the lady in his arms. She’d awakened a while ago, hungry for him again. He’d tried to convince her they’d be at her brother’s cabin soon, but her appetite wouldn’t be appeased. He smiled. The lady was going to require a great deal of attention over the next few months. Dragon women were especially demanding during the first few bongs of their pregnancy, but he hadn’t expected her to want sex so often. Not that he was complaining. The demand for his own release rivaled hers, but he wondered if hers hadn’t been enhanced. He recalled his conversation with York last night, and wondered about the potion he’d slipped in Amanda’s drink. “Consider it a free sample,” York had said, sucking his lips like candy. “She’ll be so hot, we could both go at her and she still wouldn’t be satisfied.” William had wanted to pummel the man. He’d even considered murder when he saw York’s hands caressing Amanda’s arm. But he had refrained from killing the man. 46

Anita Philmar Another thought occurred to William. He had believed they could conceive without additional enhancements, but now he wondered if the formula hadn’t somehow helped achieve the task. If so the dragon serum was more important than ever to help his people. The whole thing had been a mistake. The dinner with York had initially been designed to open communication between the man and the Dragon Center. Amanda had only been added to the mix because of her father. Seth had claimed she blamed York for the death of her first husband. Putting the two together in a social situation seemed a reasonable cover, not only because it would provide William a way to meet her, but also for him to accomplish Dragon Center business. Yet now that he’d met the man, William didn’t want his business with York to affect his relationship with Amanda in any way. The highpower criminal was the only lead to the chemical compound that could help those with dragon blood continue to produce offspring. The serum was extremely important, but the man wasn’t someone William wanted Amanda to tangle with. “Is the sample dangerous?” William had asked, concerned that Amanda might suffer negative side effects. “No, the synthetic dragon serum will only increase her sex drive.” York had grinned and slapped William on the back as if they were old friends. “No harm in that.” “How much for the formula?” William knew York wanted an exorbitant price for the product. He had even been arrested several times for dealing in illegal substances, but the local authorities hadn’t been able to make the charges stick. The Dragon Center wouldn’t have the same problem. Though the center worked closely with 47

Black Dragon’s Blood the local and national governments, their objectives at times differed. Achieving them meant occasionally working outside the usual constraints of the law. This was one of those times. William, feeling the pressures from the current political climate, needed to tread softly where legalities were concerned so as not to upset the current administration. Cornerman’s whole career was built on targeting the dragon blood populace as evil. His endless accusations gained him favor with his local constituents. He claimed the special abilities dragon people used to win wars were a threat to the average person. Superior intelligence, fast reaction skills and a willingness to take a high level of risk were all a crime now, according to Cornerman. “How long until we get to the cabin?” Amanda’s voice jerked William back to the present. He looked again at their position displayed on the map screen. “We should be able to drop out of the cruising lane at the next exit point.” “Good, I’m getting hungry,” she said sleepily. William’s stomach growled, and he wondered which one of her hungers would claim her attention first. **** The wooden panels of her brother’s cabin glowed from the warmth of the fire. Afternoon shadows danced over William’s features, from the strong line of his jaw to the concern in his eyes as he smiled and snapped up his suit. “I’m sorry, but I need to check in at the local DC office.” Amanda lay on the bed, glad for the opportunity to run an errand of her own. She had things she needed to do without him being aware. “Are you planning to discharge my father from his job at the Dragon Center?” He shook his head. “No. He’ll be suspended for three months.” 48

Anita Philmar “Why? He deserves to be terminated.” Amanda’s father was a slacker. He didn’t care about anyone but himself. She’d sometimes wondered if he was actually the one responsible for Mark’s death. Mark had been under her father’s command, and he had opposed their marriage. Could he have done something so terrible? “Not today, I have other things I need to do.” William leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Why don’t you try and get some rest?” He walked to the door. “I won’t be long.” Listening intently, she tracked his footsteps down the stairs to the first floor and waited for the front door to close before jumping out of bed. With the click of the metal bond that locked the front door, she rushed to the closet. She needed to get into town and back before he returned. Grabbing a shirt and pants from the hooks, she dressed in record time. The cold gray day greeted her when she opened the cabin door. With her head buried beneath her brother’s turtle hat, his thick plumose coat around her shoulders and his heavy boots on her feet, she trudged down the wet muddy trail on her way into the village. She loved the diversity represented within her culture. This morning, she’d been married in a hopping resort city with high rise hotels and games of every description. Now, she fought a northerly wind blowing against her stride on the outskirts of a quaint little town from the pre-dragon era. Tomorrow, she’d be back in the metropolitan city of Madisonville. Cheesy, rural and modern, all within easy reach. Hitting the village business district, she turned onto a street lined with small curio shops. Odds and ends stared at her through the large 49

Black Dragon’s Blood windows. The stone path, weathered and worn, demanded she watch her steps. She didn’t let anything distract her from her mission. The café on the corner of Main and Broadway was her destination. When the quaint refashioned house trimmed in white finally came in sight, Amanda picked up her pace. The bell above the door rang as she entered. Several people turned from their small nooks or from their tables to look. She nodded at a few friends as she walked to the back corner where she normally sat. The bright glow of the fireplace and the large comfy rockers had drawn a few patrons to sit around the inviting warmth. The weather outside was turning progressively nasty with the additional threat of sleet or pellet storm. “So you’ve finally decided to surface.” The tall red-head with an apron around her waist sent Amanda a wicked grin. “Was he as good as you look? Or is sleep not included in your prenup?” “Very funny,” Amanda said to her niece, who could have passed for her younger sister. “I don’t have time for chatter. Did you get my message?” Dee smiled and took several napkins from her pocket. “I guess that means you’d like the usual?” Amanda held out her hand for the folded cloth. “Yes, the hotter, the better.” As her niece walked away to fill her order, Amanda uncovered the small vial Dee had cleverly hidden in the napkin. She pricked her finger with the pin in the cork and milked a few drops of blood into the container. After re-corking the vial, she slid the blood sample back into its hiding place just as her niece returned with a drink. “So how long are you staying in town?” Dee set Amanda’s cider on the table. “Don’t know. William hasn’t said exactly when he wants to get back to Madisonville.” Now that 50

Anita Philmar she had accomplished her mission, she relaxed and added a dash of spice to her drink. The wet spoon she placed across her napkin was a signal to Dee. The vial hidden in the cloth’s folds was ready. “Where do you plan on living? His house or yours?” Dee’s question was interrupted when the bell over the door sounded again. She glanced in that direction. Her jaw clenched. “Don’t look now, but I think you have more trouble headed your way.” Amanda didn’t have to turn to see who’d come through the door. She knew by the loud rumble of the man’s voice. “Hey, neighbor.” She balled her hands into fists. “Pickled herons, I could have gone all day without seeing that man and been happy.” Her father greeted Dee from across the room. “Dee, my darling child, bring your dear grand pappy a pint.” Dee smiled and walked to the bar, where a drink was already waiting for Seth Butterfield. The local bartender knew Seth’s likes. Her father probably came into the café everyday. “Still want help cleaning out your study?” Dee asked her grandfather. “Can always use the help?” Seth’s broad grin faded quickly when he caught Amanda’s angry glare. “Well, the saints must be smiling. If it ain’t my dear rich daughter looking like a beggar in man’s breeches. I almost didn’t recognize you, Amanda.” He walked toward her, looking dapper in his suit. Across the table from her, he pulled out a chair and sat down. “What? That new man I found for you can’t afford decent clothes for his woman?” “For that little stunt, I should pay your lover’s husband to bury your body,” Amanda whispered in an unkind tone. Then she raised her voice to satisfy the polite people in the tavern. “I came by 51

Black Dragon’s Blood for a quick visit with Dee. Saw no reason to get all dolled up.” Amanda forced the napkins she’d had in her lap into her cup and placed the one containing the blood vial on top. “I’m just on my way out. So I’ll let my generous pappy pay for my drink.” His sly smile irritated. She wanted to slap some sense into him to stop his stupid habits. The man was always living beyond his means. Fancy clothes. Fast vehicles. His financial problems had been the reason for her second marriage. That time she’d been willing to bail him out, so she could escape the steady stream of men who wanted to marry her. But not anymore. Her father needed to learn his limitations. “No need, lassie. Your credit is always good,” Seth said with a broad smile. Her eyes narrowed. She waited until Dee had cleared her things from the table before she stood up. “I do hope you enjoy your vacation, Father, but my account in this tavern is closed. Your drinks are on your coin.” Turning, Amanda sent a quick glance in Dee’s direction to see if the girl was heading for the kitchen. The results on the blood test shouldn’t take very long. “I’ll check in with you later, Dee.” The girl waved and stepped through a swinging door. The weather conditions hadn’t improved when Amanda walked back outside. Along with the brisk wind was the spit of a cold mist. She turned up the collar of her coat and retraced her steps to the cabin. She was enticed by the idea of a warm bath. With William gone, she planned to relax for a few bongs, perhaps catch up on her sleep. Either the energy it took to make love as often as she needed to support the baby or being pregnant was wearing her out. She’d never been this tired after missing a few bongs of shut-eye before. 52

Anita Philmar His spicy scent hit her the moment she entered the cabin. She glanced at the roaring fire. Both chairs in front of it were empty. Her gaze darted to the heavy wooden door to the kitchen as it opened. His large unyielding form appeared in the entrance. Dark eyes tracked her as she turned to close the door. His quick stride had him beside her before she could latch the metal bond. A large hand circled her forearm and yanked her up against his chest. “Where have you been?”

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Chapter Seven The heat in his eyes wasn’t only from anger. Concern swam in their depths. It shocked her to know he might have been worried. She removed her hat to give herself a few moments to think. “I went to town to see my niece.” “In this weather, you could have fallen and hurt the baby.” Tugging her arm from his hold, she threw her hat back to its place on the small table by the door and unbuttoned her coat. She should have guessed his only concern was for his child. “I’m fine, thank you.” She hung her jacket over the hook and took off her boots before she turned. His large form blocked her path. “I don’t want you going anywhere without telling me.” “Tough.” She started to shove past him, but he grabbed her shoulders, jerking her back in his arms. “No, as my wife, you’ll follow my wishes.” He lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. “I don’t like your habit of disappearing.” She wanted to fight, to claw his skin to pieces, but instead, she felt tears gather. She gritted her teeth and closed her eyes to shut him out. Her hands clutched his shirt. She hated water spigot women who cried whenever they didn’t get their way. “I am not a piece of property.” One that is loved and cherished by a concerned husband. The depressing thought turned on her tears. She tried to pull out of his arms, but his grip tightened. 54

Anita Philmar “You’re my wife. And I can’t take the chance something might happen to you.” He hugged her close. She smelled the warm citrus blend of his unique scent. Whether it was her strong desire for him or the change in hormones, she wanted to believe he cared about her, and not just because she was carrying his baby. “The current political unrest has created a need for caution. As Director of the Dragon Center, I have some powerful enemies. People who would like to gain control over my decisions. I can’t take the risk they might use you as a way of getting to me. That’s part of the reason I haven’t married until now.” William’s words sent a splash of icy water over her hopes that he felt anything but lust for her. She’d wanted to avoid marriage to William. Yet here she was his wife, pregnant with his child. The last part she didn’t regret, but she didn’t like having to report to a husband about where she was or what she did. And her meeting with York had been a bust. Her only hope was the drug he slipped her matched the chemical found in her and Mark’s blood after his death. At the time, it had been the reason the authorities believed she might have murdered her husband. What the police didn’t understand was how she’d gotten drugged along with him. Luckily, Mark’s hidden lab in the basement of their home hadn’t been discovered when the authorities searched the house. Past hurt, mixed with current despair, made Amanda slump against William. “I refuse to be a prisoner.” He scooped her up in his arms and turned for the stairs. “I’m only asking for you to let me know where you are at all times. I can do the same thing by putting a tracer on your tracking code.” 55

Black Dragon’s Blood She put her head on his shoulder and her arms around his neck. “Then you better set up the device, because I’m not going to report to you my every move.” Reaching the stairs, he took them two at a time. His anger burned through his clothes. “Why must you be such an obstinate woman?” “No, why do you need to be such a possessive man?” she mumbled sleepily against his ear. “I should...” He placed her on the soft bed and adjusted the pillow beneath her head. She opened her eyes briefly and looked at him. His heated gaze skimmed her body. “Where did you get these pants?” What was it about her clothes that riled the men around her? Why did they care what she wore? Feeling no need to answer his question or make a comment, she closed her eyes. At the moment, she didn’t care what he thought. Nor did she have the energy to fight about something as inane as the clothes she wore to town. They had bigger issues to battle. **** Looking down at Amanda’s beautiful naked form, William slid the blankets up under her chin. Then he turned and picked the offensive clothes off the wooden floor. Where Amanda had gotten such awful clothes, he didn’t know, but these were history. He tossed them in the fireplace and watched them burn. His anger with the lady behind him sizzled along with the clothing. She didn’t understand the danger she could be in by being his wife. Nor did she comprehend his desire to know where she was every second. His short trip to the local Dragon Center had proved unproductive. His mind had hounded him with pictures of Amanda being stalked, an 56

Anita Philmar unknown danger on the edge of his consciousness. He’d somehow sensed she was in trouble. Her absence upon his return had accelerated his concern, and his pulse had sped into overdrive. He’d been at the point of calling in a tracer for her location when she walked through the door. He glanced at her sleeping form again. Now that he knew she was safe, maybe he could get some work done. Down in the kitchen, he took out his messenger. Their earlier conversation reminded him he still needed to place a permanent tracer on her personal tracking code. If she wasn’t going to play by his rules, he’d put other measures into place. The lady wasn’t going to escape him again. Nail down security on Amanda. Need investigation info on Seth, yesterday. W. Jake, a Dragon Center agent and William’s best friend, would get the information he was looking for. After hearing the way Amanda talked about her father, he was beginning to suspect Seth of more than an extramarital affair. He was Mark’s leader at the time of his death. Maybe, Seth knew more than he was telling. And with Amanda’s interest in Mark’s death and Seth’s suspension from his position at the Dragon Center, it was a good time to do a little internal house cleaning. Some nagging premonition told William that Amanda’s father hadn’t always adhered to the strict guidelines of proper Dragon Center conduct. After sending additional notes to different department heads about several ongoing projects, William logged in to the Dragon Center database to check out the reason for Amanda’s exhaustion. A few bongs later, he was still reading about possible solutions when Amanda’s footsteps sounded on the stairs. He logged off and formed a 57

Black Dragon’s Blood strategy for helping her deal with her lack of energy. The sweet tangy scent of her body jolted his cock awake, and it swelled the moment she walked into the room. He’d been too long without a release. She paused just inside the doorway, her eyes meeting his with a shyness that surprised him. “I...uh...need...” “Come here.” He shoved his chair away from the table. She stepped toward him and straddled his lap. The thin robe around her shoulders slid open to reveal her naked body. Her greedy hands unsnapped his stirrup pants, freed his erection and positioned the head of his penis against her wet heat. She slid quickly down over him, and the muscles in her tight channel twitched with need. She didn’t wait for encouragement. The powerful lust of her flesh ruled her actions, forcing her hips to pump fast and furious over him. Her fingers gripped his shoulders. She rode the beast of carnal desire coursing through her veins. A flush stained her porcelain skin as intense concentration tightened her face. Eyes closed, head back, he studied the steady pulse at her throat. Her red hair played with the peaks of breasts, teasing the tips while they bounced up and down. Her moist lips panted for air. The fire and light beating through her graceful form spoke to him. A whispered language that captured his undivided attention sent his head spinning and demanded he give of himself. She opened a place in his soul, carved a hole that only she could occupy. Her screams of completion echoed his need to hold her tighter, take her farther, absorb her very essence into each fiber of his being. She wasn’t just his wife. She was Amanda, his heart, the beat that kept him alive. 58

Anita Philmar His body pulsed with the superior forces sucking at his senses, seeking his surrender of the gift of his testicles. He rode the rough wave until he couldn’t hold back any longer. With a groan of intense satisfaction, the rapid fire of his sperm spilled into her womb. She collapsed against him, exhausted from the activity. The orange peppery scent of her release merged with his citrus heat and filled the air. After reviewing the data he’d just obtained from his research, he knew they hadn’t achieved their ultimate objective. The lady definitely needed a dragon kiss. “Amanda, I think I know why you’re so tired.” William shifted her in his arms. She raised her head. “Not enough iron?” “No, I did a little research. Early in a pregnancy, a dragon lady’s womb has a tendency to close or have a very small opening.” He rushed on when she raised an eyebrow. “Which means the baby isn’t getting the nutrition I’ve been feeding him.” “Him?” “Or her?” He smiled at her silly grin and let her rest back against his chest. “But the point is, the baby is draining you of all your energy.” “And the answer is,” she snuggled closer, “you carry the baby for awhile.” “No, that’s not a possibility. But the data I read suggests something else.” He didn’t relish telling her the details of the prescription for her ailment. She must have heard the doubt in his voice because she sat back and looked into his face. “What did the report say we needed to do?” “It’s not meant to hurt you, but it’s a light form of bondage.” William released her when she pushed off his lap. She adjusted her white silk robe and tied the ends. 59

Black Dragon’s Blood “Where exactly did you get this information?” She turned away from him and opened the metal bread box on the chrome countertop. “The Dragon Center database. Remember I said I wanted you to keep a record of all the different things I did to give you pleasure.” William reconnected the crotch of his pants and stood. “The database is full of doctors’ and women’s accounts of different problems that occurred during pregnancy.” Amanda sliced the bread and took a chuck of cheese from the cooler drawer. She offered him a piece. “I’m not sure I understand the purpose of this exercise.” William stepped up beside her and slid an arm around her waist. If he didn’t think this would help her, he’d never have suggested it. People with dragon blood valued their right to roam free. He nabbed a bite of bread from her fingers and sucked the morsel into his mouth. Her resistance radiated from her stiff shoulders and back. She worked her way out of his arms. “Do you want me to feed you?” She held up a piece of cheese and popped the small chunk between his lips. He swallowed the tidbit. “What I want is for you to let me tie you to the bed upstairs and make love to you.”

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Chapter Eight Pacing the bedroom floor, Amanda couldn’t get her mind to shut down long enough for her body to rest. William had insisted she relax for a while after dinner. She was exhausted. But the idea of any type of bondage had her blood raging. Dragons had cursed their slayer’s blood with a death wish for freedom. The dragons, which were hunted only two generations prior, had battled for the right to live in the open air and on unpopulated land. It was part of the reason for their extinction. The same instinct lived in every man, woman and child with dragon blood. If found guilty of a crime, the accused would face death before living in captivity. The door to the bedroom opened. She turned as William entered. His dark gaze ran over her. His fast stride quickly ate up the distance between them. The wide berth of his shoulders blocked her view. She would willingly let his muscular body hold her down while he claimed her as his mate. Yet the thought of him tying her hands to the bed, taking away her right to touch him, caused her a great amount of anxiety. A shiver ran down her spine at what he might do. “I can’t let you do it.” Amanda backed away, her fear getting the better of her intelligence. She put up her hands to hold him at bay. “I know you think it will help, but please William, stay away from me.” “You haven’t slept a wink since you came up here two bongs ago, have you?” William took one of 61

Black Dragon’s Blood her wrists and led her to the bed. “You need to rest.” “No.” He was right, but her weary mind wouldn’t let her contemplate sleep. Nor would her irrational fear allow her rest. She yanked on her arm, fighting his grip. “Please, William, don’t make me go near that bed.” He turned and pulled her into his arms. “Red, you’re getting upset about this without cause. I’m not going to tie your hands to the bed without your cooperation.” She shook her head. “And why would I ever agree to such a thing?” “Because you know you can trust me. The center’s data says this method will open your womb. The baby can then receive more of the nourishment I’ve been trying to give him. It won’t have to rely on only you for what it needs.” He stepped closer, squashing her breasts into his chest. “They say this method will help you recover some of your energy. The moment you want free, I’ll untie you.” “Then why would we even think about doing it?” Amanda’s blood jumped through her veins. The heat of her lust energized her body with need. William gathered her gown in his hands and slid it over her head. “Just the thought of me restraining you has you so excited I could smell the hunger in your blood from downstairs.” He yanked her naked body forward. His hands cupped her butt cheeks, and he ground her wet heat against the front of his pants. “Your body is screaming for release.” She couldn’t deny his claim. The spicy heat of his skin tempted her to squeeze closer. She ran her lips along the side of his neck and rose to the tip of her toes to rub her breasts against his chest. “Then make love to me.” He lifted her and placed her in the center of 62

Anita Philmar the bed. She clung to him when he pulled away, but he disentangled her arms and walked to chair where her robe lay. He picked up the silky belt. He stepped back to the bed and sat down. “I think we’re going to need this.” “No, William.” She rose and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. “I’m not going to let you tie me up.” “Easy, Red, we might decide we want it.” His hands lay on her shoulders. “But why? I’m already hot for you.” Amanda placed a hand on his thigh, running it over his leg until she reached the snaps of his pants. She freed his engorged shaft. “If you tie my hands, I won’t be able to play with you.” She didn’t let the sensation of his hands sliding the silk over her wrists distract her from bringing him pleasure. If he needed her badly enough, he’d forget the idea of tying her to the bed. His moan of pleasure thrilled her. She leaned closer and sent a warm stream of air over his skin. The thick rod in her hand jumped. Her tongue licked the tip like a cat tasting cream. Her mouth watered. Her hungry lips covered him, caressing the hard silk of his penis. The slow in and out caress over her tongue made her ache for the same treatment between her legs. Sucking, tasting, teasing, she slurped the crisp citrus spice from his skin. When he grabbed her shoulders to force her back onto the bed, she followed his direction. He shifted her arms over her head. “William.” She bucked her hips and glanced up into his dark lustful eyes. “I need some attention.” “My thoughts exactly.” He worked his body down hers. His mouth nibbled on her lips while one hand kept her wrists captive. 63

Black Dragon’s Blood She wanted to capture his allusive tongue, but he wouldn’t settle down. Instead, he toyed with her, driving her insane with need. “You’re teasing me again.” “No, Red, you like it when I play.” His lips charted a course down her neck to her chest. Pressure built in the swell of her breasts, a fullness aching for release. “Would you like me to kiss your breasts?” He blew a warm caress across the tip of each. “Yes,” she demanded, arching her back so he’d not waste any more time. The man was killing her with his slow teasing strokes. The moist heat covered her nipples and seeped into her stomach, connecting the pulse of her sex to the pull of his lips. A line formed, fueling her desire and driving her closer to the edge. The muscles in her vagina jumped. She wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer. Shifting her legs over his hips, she hoped to adjust his position. The curly hair on his stomach lay over her wet mound, teasing the tender skin. “William,” she whimpered, the sound foreign to her own ears. “I...can’t...” The increased sucking motion of his mouth coiled the tension tighter. The live wire to her womb sent jolts of electricity quivering through her with the first pulses of her orgasm. A scream escaped as the erotic sensation washed over her in waves. His hands slid down her body, and his mouth shifted lower. Her eyes sprang open with shock at the first stroke of his tongue. “No.” She started to grab him with her hands but a tight band around her wrists stopped her progress. She glanced at the white silk, and her mind registered his deceit. Outraged, Amanda lifted her head to yell at William. “Untie me this instant.” 64

Anita Philmar His dark head settled between her legs, only the upper half of his face visible when he gazed into her eyes. His arms over her thighs held her in place. She was at his mercy. He didn’t answer but sent a long stroke of his tongue against the wet folds of her heat. His invasive lips slid over her clit. Super sensitive after her orgasm, she gasped for air. “William,” she panted, unable to fight the awareness pulsing through her senses. “I...uh...” He didn’t appear to be listening, and she couldn’t focus her thoughts. Not with the long slid of his tongue building a fire inside her womb. The slick thrusts, deeper and deeper, drove her wild with anticipation. She knew what was coming, had felt the explosion of completion the night they conceived their child and he had opened her womb to his sperm. The feathery flutter of his tongue against the outer wall of her uterus marked the mind numbing contractions. A shot of fire blasted through her system. Biting her lips, a groan vibrated through her throat. William quickly covered her. The deep thrust of his erection eased her jerking inner muscles as they milked his penis. Her hands tied above her head, she couldn’t grab onto his warm flesh. Instead, her hands gripped the cold belt. She met every shove as William drove her closer and closer to the edge again. It didn’t seem possible that a woman could fall for a man this hard. Need him this much, but she did. His thick length shot forward with one final thrust, then his body went rigid. Sensual waves crashed over her, drowning her in his spicy scent, dragging her under the spell of believing they could have a life together. She wanted to sink into loving him for the rest of her life. 65

Black Dragon’s Blood Her hands tugged against the silk around her wrists, and she was reminded of the danger of such thoughts. Tears forced their way from under her eyelids. **** Worried by the tears on her face and the rigid set of her jaw, William untied her hands. He brought each wrist to his lips, kissing the red marks. “There won’t be any permanent damage.” He released her and looked down at her. “Thank you.” She rolled to the other side of the bed and stood. “I think now that I’m feeling a little better. I’ll head downstairs to the bathing room, maybe soak for awhile.” She walked around the bed, picked up her robe and entered the closet. Her gaze didn’t once venture his way. Animosity radiated from the rigid set of her shoulders. Sitting on the edge of the bed, his head propped on his hands, his elbows on his knees, he waited for her return. The past two days’ activity was catching up with him. He would have preferred if she came back to bed and they both got some sleep. The data he read said it was better not to let her out of his sight for awhile. The ladies felt a need for freedom and wanted to escape their mate after a dragon kiss, a natural tendency that concerned William. Amanda already had the habit of disappearing. She didn’t need any added incentive. He’d have to stay close. He picked up his pants as she walked back into the room. “If you want, I can wash your back.” She shrugged and stepped to the door. “No need. I’m sure you’re tired and would like to get some rest. I shouldn’t be long.” He slipped on his pants and followed. The lady 66

Anita Philmar was too agreeable for his liking. He’d better camp outside the bathing room door. **** Sliding into the warm water of the large wooden tub, Amanda took her messenger out of the pocket of her robe. While pacing the bedroom floor earlier, her thoughts had jumped between the results of her blood test and what William would do if he got the chance to tie her up. As for William, she didn’t want to think about him or what he’d done. She could deal with her feelings about his actions later. Right now, she had a moment alone and wanted to see if Dee had sent her a note. Would she finally have a clue as to York’s part in her husband’s death? She saw Dee’s note listed on incoming messages. A match. D. The answer sent her mind racing to make the connections, to form the theories. Mark must have given York the formula before his death. That was the only explanation she could rationalize. No one other than herself and Mark knew about his theories on synthesizing dragon blood. He’d hope to solve the problem of why some women with dragon blood couldn’t get pregnant. The serum, according to Mark, was a drug to relax the muscles of the uterus and allowed a man’s sperm inside. As a closet chemist, he had dreamed of making it rich on his discovery. She smiled and remembered his sandy brown hair and light brown eyes. He’d been her world, her first love. The answer to everything her young, innocent heart had ever wanted. If her father hadn’t opposed their marriage, Mark might have been able to become an advance apprentice at a chemical company. 67

Black Dragon’s Blood But because money was tight, they’d both had to get jobs. The Dragon Center had recruited him to work in their labs, while Amanda held a job at her brother’s café. Mark performed experiments at home in his lab. They had celebrated what he claimed to be a perfect recipe for success the night before he disappeared. A candlelight dinner, some wine, and he’d slipped a drop of serum in each of their glasses. The evening had ended with them making love several times during the night. She couldn’t remember any difference in their lovemaking. Yet the next morning she recalled being certain they had conceived. She’d begged Mark not to leave. “I won’t be long. A quick meeting and I’ll be back before you know it.” Mark had assured her it would be a short errand. That was the last time she’d seen him alive. The pain and suffering of not being able to keep alive her unborn child added to the grief of losing her husband. Within days, her body rejected the embryo. She’d managed to hide the fact of her miscarriage from everyone except the police. Testing her blood to match some found at the scene of the crime, the police had wanted to prosecute her for killing Mark. Because they didn’t have any other clues, the unknown chemical found in both their system was the only link the authorities had to his death. But the results of their tests had showed she was pregnant, which helped get her off the hook. The police concluded she had no reason for killing Mark because she would need her mate for their baby to live. They’d let her off. Now, it was in her blood again. And she was pregnant. What was the special quality of the drug? And if York had killed Mark, why drug her? 68

Anita Philmar Did he think she wouldn’t make the connection? Shifting beneath the water that had gone cold around her, Amanda planned how to get the information she needed. For years her father had blocked her access to Mark’s records, telling her she should get on with her life and let the past go. Amanda had wanted to forget the past when she married Jeffery, had learned to love her second husband for his unique thrill of living life to the fullest. Yet his senseless death, while racing across country in his two wheel cruiser, had brought home all the pain from Mark’s murder. She needed answers for the men in her life dying. With Seth on leave from the Dragon Center, she thought about the records she wanted to see. If she could bluff her way past security, she would have it made. Amanda pushed to her feet and checked the time displayed on her messenger. Almost eleven. The local Dragon Center should have the night shift on duty, which meant fewer employees on duty. She just might be able to get the information tonight without too much trouble. Drying off, she glanced around the steamy wooden walls of the sauna and hit the release to have the tub empty. She slid on another pair of pants that she’d carried down from upstairs. The problem was how to get past William. He wouldn’t like the idea of her venturing out on her own again. The man was under the misconception she was his property. Opening the door quietly, Amanda caught sight of William’s sleeping form on the couch. His arm thrown over his eyes, his breathing even, he appeared to be resting comfortably. The crisp citrus scent of his skin hit her senses. Her body responded, her breasts ached, her stomach muscles jumped, her palms grew sweaty. 69

Black Dragon’s Blood She refused to let her desire for him sway her from her mission. If she woke him to satisfy her body’s needs, she wouldn’t be able to escape his protective presence. Amanda had no choice but to wait until later to satisfy her cravings.

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Chapter Nine Amanda tiptoed across the floor and paused to look at the way his dark hair circled his head, the full texture of his moist lips, the strong line of his nose. He stirred feelings in her she didn’t want to have. Moving slowly past him so as not to make a sound on the squeaky wood floor, she jumped when a hand touched her shoulder. “Pickled herons.” She turned on the man behind her, hitting him in the chest with her fists. “What are you trying to do, scare me to death?” “No.” He grabbed her around the waist, lifted her off the ground and into his arms. “I’m tired. I don’t know what you’re up too, sneaking around the way you are, but it’s not going to happen tonight.” He carried her up the stairs and into the bedroom. “And how are you planning to stop me?” Amanda asked as soon as he set her down in the middle of the room. “I’m not going near that bed. I won’t let you tie me up again.” His dark eyes narrowed. “Fine, you can sleep in the chair. But you are not leaving this room.” He slammed the bedroom door shut, locked it and pocketed the old metal key. He pulled off his shirt and sat on the bed. The arousal anger of his blood pumped the spicy scent through the pores of her skin. His heat surrounded her in a warm cocoon. She couldn’t stop herself from staring at the strong muscles of his chest. The dark hair made 71

Black Dragon’s Blood her hands itch. She bit her lip to keep from crying out with need. Turning, she walked to the dying embers in the fireplace. Her hunger for him screamed through her system and caused her ears to ring and her breasts to swell. She gripped the mantle, hoping to win the battle over her senses. “Where did you get those clothes?” His demanding tone sparked her anger. She glanced down at the dull brown slacks and stained white shirt. The clothes were borrowed from her brother’s stockpile, which was compiled from things he’d worn in his youth. That was the only reason she could wear them. Her brother outweighed her by more than a hundred measures now. “I have a number of items I keep around the cabin. I find pants and old-fashioned button-shirts more comfortable than dresses when I’m here,” she answered over her shoulder, afraid to look at him for fear of losing her willpower to resist him. “I don’t like them.” “Tough.” Amanda put another log on the fire. “Take them off,” he demanded. She shook her head and gripped her hands into fists at her side. There was no way she was going to let him bully her into changing. An instant after the bed squeaked, his hands touched her shoulders. He turned her around and began undoing a button on her shirt. “You’re a beautiful woman. I won’t have you wearing such rags.” Attempting to escape his touch, she stepped back, closer to the fire, and stumbled on the hearth. “Be careful.” He grabbed her shoulders to hold her steady. Her blood ignited, shooting flames of desire through her system. She fought the heat, the need 72

Anita Philmar to bury herself in his warm embrace. Her mind rebelled at his close proximity, ordered her to break the hold he had over her senses. Imprisoned by her lust, her fury bubbled over at the idea of him tying her to the bed again. “Let me go. I don’t want you touching me.” She stepped forward to get away, but he yanked her into his chest. “No.” His lips glazed the side of her neck. “Your body is on fire for me. I won’t let you deny it.” “You don’t know what you’re asking of me. I can’t go anywhere near that bed.” Amanda shifted her neck as far away from him as possible and shoved on his chest. “I will not make love to you.” He leaned back enough to look into her face. His dark eyes, when she looked in them, held no sympathy. Anger lay in their depths. “You are the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met.” He ran a large hand down her back until he reached her hips. His hard erection pressed against her stomach. “You want me more than you want your next breath, yet you fight me every chance you get. Why?” Her body begged for her surrender, but her mind refused the appeal. “I won’t be a plaything. I won’t be left with nothing when you’re gone.” “I’m not going anywhere.” William pulled her toward the bedroom door. “You will.” Amanda followed him, hoping he was going to let her leave. Turning, he pinned her against the door. “You’re wrong. I’m right where I want to be.” His hands again reached for the top lapel of her shirt. He jerked the material apart, and buttons flew in every direction, pinging to the floor. Her breasts sprang forward and fell into his hands. A smile spread across his face. “If you don’t want to make love in bed, we’ll do it right here.” “But William...” 73

Black Dragon’s Blood His lips capture hers while his hands dragged her shirt down her arms. His greedy mouth dove past any resistance she might have been able to muster. Her body responded, straining against him. The urgent slide of his tongue deep into her mouth sent shockwaves pulsing through her blood. The sharp plummeting heat of her desire lanced a path through her belly to settle like liquid fire between her legs. She tugged her mouth from his, gasping for breath. Her hands shoved at the fabric of her pants. He assisted her by forcing them down around her knees. Desperately, she wiggled to be free of the unneeded barrier. “William, we need to get off your pants.” She yanked at the snaps covering his crotch. When they broke free, she reached for him. His fingers circled her wrists, drawing her hands away from his thick erection and pinning them against the door. “Not yet, I have other plans.” Hungry lips covered her breast, and Amanda couldn’t stop the groan. In fact, she wanted to scream. “I’m going to explode.” The first waves of her release surged through her. “I’m coming...” A hand cupped her heat. She rocked against the pressure, riding the sweet sensations coursing along every nerve ending. Dimly, he whispered against her skin. “I want another.” His mouth nipped at the skin, covering her stomach. He took a deep breath as her body sagged against the door. “You smell like heaven.” His hands widened her stance, his head ventured lower. “You always taste like spicy exotic fruit, wild and succulent, with a kick that makes me burn.” Her body quivered when his tongue slid 74

Anita Philmar against her wet heat. Her knees threatened to buckle, and her hands grabbed him to keep herself erect. “William, you can’t. I can’t...” Her body tensed when his tongue found the sensitive spot that brought her the most pleasure. Her hands gripped his shoulders tighter. He flicked his tongue repeatedly against the hard bud until it swelled again from his attention. Gently, suckling her, he drove her closer to the edge. She arched her hips. “You’re driving me...” Her breath caught when he rotated his tongue over her swollen flesh. Heavy breathing, erotic unrest and the tight clutch of her hands told William she was close. He doubled his efforts, teasing and toying until her sharp pleas broke increasingly from her lips. “Please, William, no more.” Sweat broke out over his skin as he tried to control the heavy desire to bury himself deep inside her. He added an insistent finger to stroke the throbbing muscles of her tight channel. Her fingernails dug painful divots into his shoulders. She struggled to deny him his glorious goal. Her hips rocked in untamed rhythm. Urgent cries of pleasure echoed through the room. A pulsating sensation beat against his tongue, and hot liquid sprang into his mouth. Her sweet spicy flavor tantalized his taste buds, and he lapped her up, enjoying the fruit of her climax. Once he’d had his fill, he traveled back up her body and caught her in his arms. As he carried her to the bed, her drowsy expression, tired and sated, didn’t reveal any alarm at being placed in the center of the bed. Half opening her eyes, she watched him remove his pants and work his way between her thighs. Heavy lids closed on a sigh when the thick head of his cock slid home. 75

Black Dragon’s Blood He sank deep, drowning in the hot, wet sensations surrounding him, invading his senses. Greedy muscles gripped him tightly. He couldn’t believe how quickly and thoroughly his body was set on fire by this woman. When he’d left her to go work downstairs in the kitchen, his mind refused to concentrate on anything longer than a few ticks. Then a picture of her hungry body, warm and willing beneath him, would flash through his head with interfering clarity. The need to possess her soul overcame all other thoughts. He slammed into her again and again, unable to control the desperate desire to make her his. The weight of his body resting on his forearms, he rocked deeper and deeper into her inner passage. Seducing her body with the demanding pace of his thrust, he sent them both onto the heated path of completion. A sweet gasp of pleasure sang in her throat. The taste of her slick skin against his tongue and the red flush spreading over her face forced him over the line into the swirling mist of delirium. One final shot, then he trembled and exploded. Weak from the power of his release, William let his head fall on her shoulder. Her heavy breathing sounded in his ears, easing gently into a soft whisper. Slowly, his energy returned, and he propped himself up on his elbows to look down at her sleeping form. The lady was sated. Baby satisfied. She slept. He admired the gentle peace that lay over her face. Eyes closed. Her mouth, soft and lax with a sweet smile, begged for another kiss. Her hair spread around her head like a red crown. The muscles in his chest tightened. Amanda spoke to a part of him that demanded her complete obedience. Yet, she continued to try to escape. If he hadn’t woken when she opened the 76

Anita Philmar bathing room door, she would have gone out into the night alone. What was driving her? The need for freedom after having been tied up? Or was she still searching for answers about her first husband? Was she still in love with him, or was his brutal death something that haunted her? William rolled over, shifting them until she lay across his chest. He wouldn’t let Mark stand between them. If she needed answers to his death, William would get them. But he wouldn’t let her go, not now, not ever. She was too much a part of him, his life, his peace of mind. Maybe, the best way to get her to comply with his wishes and to keep her safe was to propose a deal that would give them both what they wanted. Tomorrow, he’d ask for Mark Helman’s records. **** William let Amanda slide out of bed. Before he could get up, she walked into the washroom. She’d gotten more rest, and they had both slept late this morning. It also appeared as if she had more strength from the way she strolled quickly across the room. He gathered his clothes and opened his bag to retrieve fresh clothes. If all went well, he should be able to sleep in his own bed tonight. He slid on a stiffly pressed black suit. The knees of the pants had a luggage fold. He shoved his hands through the arms of the suit’s shirt and pulled it up over his shoulders. Amanda walked back into the room with a towel wrapped around her body. “Are you ready to go home?” William put the clothes he’d worn the day before back in his bag. She paused. “Yours or mine?” 77

Black Dragon’s Blood He could tell by her raised brow this was going to be another point of contention. “Mine.” “No, I’m not moving into your house. I have one of my own.” She walked to the closet and disappeared inside for a few ticks. William slipped on his socks and boots. He should have known she would fight him on this point. As his wife, he expected her to follow his rules, but she was used to doing things her own way. He would need to make allowances for her independent streak. He glanced up when Amanda came back wearing another set of those awful clothes. The green plaid shirt had several large stains. The dark gray pants had the seam undone from the knee to the ankle on the left leg. Her belt was frayed and worn. The outfit looked like something a poor young boy might wear. William stalked toward her, annoyed by her constant need to provoke him. This was pushing his patience too far. “Get out of those clothes.” She raised her hands to fend him off, but his hands circled her forearms. “No, if you want a say in what I wear and what I do, then I get a say in other areas of our lives, like where we live.”

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Chapter Ten To keep from shaking Amanda until her teeth rattled in her head, William released her and stepped back. “I have a large house.” “So, I don’t have anyone else living with me, except my maid. She can always move to another place if need be.” Amanda walked to the fireplace. “All of my family lives here.” “My mother and brother both have suites of their own, and my sister is away at school. They won’t bother us.” William stared at her determined expression. “Now, I want you to get out of those clothes.” “I won’t be ordered around.” She didn’t budge. Her green eyes spit shards of fury at him, as if she could injure him with her persistence. His body responded to the heat of battle. If the lady suspected she set his body on fire when she got upset, she might begin to understand how much he enjoyed their verbal battles. Staring at her flushed face, he realized it’d been a while since he’d tasted those pouting lips. He stepped forward and drew her into his arms. Her hands pushed at his chest. His mouth hovered close to hers. “If you want me to get you the information about your first husband’s death, you’re going to have to learn to cooperate.” With a quick inhale of breath, she drew back. “If my father hadn’t denied me access to the Dragon Center records, I’d already know everything I wanted to know.” William slid his hands over her back and down to her hips. He pressed her against his thick 79

Black Dragon’s Blood erection. “I can get you that information and more if you’re willing to cooperate.” She shook her head. “I won’t live with your mother. I have a house of my own.” “If I concede on where we live, will you never wear pants again?” He untucked the shirt from her pants. “And not disappear without telling me where you’re going?” Amanda yanked her blouse over her head. “I won’t visit your mother more than once a week.” “Deal.” He cupped her breasts through the thin undershirt she wore. “We’ll live at my house.” Amanda slid her pants down over her hips. “And I’ll always wear skirts or dresses—with underwear optional, of course.” She picked up the shirt and pants and tossed them in the fire. “And...” He grabbed her when she started past him. “You’ll let me know where you are at all times.” The wicked woman placed her hands on his shoulders. Her thin tee teased him with the rosy glow of her aureoles. She rubbed her breasts over his chest, inviting the soft peaks to swell. “Why? You already have a tracer on me.” He gripped her waist to hold her still and looked down into the sparkling devilish depths of her sea green eyes. “I want your word.” “You want my body.” Her hand slid over the bulge in his pants. “And I might be able to accommodate you if you’re willing to compromise on this point.” He grinned. The lady knew how to use her advantage, but he had the same weapon. He could smell the same hunger running through her blood. Sex was not a weapon for either of them, and he wasn’t going to let her use it as one. Backing away from her, he turned and strolled 80

Anita Philmar to the bedroom door. “If you won’t agree, I guess we’re at a stalemate because I want your word.” A frustrated frown flashed across her face, marking his victory. “Then I guess I’ll see you downstairs.” She turned away and walked back into the closet. He unlocked the door and left before he changed his mind. Amanda was going to have to learn he wouldn’t negotiate on some points. **** Furious William had left her when her body was on fire with need, Amanda pulled a seethrough blouse with expanding sleeves and a round-necked collar from her bag. She added a floral skirt. Stepping out of her undergarments, she stuffed all the things she didn’t need back in her luggage. Her breasts ached when she slid on her shirt. A tight pulse started in her stomach. She glanced at the time-shadows on the mantle of the bedroom. Pickled herons, I’m not going to make it long. She slipped on the skirt and put on her heels. He would need her soon, too. Walking down the stairs, she wondered about his promise to get the information she wanted about Mark’s death. Would he really help her? The thought had her increasing her pace. If William was serious, they might be able to discover what happened all those years ago. Hope, for the first time in years, bubbled in her chest. Amanda caught sight of William setting a plate of fruit on the table when she entered the kitchen. Need slammed into her, drowning her enthusiasm for information under a flood of pulsating desire. “Were you serious?” “About?” William didn’t pause but continued to set things on the table. Bread, meat and cheese lay across the surface with a place setting for each 81

Black Dragon’s Blood of them. She stood next to the door. His scent surrounded her in a blanket of desire. Longing coursed through her veins. Unable to get any closer without jumping him, Amanda bit her lip to remind herself of the thread of their conversation. “You said you’d help me find out about Mark’s death.” He stopped and looked at her. “You need to eat.” His dark gaze raked her body. Her skin burned. “Come have a seat.” He indicated her chair. Frozen, Amanda couldn’t think. Every cell screamed for his touch. She watched him approach, his movement graceful and swift. He took her hand and led her to the table. He moved to the other chair and sat down. “I’m willing to help, but I need to know you’re safe.” She stared at her chair. No way could she even think about sitting down. Her body didn’t want food. Turning, she walked to the counter, gripping the edge to steady her speeding pulse. She willed her body to follow her dictate as the yearning in her womb demanded attention. Her swollen breasts ached, and the muscles of her inner thighs quivered. She couldn’t get her brain to function. All her thoughts were centered on the liquid heat dripping between her legs. How could one person need someone else this badly? Desperately, she lowered her head, trying to fight the sensations of deprivation. William didn’t want her. And she refused to use the man to satisfy her own needs. If he wasn’t willing, she wouldn’t beg. His hands fell on her shoulders. He turned her 82

Anita Philmar to face him, his eyes dark with concern. “You need something besides food.” His hands landed on her waist, and he lifted her onto the cold counter. He spread her legs, and unsnapped his pants. “You should have told me.” His thick rod sprang forward, bigger than she remembered and rock hard. Her mouth watered. His arousal pulled a response from her loins, tiny muscles jerked in her abdomen. His dark balls, still cushioned inside his pants, were taut and full. “I can’t ask for something you’re not willing to give.” Amanda wanted to explode into a million pieces with him so close. He slid her skirt up over her thighs and traced her wet heat. Her lungs lost all air at his touch. She gulped in a breath and grabbed the silky fabric of his shirt. “No, William, I can’t bargain for sex.” He wedged himself between her thighs. “Good, because you’re mine, and I plan on making love to you on a regular basis.” “But uh...” His penis slid slowly into her wet heat. Muscles responded. She gasped at the sudden thrill of her desires being met. “What about when I need you?” A smile bloomed over his face, and he reversed his attack. “Like now?” She nodded and gripped his shoulders tighter. “Were you going to ask me to satisfy your desires?” Shaking her head, she watched him slide within an inch from leaving her body. She took a shaky breath and shifted her gaze to his dark eyes. He yanked her hips forward to bury himself to the hilt. “You should learn right now this comes first. We have an obligation to our child to give him everything he needs.” Her legs wrapped around his back. The muscles inside her wanted him thrusting deeper. She rocked her hips. He held steady. 83

Black Dragon’s Blood “I won’t be a prisoner of sex.” Amanda didn’t want to need him. She didn’t like the idea that every few bongs or less her body would demand relief. It wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t she have her baby without the demands for his father’s input? “We’re in this together.” William’s eyes drilled home his words seconds before his mouth captured hers. **** Sitting at the table finishing his lunch, William glanced at Amanda. Her eyes wouldn’t meet his. He knew their earlier session on the counter hadn’t completely satisfied her hunger, had barely taken the edge off her desires. She needed a second orgasm. When she shifted in her seat but still didn’t look at him, he decided to let her simmer a while longer before he relieved the pressure building in his body. “After we get back into town, I’ll let you off at your house then head home. I’ll need to let my mother know that for now we’re living at your house. I also need to gather a few essentials. Mother, of course, will want to meet you. I’ll set up something for later in the week.” “When do you want to leave?” Amanda stood and started putting things away. William enjoyed watching her antsy movements. “As soon as you’re ready.” She paused briefly then finished clearing the table. When everything was put away, she turned. “I need to tell my brother we aren’t going to be here any longer. That way, he can have someone come over to clean up and get rid of the extra food.” “First, I think we have some unfinished business.” William held out his hand. He waited for her to take it. When she did, he maneuvered her so she stood over his lap. “You are a woman with a strong lust 84

Anita Philmar for her husband.” His hands cupped her knees and slid up her outer thighs. “That is a very admirable quality. Don’t ruin it by being to stubborn to admit when you need me.” “I didn’t say—” “You didn’t have to.” Tugging her down on his lap, his hands shifted to her inner thigh. “I can smell it when you’re burning.” “But William, I’m not sure this is normal.” Her eyes looked worried. “It might be an overreaction to the drug York slipped me. I know it affected my sex drive initially.” “Why do you think he slipped you a drug?” William wondered if she was having some other side effect, she wasn’t telling him about. “Are you not feeling well?” “I’m okay, but York has something to hide. The same drug he slipped me, Mark used before he died.” Amanda took hold of William’s wrists and shifted his hands to lay over the top of her legs. “How do you know?” Suspicion of York was not a new theory for Amanda, according to her father. Where was she getting her information? “I had a friend do a blood test. That’s why I went into town.” “But how did they match it with the substance in your first husband’s blood when he died?” William suspected a leak in the DC security. “The police gave me the chemical makeup of the substance when they found it in Mark’s blood.” Amanda toyed with the snaps on his pants, undoing each. “I compared it to the formula Mark was developing. They’re the same.” William felt a surge of power. If the chemical was the same and Amanda had the formula, the dragon population might be one step closer to having the answer to their low fertility rate. “Can you get me a copy of the formula?” 85

Black Dragon’s Blood Her hands caressed his penis. Fire shot through his body, and his mind went blank. “I could.” She slid her hands over him in a long slow glide, drawing out his pleasure. “But I would want you to get me those records you claimed you can obtain.” “I think we can make an exchange.” His thumbs slid to the inside of her legs, brushed against her heat. She shivered in reaction. “You give me what I want, and I’ll give you what you want.” She leaned forward, positioned his thick shaft just where she wanted him. “I want,” she slid slowly down over him, “you to satisfy this terrible hunger that keeps eating me up inside.” With her hot lust surrounding his erection, he placed his hands on her shoulders, shifted the elastic band of her neckline down her arms until the material lay under her erect breasts and gazed at the gentle slopes. “Well, let me see.” One hand found a home over a nipple, plucking and playing until it puckered with need. “I think I’d like a taste of you.” His mouth covered her breast while his other hand ventured lower. He stroked the wet folds of her swollen flesh, found her sweet spot and rubbed the bud with teasing caresses. She whimpered. “I need you to...” He increased the pressure on her clit, rotating his finger over the greedy bud. His mouth rolled her breast against the roof of his mouth. “William, please...” Her hips arched repeatedly, riding the need buried deep inside. Her volume increased. “I think I’m...” The powerful strokes of her wet, clamping walls milked his erection. Desire spun out of control. He lifted his hips, thrusting deeper and deeper into the tight bliss of her body as it pulsated against his shaft. 86

Anita Philmar Stars burst through his head in a mindnumbing light show, and he convulsed with his orgasm. Unbelievable pleasure drilled through him to the depths of his soul.

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Chapter Eleven Over the next several days, Amanda settled into living with a man again. William, though busy most of the time, worked from home as often as he could. He checked on her every once in a while to see if she was feeling all right. She discovered his body’s need for her was as strong as her desire for him, which made him very accommodating. “You told me you would bring Mark’s file home yesterday. What happened?” Amanda wasn’t sure if William was planning to help her or not. He’d been stalling with excuses since they’d gotten back to town. “I don’t know what to tell you. I’ve had several people reviewing our database. The information, according to the experts, is missing.” His hands clenched into large fists, his frustration evident in the frown on his face. “And when I find out who is responsible for the deletion or oversight, there will be a price to pay. I contacted Mark’s home office, and they’re supposedly sending over the file today.” “You know my father was his superior.” Amanda wondered how much investigating into Mark’s death William had done. “Yes, I did talk to him about Mark’s murder after it happened. I was associate director of his region at the time. I don’t remember there being any reason to believe he was involved in the incident.” William shoved his chair away from the large copper desk that now sat in the middle of her sitting room. The pounded metal, made up of large oval 88

Anita Philmar pieces, created a sculptured base that looked like the lower part of a dragon’s body. Two feet and a belly held a heavy black sheet of marble used as the top. The black shiny metal and auburn color didn’t match any other item in the room. The frilly curtains outlining the windows and the two guest chairs were done in pale green. Her yellow and green floral couch, sacrificed for his desk, now sat in her maid’s new residence. William hadn’t wanted Nancy to live with them. The only reason she let him claim the room for his office was because he’d been willing to live in her house instead of forcing the issue to live at his. The thought reminded her of the evening ahead of them. “What time does your mother want us to arrive for dinner tonight?” “I think she said around seven.” He stood and gathered a number of thin sheets of metal into a neat stack before placing them in a silver carrying poche. “I need to make a run into the office for a little while if you’re feeling all right. I have several projects I need to check on.” She nodded and turned to stare at the dying embers in the fireplace. The message from her niece this morning rang through her head. Found clue in pop’s desk. List of ingredients match formula. York’s name written in red. D. Amanda wondered again if her father set up Mark. He had the power to demand his subordinate’s compliance. The events from the last few years fell one by one into place. If she could only get hold of Mark’s records, the answer to what happened that night might be solved. “Are you sure you don’t want to go upstairs before I leave?” William laid a hand on her shoulder, caressed her arm with a warm seductive 89

Black Dragon’s Blood touch. She turned to look up at him. “No need, I was just thinking about what I should wear tonight.” He smiled and started for the door. Amanda watched him leave before she turned back to her musing. Her father had shaped her life in so many ways. She didn’t want to believe he was involved in Mark’s murder, but the sequence of events pointed to him as a suspect. Her marriage to Mark, in her mind, had been perfect. Yet, her father constantly put her husband down, always saying she could have married better. But before Mark’s death, the two had appeared to get along. Her father had even promoted Mark to a new position with better pay. Then not two months after his death, Seth had arranged for her to marry Jeffery. She agreed because she wanted to bail her father out of the deep financial hole he’d gotten into. And she was tired of being constantly hounded by men. Yet, after about a year of being married to her second husband, her father changed his mind again. He decided Jeffery wasn’t the right man for her either. Her father had tried several times since Jeffery’s death two years ago to get her to marry again. She resented his interference, which created a rift in their relationship. She’d learned to avoid him, the same way she did potential suitors. Keep out sight and don’t live in one place too long. It had been the only way she’d remained single. That was how William caught her. She should’ve known better than to attend his party. And her father had probably informed him about her meeting with York. No, she’d made a tactical error. A flutter in her abdomen reminded her why 90

Anita Philmar she’d married the man. Her hand rubbed the place were her baby played. She didn’t regret her marriage. But she wondered how she could get Seth to tell her what he knew about Mark’s death? Her father had been closed-mouth about the whole incident. A guilty reaction for sending her husband to his death? Or was he to blame for setting up Mark’s murder? A shiver ran down Amanda’s back. She didn’t want to believe her father was a killer. But... York did have the formula, and if her father knew about the serum, did that mean he was involved? She had to find a way to get Seth to tell her what he knew about the case. **** “Jake, I’ve read your report. It points to the fact that Seth is as guilty as sin.” Red hot anger coursed through William’s blood. He glanced around at the quiet elegance of his Dragon Center office. The natural tones of brown and beige should have helped calm him, but today the room’s magical appeal was lost under a sea of doubt. “True, but the tin-plated trail says they were all legitimate investments. York’s lawyer says Seth owns a percentage of his hotel.” Jake leaned back in his chair as if he didn’t have a clue. William didn’t buy his best friend’s innocent act. The tall lanky man, who looked more like a professional athlete than a DC agent, could flesh out information about anyone. He’d done so many times. “So what’s going on?” Grey eyes met William’s. A smile played around Jake’s mouth. The sly, grey dragon had something on his mind. “I have a theory.” Jake looked down at his perfectly manicured fingernails. “But no proof.” 91

Black Dragon’s Blood The gut instincts of a killer, Jake would be dead on, and William knew it. “Tell me.” “Seth sold out his son-in-law and gave York the formula for the dragon serum. When the sonin-law found out and wanted in on the deal,” Jake brushed his hands together, “York had him killed.” “But why would York set up a meeting at his own hotel? Wouldn’t that point directly to his involvement?” William didn’t understand the logic. “Not a problem in that city. A murder is just as likely to happen in his hotel as any other.” Jake ran a hand through his short blond hair. “The man wasn’t worried. With the money he’s making on Mark’s drug, he can buy loyalty from half the people in town.” William felt the situation slip from his hands. It hurt to know Amanda still longed to find her first husband’s killer. He wanted to ease her mind and force Mark’s memory into the past, but if he couldn’t prove York’s guilt or Seth’s involvement, there was no way he could help her nail Mark’s killer. “So what are our choices?” “You don’t have any.” Jake shrugged. “Unless Seth wants to talk or York does something stupid, we can’t make a case.” “That’s not the answer I was looking for. The two men have to have enemies. Find a leak.” William was unwilling to back away. There had to be something they hadn’t discovered yet. “If you need to, assign every agent in Sin City to the investigation. I want them.” “You’re the boss.” Jake stood and walked to the door. William stopped him. “I also want to make sure you have Amanda’s tracer set up. From what I’m hearing from different members of parliament, Cornerman is getting the support he wants. Things are going to heat up. We may have a fight on our hands.” 92

Anita Philmar “Not to worry, I’ve got my hand on the pulse of things.” Jake gave the thumbs up sign. A signal that meant he would keep his friend informed if anything changed. He raised a brow before turning back to the door. “It sounds like this woman you picked for a wife has a choke hold on you. Are you sure she’s worth the effort?” “Yes, she’s my proof that I’m serious about growing the dragon population.” William rose to his feet. “I need to keep her and my baby safe.” “Right, so the Dragon Center elders will fund your dragon serum research,” Jake teased. “Her being a beautiful redhead with a body to die for and the highest level of dragon blood on the planet had nothing whatsoever to do with your wanting her as your wife.” William smiled and pointed a finger at his friend. “I’m not going to give you the details. But let me just say, with the right woman every erotic story you’ve ever read about dragon women is true.” Jake’s eyes widened. “Even the ones in your father’s erotic magazines?” William nodded. A long whistle escaped Jake’s lips. “Does she have a sister?” “No.” Glancing at the time-shadows, William picked up the folder on his desk and started for the door. “I have to get out of here. We’re having dinner with my mother, and this meeting has put me behind schedule.” Jake grinned and opened the door. “So I guess that means your going to have to wait until after dinner to live out your fantasies.” “Yes, and it’s your fault.” William shut and locked the door behind them, thinking he might be able to convince his mother to delay their evening meal. He could show Amanda his upstairs suite, 93

Black Dragon’s Blood and they could have some time alone together. Slinging his arm around his friend’s shoulders, William headed for the exit. “You stay focused on finding us some answers. I’ll worry about populating the country.” “Thanks, you’re a real friend.” Jake grumbled. **** “Bill wanted William to work for the Dragon Center.” Martha VanHorn rose from the dinner table after what seemed like an eternity. She sauntered across the room with a grace Amanda could only marvel at. The rich elegant gown of satin flowed around her ankles like a queen at a royal celebration. Yet, her ready smile welcomed Amanda. “His father would never have considered the government would turn against the people who fought for this country.” Martha continued with a shake of her head. “Not after he gave his life in protecting our freedom.” William stood behind Amanda’s chair. “Now, Mother. The government is just trying to keep track of the different ethnic groups in our society. They haven’t turned against the people with dragon blood.” “Yes, well, I’m not the only one who doesn’t like the idea.” Martha led the way into the elegant parlor off the dining room. The huge room had a large concert area in one corner. Instruments lay on different stands waiting for their musicians to return. Ten to fifteen sofas were positioned in different conversation groups. Flowers and beautiful sculptures adorned the tables and open spaces around the room. Several crystal globes lit the area, rainbows of color reflected in the glass prisms imbedded in the ceiling. “Now that we’ve finished dinner, why don’t you let William show you his suite of rooms on the 94

Anita Philmar third floor?” Martha said for the fourth time since they’d enter the house. She directed them out into the entranceway. Amanda knew without a doubt William’s mother wanted them to live at his house. She’d spent the evening pointing out the advantages of living under his roof while William had been torturing her with tiny caresses. He brushed his hand down her back, pausing only when he reached the curve of her butt. He kept her moving down the hall. Her body on fire, she wondered how much longer he’d make her wait. “Once the baby comes you’re going to need all the help you can get.” The lady ushered them over to the lift located behind the spiral staircase. “You might even want to start interviewing nannies. We can change any room you want into a nursery.” “Mother.” William stepped to his mother’s side. He placed his hand on her shoulder. Their eyes, almost identical, met and held a moment. Amanda could almost see the unspoken words passing from one to the other. His mother stepped back. “You two head on up. I...uh...” Martha’s hands fluttered over her teased hair. “I need to make a quick trip out to see the gardener...” “Mother, we’ll—” William started as his mother bustled them aboard the lift. “I, uh, have to stay on him to, uh, trim my roses.” The little lady turned and rushed down the hall before Amanda could say thank you for dinner. “I hope we get to see your mother before we leave. She went to a lot of work arranging dinner and everything.” The doors of the lift closed. William slid an arm around her shoulders. His fingers toyed with the black straps of her gown. “She just wanted to make you feel welcome.” “I know.” Amanda snuggled closer, rubbing 95

Black Dragon’s Blood her swollen breasts against his chest. The warm citrus scent of him caused her stomach to flutter with need. With him arriving home late from work, they had been pushed to make it to his house on time. Then the moment they arrived, his mother had insisted they sit down and eat. If the lady had only known food wasn’t what Amanda craved, dinner might have ended long ago. Now her body was starving for William to take her over the edge and past the jagged cliffs of desire to the bliss of an orgasm. His arms circled her back, and his hands brushed her breasts. He forced the evidence of his arousal into the space between her legs. Rock hard, the man was ready to fulfill her every desire. “My suite takes up most of the third floor.” He directed her onto the landing when the doors opened. He turned to the left. “I have a sitting room with an area for food preparations, a large bedroom for us and two other bedrooms for guests. Or we could use one of them for the baby.” He opened the door to his suite and stepped back for her to enter. Her gaze rushed immediately to the large glass wall on the far side of the room. She could see his well manicured yard and beyond to the tall mountain peaks in the distance. A large balcony lay just on the other side of a set of doors. Moving past the wall of his chest, she brushed her hand over his jacket to the opening. She stepped forward, letting her fingers linger above his pressed shirt then slid down to the bulge in his pants. She barely skimmed the top of the fabric. He groaned. With her fingers only a quick flick away from the release mechanism, she could have him free of his clothing. Instead, she strolled away, letting the room’s 96

Anita Philmar décor draw her attention from his seductive body. Although masculine in design, the natural tones created a comfortable and cozy feel to the area, unlike the highly ornate furniture downstairs in the parlor. Her heels sank into the thickness of the plush rug. She liked the soft cream contrast against the red tile floor. A brown leather sofa sat almost in the center of the room. The L-shape afforded a guest not only a view of the scene outside but of the fireplace as well. The back of the couch created a walkway to a door. She assumed the room beyond was William’s bedroom. Behind the couch on a tall sofa table stood a large black statue of a dragon. Wings spread as if ready to take flight, the sculpture demanded the attention of every visitor. She stepped closer to examine the art work. “This is really beautiful.” Amanda touched the small scales. Smooth, yet rough along the edges, the meticulous design sparked interest in the identity of the artist. “Thank you, that’s one of my brother’s pieces.” William slid his arm around her waist and began nibbling on her ear. Her body responded to the call of his blood. The man was hungry, and she felt famished. “Where is your brother? I thought he was going to be here tonight.” Amanda stared at the sculpture, thinking about the unique skill such a piece would require, trying her best to keep up a normal conversation when she wanted to scream with sexual frustration. “Scott was detained by a better proposition,” William whispered before he turned her in the circle of his arms. “I didn’t think you’d mind.” The dark lust in the depths of his eyes ignited a desire to claw off his clothes. She lifted her arms 97

Black Dragon’s Blood to rest them around his neck. “Are you going to show me your bedroom, or do you plan to make love to me in the middle of every room in your suite?” He smiled, and small laughter lines formed around the edge of his eyes. “That’s an enticing idea, one I’ll have to work on in the not too distant future. But for now, I have other plans for the evening.”

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Chapter Twelve William lifted Amanda into his arms and carried her through the door she’d thought was his bedroom. A fireplace graced the same wall as its neighbor in the sitting room. Not five steps from the hearth lay the end of his bed. Huge, the tall poles on each corner bent inward and split into long arms woven together to create intricate patterns that covered the center. The large dome ceiling over the bed sent a prism of light dancing over the royal blue surface of the bed from the glow of the bright spring moon. Two nightstands and a chair were the only other items sharing the space. William dropped her feet but kept her close. His body rubbed seductively against hers. “I hope you don’t mind if we spend tonight here.” Amanda wiggled out of his arms and walked past the bed on her way to a balcony door. “No, I figured you’d want to sleep here tonight.” She wanted to tease him, drag out the excitement. Over the last few days, they’d been rushing through sex so William could get back to work. She wanted to slow things down tonight, enjoy the fun of seducing him. The heat radiating from his body overtook her seconds before she felt him behind her. He didn’t, however, get close enough to touch. “You must want me to chase you because you keep moving away every time I get close to you.” His low spoken words teased her with their lusty quality. She turned. His gaze lingered over select spots on her 99

Black Dragon’s Blood body. Pressing her breasts forward, she expanded the tight stretch of the black material. The deep V opened a little wider to reveal her navel. His hands ran down his thigh as if he were struggling with the desire to pace himself. She forced her hands behind her back to keep herself from reaching forward. “I just thought we might want to enjoy every second, take a slow, teasing journey to a fast paced sprint.” His heated glance returned to her face. “You know, when a woman can read a man’s mind, things can get very dangerous.” “No, I always thought if a man wants to gain a certain objective, he has to provide the right incentive.” Amanda let her gaze flow down the length of William’s body. His suit clung to his broad chest, narrowed over his flat stomach, outlined his thick thighs and puckered invitingly at the bulge between his legs. Unable to contain the desire seeping from her taste buds, Amanda inhaled his tart tangy scent and swallowed the moisture that gathered in her mouth. If she wasn’t careful, she wouldn’t make it another two ticks without jumping the man. He stepped back until his calves hit the bed. “You want me to provide motivation for you to make love to me. Is that the point of the exercise?” The fabric of her dress stifled her movement like a heavy cloak. The need to be out of the garment had her fingering the thin straps at her shoulders. “I don’t think enticement is needed. Suspense is the objective of the game, with time as the weapon.” “So the conclusion is set, the path is yet to be determined.” He clicked the link to open his suit. Shrugging the garment off, he let the material fall to the floor at his feet. Following the path of his suit, Amanda noticed the bulging muscles across his wide chest, the 100

Anita Philmar horde of hair hiding the indention of his belly button and the small strip of fabric covering his engorged erection. His sculptured leg muscles bunched when he sat on the bed. The large head of his penis peeked out, shoving the material aside. The gulp of air she drew into her lungs was scented with a spicy lime flavor. Again, her mouth watered with longing. “I...uh...think you might be using an unfair advantage.” He lifted a brow and glanced at her breasts. “Not from where I’m sitting. I’d be more than happy to see you slide out of that dress.” Her body ignited. The weight of the thin material lay like iron shackles over her body. She needed air. Turning, she opened the door to the patio. A cool night breeze brushed against her heated skin, and she took a deep breath to steady her racing hormones. “I hope you don’t mind if I leave this open.” Amanda looked over her shoulder at William, who was taking off his boots. He shook his head and tossed his things out of her way. “I considered making love to you on the balcony, but there isn’t a comfortable place available at the moment.” The spark in his eyes told her the oversight would change in the not to distant future. She smiled, trying to think of a way to tease him without going up in flames. “Are you going to stand over there all night?” Finding the magnetic catch under her arm, she tapped the device to release the fabric. With a tug at the shoulder straps, she let the material fall and stepped forward, leaving the dress behind. “I must say I like your new underwear.” William’s eyes were glued to her body. Amanda ran her hands over the pink stretchy design that hugged her like a second skin. “Oh, 101

Black Dragon’s Blood you’re going to love this.” She peeled a small piece from her right breast and popped it into her mouth. “An edible temptation I’m hoping you’ll enjoy.” His black eyes danced with delight. His large frame leaned forward, and his hands circled her waist, drawing her between his legs. “I knew I still wanted something sweet to nibble on.” Her hands barely touched his shoulders before his mouth covered her breast. Heat pulsed down the center of her body. Teeth, tongue, lips ate at the delectable treat. His hot breath ran over her skin. Her nipples peaked. Liquid fire gathered between her legs. Yet, he didn’t try to take more of her breast into his mouth. “William?” Her hands wove their way through his hair. She urged her breasts forward. “I want you to...” She couldn’t think what exactly she wanted him to do, but if he didn’t do it soon, she was going to explode. He lifted his head, his dark eyes gleaming. “You want something?” “Stop playing and...” His hands cupped and kneaded her breasts. She sighed. “Yes.” Lips sucked the tip of her nipple. She screamed with ecstasy. William tugged the creamy breast into his mouth, mixing the strawberry flavor of her garment with the orange spicy essences of her flesh. The combination lit a fire in his loins. It had been too long since he’d last tasted her. Now famished, he didn’t think he could drag out the event. His cock had already escaped the confines of the thin strip of fabric. Beyond hard, it was demanding a soft wet home for his lust. “I can’t wait.” Taking her hand, he stood and led her through the balcony door. Turning once, he 102

Anita Philmar crossed the threshold and lifted her up on the railing next to the wall of the house. “I may not be able to draw it out, but maybe I’ll get points for a new location.” Breathless, the lady didn’t argue. Sliding her legs apart, he placed the head of his rod against the thin lacy candy covering her wet heat. He used her hot juices to melt the treat. “I am going to enjoy tasting you after this.” The urgent pounding of his cock did a fast slide home. Tight slick walls quivered, fighting his progress, inflaming his need to go faster. A fire grew in his loins, building stronger with each thrust of his hips, taking him closer and closer to the edge of incredible bliss in her arms. A purr of longing whispered from her lips. The sound enraged his passion until it left a trail of scorched brain cells in its path. He loved the sounds bubbling in her throat when she was close to orgasm. He plunged deeper, racing for the blinding edge of the cliff. His release screamed through him, rocking him to the core. A mind-blowing certainty settled over him. He would die before he ever let this woman out of his life. **** Lying in his bed a short time later, Amanda wondered if she’d ever get tired of making love to William. If he couldn’t take it slow, at least he could make it exciting. Hanging over the edge of the balcony wasn’t a fantasy she would have envisioned, but the added thrill of knowing she could fall two stories made her hot quick. “You know, with as much noise as we were making, your mother is probably calling the police.” Amanda brushed the hair off of William’s forehead. “That’s one of the reasons I like living at my house.” 103

Black Dragon’s Blood William shook his head. “Don’t worry. My mother was busy with her own enjoyment. She and the gardener have been having an affair for the past year.” “What?” Amanda was amazed William would know such a thing about his mother. “How do you know?” “She told me when I started to dismiss the man.” William grinned and ran a teasing finger down the center of Amanda’s back. “I promoted him to head gardener and hired another guy to do most of the actual work.” “But?” “If my mom is happy, who am I to get in her way?” His hand covered the curve of her hip. “I also want my wife to be pleased with me.” “Really.” She wondered what he had in mind. “And how are you going to make sure that happens?” He shifted so her body slid over his. “I could say I give her incredible sex. But...” His thick erection pulsed between them. She changed positions to catch his rock hard penis between her legs but not bury it in her heat. “That might make the lady happy.” “But, you know my woman, she always wants something more.” He ran his hands over the curve of her butt and nudged her closer. “I have to be able to solve all her problems.” “That’s not true, I have a brain.” Amanda shook her head and lifted her upper torso to glare down at him. He grinned at her reaction and rolled to pin her beneath him. “Yes, so I have to be very clever.” Amanda narrowed her eyes. Is that why he hadn’t given her the information about Mark? Did William think she wasn’t smart enough to handle the truth about Mark’s murder? William looked as if he’d lost interest in the 104

Anita Philmar conversation. His eyes glazed over as he stared at her neck. His thumb brushed over a sensitive spot, but she ignored the sensation it stirred in her womb. Impatient, she urged him to continue. “So how exactly do you need to be clever?” He smiled a cocky grin, and her insides melted. His dark eyes met hers. “I got the file on Mark’s murder. But before you see it,” he placed a hand over her mouth before she could interrupt. “I want the ingredients for the serum York slipped you.” Brushing his hand away, Amanda threw her arms around his neck, hugging him close. “That’s wonderful.” She wiggled beneath him. “Let’s get up, and you can show me.” “I don’t have it with me. I left it back at your house.” She shoved on his shoulders. “Then let’s go home.” He shook his head and turned over the other way. She landed with him on top of her again. “I like where we are right now.” He was playing with her. “You did that on purpose. You knew I’d want to see the data right away, so you didn’t bring it along.” He nodded. Frustrated, Amanda dug her fingernails into the muscles of his biceps. “I should hurt you.” “You do.” His calm tone hit her like ice water. She blinked and looked to see if he was serious. “How?” “Every time you walk into a room, you set me on fire.” He tumbled over again, but this time Amanda was familiar with the maneuver and swayed in the other direction. He let her roll over onto her stomach. His hands landed on her back, 105

Black Dragon’s Blood and he held her down against the mattress. She twisted her head around to look at him. “I want to get up.” “No, you don’t.” He shifted her legs apart and moved between them. “You’re still too hungry to get out of bed. And I’ve wanted to show you a new position. Remember, I said I wanted to taste you.” “But William...” The image of his tongue licking her clit sent a flood of longing through the center of her body. His large hands slid over her hips to the back of her knees to stop on her calves. Just as she started to rise up on her hands, William sent a hot stream of air over her sex. Anticipation robbed Amanda of the desire to move. Instead, her hands gripped the satin sheets. She lifted her hips. He didn’t disappoint. A long pass of his tongue along her outer lip gave her the promise of the pleasure to come. He blew another tantalizing breath against her wet flesh. She shifted to her knees. The next stroke of that wicked tongue slid inside to taste the remnants of the candy outfit she’d worn earlier. Slipping in and out, he added the compelling force of his finger to the party, and she screamed. He found her clit in one try, massaging her with a teasing touch to drive her insane. Heat spiraled through her from every point of contact. His wide shoulders pressed against her thighs. The sucking motion of his lips drove her wild. She couldn’t be still. Her body threatened to self-combust. She pulled away. “I can’t take any more.” He shifted behind her and lifted her hips again. “My sweet, we’ve only just began.” The thick, hard head of his penis lay at her opening. He slowly played on the edge, not venturing more than an inch or two into her heat. Short little thrusts massaged her desire higher. 106

Anita Philmar “I love to see your body devour mine. Feel the pulse of your muscles when you come.” William continued to toy with her clit. “Pickled herons.” Amanda drove her hips hard against him, driving his erection deep. She didn’t want to play. She wanted to make love. “Yes.” Growling, William thrust his hips in time with hers. Deeper, harder, faster, a blaze sped out of control. The abyss in front of her turned into a sweet haven, and her mind hit overload. She fell into the place only William could take her. Their joint climax washed through her overheated body. Nerve endings tingled with pleasure while a loving peace settled over her thoughts. If William was willing to give her the information about Mark’s death, he must trust her. A strange emotion filled Amanda’s heart. No one ever believed in her before. Not her father, not her first two husbands. They all treated her as if she were a piece of property for them to use for their own pleasure or to bargain with to gain an advantage. Even Mark considered her a test tube for his experiments. William, alone, was giving her credit for having enough intelligence to discover the truth behind Mark’s death.

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Chapter Thirteen The next morning after they arrived home, Amanda sat staring at the information about Mark’s murder. There were sketches of the crime scene. Red dots identified every surface in the hotel room that had been hit with blood or chunks of flesh. Almost everything had been stained. Her stomach rolled. Mark’s body had been mutilated beyond recognition. Cell testing proved he was the one who had been sent through the grinder. The assassin’s tool was no bigger than the average piece of luggage. William had removed the pictures taken at the scene because he said they were too violent for her to view. She didn’t mind. The rational part of her brain knew the objective was to learn facts. “The time of death was too broad for us to know whether or not he made his meeting with York,” William told her from the other side of his desk. “He, of course, denied he ever saw Mark. The meeting, according to York, was supposed to take place in the hotel lobby.” Amanda took a deep steadying breath and looked at the report. “It says here Mark was on assignment. He was supposed to pick up a charitable donation for the Dragon Center.” “Yes, a hundred thousand gobbals. York wanted to help with the development of the dragon serum. Or at least that was what he claimed.” William shoved back his chair and strode around his desk. “Did York ever give the center the money?” 108

Anita Philmar Amanda handed William the report. He tossed it on his desk and leaned back against the surface. “Yes, about six months after Mark was killed.” “Then why kill Mark?” Amanda searched her memory for connections. She’d always felt if she knew the facts, she’d be able to put the pieces together and find the answer. “We don’t know that he did.” William’s voice echoed through her head as if he were in a hole. She stared at the pattern on her skirt. The red splashes on the material swam before her eyes. “It was over a year before York’s drug hit the streets.” William’s words filtered through her thoughts. “No one on the police force or at the Dragon Center can make any connection between the two events.” “But his serum is the same as the one Mark developed. I gave you the list of the ingredients. Doesn’t that prove someone must have sold Mark’s formula to York?” Amanda’s hands trembled. She clenched them into fists to gain control of her emotions. “I don’t think so. The Dragon Center scientists have developed almost the same formula over the last several years with only a few minor alterations. They tell me it makes a difference as to when you add items and apply heat.” William squatted in front of her chair and took her hands. Her gaze shifted to his face. His image blurred, and she blinked. Tears fell on her cheeks. “I guess we still don’t have any proof York killed Mark.” William stood and drew her into his arms. “This is why I didn’t want to share his report with you. I didn’t want you to get upset.” Her hands slid around his waist. She laid her head on his shoulder. “I thought if I knew the facts, I’d be able to solve his murder. But I failed him.” She sobbed into William’s shirt, at a loss for what 109

Black Dragon’s Blood she could have done to keep Mark alive. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her from the room. Eyes closed, head spinning, she didn’t want to think about the pain Mark must have suffered or the viciousness of the crime. Her stomach flipped with a sickening roll. William’s breath brushed her face after he laid her down on the bed. “Amanda, look at me.” She opened her eyes. He braced his hands on a pillow under her head. The pale white color of their bedroom’s ceiling greeted her above him. His serious eyes drilled into hers. “I know you’re upset, but it was not your fault.” “I shouldn’t have let him go.” Amanda couldn’t hide her doubt. If she’d tried harder, would Mark have stayed home? “You couldn’t have stopped him.” William hit the release for her blouse, opening the high neck collar. “They chopped him to pieces.” Her fear and revulsion hit her with equal force. She closed her eyes. “I can picture the blood.” William yanked her blouse apart. “No, you’re going to keep your eyes open.” Amanda followed his order. His black eyes glowed with rage. “You’re not going to think about anything but me,” he demanded. His hands grabbed her breasts through the thin fabric of her undershirt. “Understand?” She knew he was trying to distract her, to make her feel better. But she didn’t think having sex at the moment was a good idea. “William, I...” His hands ran over her with lightening speed, yanking her shirt from her skirt, her clothes from her body. “You want to help, but...” He moved with such precision, and before she could finish her sentence, his clothes lay beside 110

Anita Philmar hers on the floor and she was naked beneath him. “You’re my wife. And I have no intention of sharing you with Mark’s ghost.” William’s hands slid over her stomach, rubbing the flutter that started just under her skin. “My baby is growing inside you. In less than six months, you’re going to be busy taking care of my child. I will not let the past jeopardize our future.” “William.” Amanda’s hand cupped her husband’s face. Was his possessive outburst a show of masculine pride or was he truly jealous? Could he resent her desire to solve Mark’s murder? Could he actually love her? “You’re overreacting.” “I’m staking my claim.” His mouth landed on hers as his hand slid through the reddish gold bush concealing her sex. A single finger traced the outer layer of her delicate folds. The soft wet texture of her vulnerable flesh enticed him, but he didn’t venture deeper. He drew back to look at her, to test her willingness to participate. “Who’s your husband, Amanda?” Her slumberous eyelids lifted. “You.” “And now,” he rotated his finger lightly over her sensitive skin, “that we’re both naked,” he brushed his hand teasingly over her mound, “and lying in bed.” He took a quick foray into her heat “What exactly do you want to do?” She blinked. “I...” “Want a sample of what I had in mind.” He leaned closer. His tongue slid over her lips as his finger eased down the seam of her heat. A moan rumbled in her throat. He again lifted his head. “You can’t decide?” “No, I know exactly what I want. Wait right here.” Rolling from under him and to the side of the bed, she stood and walked to the closet. Her hand slid over the silk tie of her robe. She yanked it loose and turned to reenter the bedroom. 111

Black Dragon’s Blood He might believe she couldn’t handle the truth, but she wouldn’t let him wrap her in a cocoon of protection. It wasn’t as if he loved her. Or did he? Maybe he was only pretending to care as a way to keep her in line. She twisted the white belt in her hand. For days now, she’d been playing with the idea. If he truly wanted to make her feel better, this would be his chance. He could let her be in charge for a change. “I believe it’s my turn.” His face paled as he sat up. “You want to tie me to the bed?” He hadn’t shown any qualms about tying her up. Even though she really didn’t think he’d comply, she’d wanted to see his reaction. “Well, I think it’s only fair.” Amanda sat on the bed beside him and took hold of his wrist. “And what do you plan on doing?” He let her take his hand, but he didn’t allow her to move it. “Well.” She wrapped the silk material around his wrist. “I thought I would follow the same course of action you took, but if you want, I can alter the process.” He watched her work the knot. “How?” Amanda scrambled to think. She’d only planned to tease him. It never occurred to her that he might let her go through with the idea of tying him to the bed. Did he really trust her that much? “What if we just tie your hands behind your back? That way, you can have a little more freedom.” She hoped he would agree. He crawled past her and stood up with his hands behind his back. Amanda picked up the belt hanging from his hand and tied the end to his other wrist. She didn’t remember seeing his backside before. The temptation to squeeze the plump muscles reminded her that at the moment, she had 112

Anita Philmar a distinct advantage. “I like your behind.” She cupped his butt. He shifted and turned out of her grasp. “Thank you.” His heavy erection stood out in front of him, begging for her attention. Her eyes were drawn to the dark hair and taut balls encircling the root. She loved the idea of playing with him. His spicy scent caused her mouth to water. She licked her lips. “Amanda.” His eyes glowed with need as he stepped forward. “If you want to torture me, you’re doing a good job.” “Let’s make this interesting. Why don’t you tell me what you want? And,” her gaze raked over him, “I’ll think about giving it to you?” Leaning forward, she let her fingers play in the soft hair of his thighs. The roll of his testicles thrilled her. He nudged closer. Her breath whispered over the thick staff. He groaned. “I want your mouth covering me.” Her hands circled the base of his erection as her tongue stroked the tip several times. Teasing him, she blew a hot breath over his wet skin. “Not a taste.” He thrust forward. “All.” She didn’t have to be asked twice. Sucking him deep into her mouth, she stroked the soft silky texture of his rod against her tongue. Her fingers rode up and down his length, driving him closer and closer to the edge. The friction made her ache. Heat slipped into the core of her sex. “Stop.” He pulled out of her mouth and dropped to his knees. “Your scent is killing me. I have to taste you.” Amanda shifted back on her elbows and spread her legs wide. “I thought I was the one who was supposes to decide what we do.” His heated stare fell on the space between her legs. “You like it when I lick you.” 113

Black Dragon’s Blood “True, but you have to give me what I want.” He took a deep breath. “Gladly.” His mouth fell over her sex. Hot need rushed through her system. Teeth, tongue and lips propelled her past the flames into the red hot fire of her first climax. She screamed and arched her back. He didn’t pause but continued to stroke her desire. “William, please.” She crawled over the bed to get away. Her eyes met his. Black lust held her bound. He stood and brought one hand forward, offering his wrist. “Untie me.” Amanda couldn’t stop the smile from blooming across her face. He looked like a raging stallion, hot and in need of his mate. She didn’t move. “What if I don’t want to?” He stepped back, dropped his arms and stepped over the loop in the belt between his wrists. “Then you and I will have to come to an agreement.” His knees hit the mattress, and his hands landed on her legs. He prevented her escape, and before she could do more than raise her hands, his thick erection sat at the edge of her heat. He forced the hard line of his body down over her, plunging deep into her hot, wet cavity. She gasped for breath. He shoved her hands above her head and wrapped the extra length of the belt around her wrists. “Now, we’re both prisoners.” Wiggling beneath him, Amanda tried to get free. “That’s not how the game is supposes to be played. You have to let me go.” William knew he could never let her go. The silly bondage game had him beyond hot, on fire. He pumped his thick cock, deeper and deeper. Her cries for freedom turned quickly to words of 114

Anita Philmar encouragement. “Faster.” She bucked her hips. Her breasts caressed the wall of his chest. Undulating under him, she matched his rhythm. Hot and moist, the tight clamping muscles pulled at his loins, demanding his release. Blood roared in his ears. The wild screams from Amanda broke his control. He drove into her with one final thrust. His penis shot forth the protein formula his baby needed. His wife trembled in his arms, her hands still imprisoned by his above her head. She didn’t open her eyes when he lifted his head to look at her flushed skin. The sweet smell of dragon candy hung in the air. Her breasts had small beads of moisture forming on the tips. Pleasure coursed through him as he licked her nipples. Her eyes flew open. “William, you can untie me and let me up now.” He lapped up the treat from her breasts. “Red, I’m never going to let you go. Not now, not ever.” Watching her biceps bulge with half-closed eyelids, William enjoyed the sensuous twist of her body as she struggled for her freedom. The lady was not going to get away. “You can’t...” Her chatter stopped when he sucked a breast into his mouth and slid out of her heat. After feasting on candy, he just might like to get a taste of their combined flavor.

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Chapter Fourteen The loss of William’s thick erection buried deep inside her was like losing a part of herself. Cool air brushed over her wet skin as he lifted their tied hands and freed her. The belt still circled his wrists. He sat up and ran his dark gaze down her body. “We’re not finished. I’m just choosing a different body part.” Unsure of his comment, Amanda didn’t react quickly enough to stop him when he leaned over and grabbed her ankles. His chest covered her stomach, and his hot breath gushed against her sex. She grabbed for his shoulders and her fingers scraped his back. “William, what are...” Her words backed up into her throat when his tongue took a single pass over her heat. Still in motion, the wicked man nudged her inner thighs apart as he came up on his knees. The new position put his penis within a breath of her mouth. His tongue touched her again, slipping delicately inside. She cupped his erection, matching the rhythm of his tongue with each slide of her hands. Up-down, in-out, back and forth, the deep strokes of his tongue pushed her closer to the edge. Watching the slow rock of his testicles, she nuzzled them with her nose. The spicy heat caused her mouth to water. A quick lick had fire bursting through her taste buds. She gasped for breath just as William’s tongue swept over the opening of her uterus. She felt the lancing blow. Her womb opened. An 116

Anita Philmar explosion of heat burst through every cell in her body. She screamed as the convulsions spiraling through her senses robbed her of any control. Her hips bucked under his mouth. Her fingers tightened automatically around his staff. “Amanda,” he groaned. “Let go.” Her hands opened, and he moved away. Her eyes met his the moment he lifted his head. “I’m sorry.” Realigning his body to hers, he guided his rock hard erection into her wet heat. “Next time, I need to remember where your hands are before I send you over the top.” Her clenching muscles demanded his attention, but instead he took hold of her wrists. “I guess I better tie them back up so they don’t give me anymore trouble.” He wrapped the white silk back around her hands. This time she didn’t fight him. **** Looking at the time-shadows on the dashboard, Amanda wondered where the day had gone. Then she smiled. William hadn’t let her out of bed until well after noon. The bondage game had set them both on fire. With her vehicle cruising on autopilot, she refocused on the thin metal papers in her hand. Something about the report of Mark’s murder kept nagging at her. The amount of York’s donation was the same as the amount her father had claimed he needed to get him out of debt, the whole reason for her marriage to Jeffery. Was that a connection or a coincidence? Her father would have the answer if she could convince him to tell her. She picked up her messenger to see if Seth had responded to her note. If he couldn’t meet her 117

Black Dragon’s Blood at the corner café at four, then maybe they could go somewhere else. Two messages blinked as received. She clicked on the top one. My dear daughter, We’ve been over this before, but I’m always glad to see my gal. Dad Her father was playing games. He knew messages sent over the wire could be read by almost anyone, so he was acting the part of a good father. She shook her head. He no more wanted to talk to her about Mark’s murder than he wanted to see her. Dee must have told him to be nice. Deleting his note, she clicked open the next one. I love you. William Almost dropping the black device, Amanda stared at the message. Was he nuts? Yes, they were married. And they had spent the morning making love, but he hadn’t voiced those three little words to her before. Why now? The thought of him loving her echoed through her and found a home in her heart. A warm glow filled her chest, and her spirits lifted. Guilt hit her in the chest. She’d been waiting to hear from her father before she let William know of her plans to visit the country. She should send him a note. But what should she say? Hitting the button to reply, she wanted to write the right words. Me too. She backspaced and tried again. On my way to visit my dad, will return tonight. Amanda paused, unsure how to sign the message. Love, Amanda? Did she love him? Could 118

Anita Philmar she afford to pay the price of loving him, to trust him to be there for her when she needed him? No, it was too soon to admit she might love him. She needed to first solve the mystery of Mark’s murder. A rough jerk of the engine drew Amanda’s attention to the control panel. Lights flashing, the vehicle swerved to the left. The markings for the emergency exit lane came into view on the screen on the dash board. The autopilot directed the craft to the lane. Familiar with emergency procedures, she didn’t reclaim the controls. The onboard computer would land the vehicle safely without her help. But she continued to monitor the vehicle’s progress on the output screens. Her messenger still in hand, she punched in her vehicle’s co-ordinances and an indiscriminate explanation. Having problems, might be late. A A loud beep sounded. The engine failed. The control panel went blank. Amanda panicked and grabbed the guidance stick. Her mind raced with proper procedures to follow in case of an emergency. She hit the air bag buttons and the parachute release valve. Hearing the air rushing into the safety compartments, she was quickly surrounded. Her body wedged into a tight cocoon to cushion the blow when the vehicle hit the ground. A rough jerk told her the parachute had caught wind. The speed of her fall stalled for a second. The last readings she’d caught said the vehicle had over five hundred lengths until it connected with the ground. Seconds dragged. Her blood raced through her veins. She closed her eyes. Her hands covered her face. Her body pressed from every direction by a pillow of air, she 119

Black Dragon’s Blood waited for the hard bump that would mark the end of this journey. Anxious for the crash to be over, she reminded herself the craft was designed to protect its passenger. She still couldn’t help but be afraid. What was William going to say when he found out about this? She had no doubt he was going to be angry. Yet, it wasn’t her fault the engine had failed. It had been fine when they drove back from the cabin. Bouncing against the air bags, she felt the vehicle hit the ground. It rocked from side to side like a cradle before it settled on its base. Amanda took a deep breath and waited for air bags to deflate. A gush of air caught her off guard as the driver’s door was suddenly ripped open. A large hand shoved a smelly cloth over her face. Fighting the odor and the unseen culprit, Amanda’s mind clouded. Her nose hurt, her eyes burned. Blackness descended. **** “What do you mean her vehicle has been found, but she’s not in it?” William yelled into the communicator on his desk. The emergency traffic system had just reported her craft on the ground. She had to be in it. “We just got here. The driver’s door is open, and the air bags are still deflating,” the policeman reported. “But your wife is nowhere to be found.” “Is there anyone else around?” Panic rushed through him. He glanced around at the plush interior of his Dragon Center office. Expensive furniture and state of the art equipment, yet he still hadn’t been able to safeguard Amanda and their child. “No, we’re the only ones on the scene,” the officer continued. “This is a remote location, there 120

Anita Philmar isn’t anyone around to tell us what happened.” “Fine.” Frustrated, William hit the release lever to disconnect the call. The local police were not going to be of any help. Punching in a series of numbers, he barked out his orders as soon as the communication device connected. For the millionth time, he wished everyone and every location had a receiver, but the politicians couldn’t agree on who should run the communication system. “Yes. How can I help you, Will?” the jovial sound of his best friend’s voice rang through William’s office. “Jake, Amanda’s vehicle is down. Her tracer says she’s on the move.” William eyed the small square screen on his special equipped messenger. “Where was she going?” Jake’s tone turned all business. “To meet her father at her brother’s café.” William tracked the small dot on the screen. The movement gave him the eerie feeling Amanda was heading back to Sin City. Yet he had no proof that was her destination. “Who do you think took her?” Jake questioned. “The ethnic committee shelved their vote until next month. No one on that side of the political game would have anything to gain by taking her. They wouldn’t want to risk the funding the Dragon Center provides until they are forced to take a stand.” “No, but I have a bad feeling someone thinks she knows who killed Mark Helman.” William wanted to kick himself for providing Amanda with Mark’s file. “They don’t want her talking.” “Does she know who did it?” “I don’t think so, but contact Seth and let him know what’s going on. I’m arranging a speed rocket to track her down.” William looked up as his pilot walked through the door. 121

Black Dragon’s Blood “I’ll let you know as soon as we can nail down her position.” William slammed back his chair, hit the disconnect lever and rushed for the door. “You better be ready to go, because I don’t think we’re going to have a lot of time before they dampen her tracking code.” **** “You know, this woman has caused me more trouble.” There was a rumbled response, then the voice continued, “No, I think I deserve to have a little fun with her before Geo kills her.” The voice sounded familiar. Yet, Amanda’s foggy memory couldn’t determine who it was. Her eyes wouldn’t open either. She struggled to identify the person. “Aren’t you worried they’ll come looking for her? After all, isn’t she married to the director of the Dragon Center?” The gruff words crashed against her eardrums. A pounding started in her head. “Yes, but you might say I gave her to him,” Mr. Familiar answered. “I slipped a little love potion in her drink when she had dinner with me the other night.” “But I thought you said she was after you because of Mark—the dragon serum guy,” Mr. Gruff said. “Mark was her first husband. William is her current spouse.” Mr. Familiar’s voice turned nasty. “He never should have gotten her away from me. I had plans to make her my slave. I wanted to chain her to my bed, feed on her wet slick juices for a few days, maybe even start a baby growing in her womb to keep her hungry.” The voice grew louder. “Then after I had my fun, I was going to let Geo silence her the same way he did Mark. I guess when you think about it. I can still follow that plan.” “I’ve deactivated her tracer,” Mr. Gruff added. 122

Anita Philmar “Good, and with her buried inside my hotel, they’ll never be able to find her.” There was a chuckle. A hand brushed her breasts. Then the surface below her shifted. “With the hard-edged bubbles spiked with dragon serum, I might even be able to sell her to a few horny male customers. She’s going to be so hot for a man. She won’t care who screws her.” “And with her in the bubble pit, she won’t be able to escape,” Mr. Gruff added on a rough sigh. “I love the way only men can get out of those things. I might have a dip myself.” “Just make sure we don’t run into any trouble.” A door shut, and silence filled the room. The beat in her head drummed on. The dark clouds on the edge of her consciousness closed around her again. She struggled with the sensation, determined to discover her location. The last thing she remembered was her vehicle crashing. Where was she now? Why hadn’t William found her? She remembered giving him her location. And she knew he had an active tracer on her personal code. Yet... The words from the man a few seconds ago sank in. They’d disabled her locator. Snippets of the conversation registered, and she forced herself to review their words. Hotel—dragon serum—she should know the answer. Tossing the words and sounds of Mr. Familiar’s voice around in her head, the fog began to lift. York. She had to be in York’s hotel. Her eyes sprang open. Her reflection appeared before her shocked eyes. She blinked. Then she tightly closed out the 123

Black Dragon’s Blood nightmare that greeted her gaze. She was lying on a bed of wet, hard-edged bubbles, naked. Four walls surrounded her in a pit that looked to be several lengths deep. She tried to move, and her body sank under a layer of slick balls about the size of William’s fists. Again she opened her eyes. The dark walls of the pit hampered the view of her prison. She glanced at the mirrors above her to get a better idea of her location. Designed like most hotel rooms, this one had a pit where the bed would normally be. She wasn’t sure how to get out of the enclosure. Working her legs underneath her, she stood. The bubbles parted, and the surface beneath her shifted. The floor sank. Bubbles rose to cover her chest. Afraid of being buried, she leaned back to relieve the pressure on the floor. The bubbles floated down. Still groggy, she relaxed for a few moments to think about how the device might work. Her skin tingled. Her blood roared in her ears, joining the throb in her head. Her breasts swelled. An ache started in the pit of her stomach. She looked around at the wet bubbles brushing her skin. Spiked with dragon serum, York had said. “Pickled herons, I hate that man.” The effects of the drug grew stronger as her awareness of her surroundings came into focus. York knew if she was exposed to the dragon serum long enough, she wouldn’t be able to resist any man coming through the door. The added adrenaline rush of being held captive and with no means of escape was probably an unknown factor to him. Her pulse increased even more as she tried several times to get out of the pit. She grabbed the 124

Anita Philmar sides to pull herself out, but each time the floor dropped or the pit’s edge flattened out and she lost her grip. She couldn’t get the leverage she needed to break free. Her pounding head took up a chant of all she had to lose because of her persistence to find answers. A wonderful husband. A baby. A wonderful life. A husband...a baby...a wonderful life... “No,” she screamed at the empty room. “I had to know who killed Mark. I wanted to find the person responsible for killing my unborn child.” Sudden realization dawned. Her hands covered her stomach. York may have been responsible for killing Mark, but the child in her womb would die if another man made love to her. Hot tears ran down her face. She’d lost everything.

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Chapter Fifteen “I want York arrested. Put him in jail for suspicion of kidnapping and hold him for at least a day. I want time to find Amanda.” William stood in York’s hotel lobby surrounded by three Dragon Center agents and four policemen. His skin tingled. A sweet scent tickled his nose. “I have no doubt she’s in this hotel.” “We’ll do what we can.” Police Chief Perkins led the way toward a wall of lifts going up. “I can’t guarantee more than a day. The man has friends in high places.” “So do I.” William waited as the policemen got on the lift. The doors closed, and the officers were raised to the next floor. Another platform came into view through the glass lift doors. “Jake, I need the master keycard to every room.” William held out his hand. “How can you be sure York is responsible?” Jake handed over the card. “It could be someone else.” “True, but I want the man out of my way. Whether he’s guilty or not can be determined later.” William started for the rotating platform lift. “How can you be sure she’s here and not in some other hotel?” Jake asked as they rose to the next floor. The slow lift paused at each level to let passengers off or on. “The tracker may have ended its transmission on the edge of town, but I know she’s here.” William clutched his hands into fists, irked by the constant delay. “I can smell her.” He punched the 126

Anita Philmar button to hold the door open and waited for the other agents on the third level to enter the lift before he hit the top button. “Now, if I can just determine which floor we should start our search.” At each level, he sensed they were getting closer. Amanda’s scent grew progressively stronger, and his body responded. His heart rate increased, his muscles tightened, and all his instincts went on alert. Fear battled with arousal. Passing the twelfth floor, he waited for next floor to mash the button to open the lift. “We’ll start here.” He exited the moment the doors opened and turned to the left. Jake followed him, while the other two agents turned to the right. The younger of the two paused to sniff the air. “An orange blossom scent with a touch of spicy flavor?” Rage instantly washed through William. Turning, he lunged for the man, grabbed him by shoulders and shoved him against the wall. William’s fist was a breath from the man’s face when Jake grabbed his arm. His blood pumped through his body, ready to kill any man who got near her. She had to be horny as hell for another man to nail down her scent so accurately. He had to keep everyone else away or he might hurt someone just for trying to save her. William took a quick breath and stepped back. “I think it might be better if you guys stay here.” He released the young agent and stepped farther down the hall. “I don’t want anyone else on this floor.” Quick strides sent him down the right wing of the building. His eyes narrowed on the erotic pictures of couples on the wall. These were different than the ones displayed in Amanda’s hotel room. Multiple partners were grouped together in pools of water. He wondered what the 127

Black Dragon’s Blood rooms in this wing contained. He’d been briefed about this hotel when he’d been interested in talking to York about purchasing the dragon serum. The sexual escapades that occurred here were no secret to the authorities. There were many different fantasies for the hotel guests to choose from. William’s nose flared. His body, already on burn, hit boiling. He paused. Glancing along the solid wall, he searched the artwork for an opening. He found the card slot for a door in the picture of a woman with her legs spread wide, but he couldn’t see the outline of the opening. The perfect place to hide someone. **** Amanda’s hand covered her sex. She couldn’t stop the deep ache inside her body, couldn’t relieve the insatiable hunger growing in the middle of her womb. All her senses on alert, her hypersensitive skin sizzled where the smooth texture of each ball touched her. Moist hair hung over her face, hiding her from the mirrors overhead. Working to keep her breathing regular and her heart rate even, she tried concentrating on her surroundings. She listened to the soothing hum of the machine making the bubbles. The light scent of roses perfumed the solution in the pit. It lay on her skin like a cloak, making her almost sick. She’d learned over the past eternity of captivity that if she changed her position to anything other than lying on her back, she sank below the balls until she felt smothered. It wasn’t that she couldn’t breathe under the hard shell bubbles, but the impression of being buried alive drove her wild with fear. York had said he would return. She had no doubt what he’d want when he got back. She 128

Anita Philmar couldn’t let him or anyone other than William touch her. She’d lose their baby. But her body was screaming for release. Knowing she had no other alternatives, Amanda prepared to fight whoever entered the room. If she died, fine. But she wouldn’t do anything to sacrifice her baby. Squeezing her legs together, she felt as if her mind was playing tricks on her. She could sense William, hear his breathing, even caught a whiff of his essence over the oppressive scent of roses that filled her nasal passages. She hated the sweet aroma. Insanity is not an excuse. She couldn’t have sex with another man. Her body might be suffering, but only one man owned her heart. She had to be strong. A clicking noise shot through the room. The door slid open, and a ray of light entered the semi-dark room. She held her breath and shifted positions. Her body sank under a thin layer of bubbles. Footsteps pounded across the tile floor. Her heartbeat accelerated, thumping loudly in her ears. A shadow fell across where she lay. A large figure loomed over the pit. He could probably force her to submit to his will, but she rejected the idea of any man’s touch. Only one objective pumped through her system. Her baby’s life depended on her power to fight him off. Her conviction sped energy to every muscle. Posed on the thin blade of suspense, her mind cleared. She took a calming breath and waited. The man bent at the knees and jumped into the pit. Adrenaline surged. She flew at the man. Her fists swinging, her legs kicking, sightless rage demanded all of her strength. She shrieked out her desperation. “I’ll die before I let you touch me.” Her right fist connected with the man’s chin. 129

Black Dragon’s Blood His head snapped back just as arms encircled her waist. The slick moisture of her body slid against the wet cloth covering the man’s chest. A familiar scent reached her nose. “Amanda?” Blinded by fear, she tried to focus on the face of her captor. She blinked. “William?” A blessed sense of relief swept through her, only to be smothered by the overwhelming fire burning between her legs. Hands that had fought him now yanked him closer, tearing at his clothes. “What took you so long?” “I got here as soon as I could.” His hands ran over her gently like he was checking for injures. “No one hurt you, did they?” “No,” her mouth claimed any spot she could touch—his face, “York drugged me,” his neck, “and I need,” his chest, “sex.” Her fingers found the release button to his suit. “Right now!” She ripped at the material so she could touch the warm skin underneath. He wiggled his arms out of the sleeves of his suit and released a small sigh. “Gladly.” His hands sped over her as the bottom of the pit sank. Bubbles climbed up her back, but her thoughts were centered on freeing William’s erection. Frantic to have him, she rubbed against him as her hands dug for his thick penis. Finding it, she hurriedly positioned him against her tight opening. His upward thrust met her downward movement. Ravenous, desperate to have his body fill her, she wrapped her legs around him and jerked him closer until his body slammed into hers on a long sigh of relief. She shuddered with the force of her desire. Her hips grinding against him, she worked to deepen his penetration with every twist and turn 130

Anita Philmar of her body. Pushing against the wall of the pit, the muscles in William’s shoulders flexed under her fingers. The brisk pace of his hips drove his shaft deeper and deeper. Gasping for breath, almost wild with delirium, Amanda rode the sensations coursing through her body. She screamed at the sheer pleasure of having him in her arms, his body slamming into hers, giving her the satisfaction she’d so desperately waited for. Tears fell from her eyes. The relief of William saving her and their baby being safe washed over her, adding to the pleasure of her first orgasm. But William’s pace didn’t slow. He plunged past her pulsing muscles, driving her farther, taking her higher. Posed on the edge of her next climax, she waited. His breath panted in her ear, and his arms bruised her flesh with his strangle hold. “You don’t know the hell I’ve been through.” His voice rumbled through his chest, his misery apparent. “I thought I’d lost you forever.” She drank in his words, convinced by his tone that the love he’d written earlier was real. Then the wild hot convulsions of his body took her over into a mind-numbing bliss of desire. **** A few ticks later, William slowly slid from Amanda’s arms. Not wanting to break the connection, he put one hand on the wall of the pit. “I think from now on you’d better not leave home without me. I don’t think my heart can stand the strain.” He gave her a quick kiss and moved to climb out of the pit. The floor shifted, rising under his feet. Stepping out, he turned to help Amanda. She was still chest deep in bubbles. “I think this pit is trying to keep you prisoner.” “Yes, York was planning to sell me to different 131

Black Dragon’s Blood male customers of the hotel.” Amanda searched for William’s hand. He lifted her over the side and helped her stand. Grabbing his arms, she dragged him toward the door on the other side of the room. “William, he spiked the pit with dragon serum. We have to go wash off.” William smiled. If the serum worked like it did last time, he was in for a busy few days. “I think it’s too late to worry about it.” “But it might help.” Amanda opened the door to a large bathing tub and pushed him forward. “You go ahead. I’m going to go use the wash room, and then I’ll be right back. We need to figure out what we’re going to do about getting out of here.” She walked to another door down the wall. William watched her, waiting until she’d closed the door before he made his way to the room’s entrance. “Jake,” William stuck his head out the door. “Hey,” Jake answered, coming quickly around a corner in the hallway. “You find her?” “Yes, but we need some clothes.” William didn’t open the door any wider when Jake stopped in front of him. “Have the police taken York away yet?” “No, his lawyer was in his suite and is causing a stink,” Jake answered. “Good, get up there. Tell them I’m sending up an eyewitness to kidnapping charges.” William shifted his gaze to the other two agents joining them. “Has Seth arrived?” “On his way, will be here momentarily,” Jake stated. “All right, knock on the door when you have the clothes ready. I want a nice dress for Amanda.” He started to close the door but paused. “Give us at least fifteen ticks so I can talk to her.” William shut the door on their chuckles and 132

Anita Philmar turned. Amanda was staring at him. “Who was that?” “The other agents I brought with me.” He slid his arm around her waist and guided her toward the bathing room. “Let’s go wash off.” “Are they going to bring us some clothes?” Amanda held onto the railing as she stepped into the deep pool of water. “Yes.” He hit the switch beside the door and started the whirlpool. “We’re not going to be in here that long. There’s no reason to turn on the water pulse. It’ll only aggravate our skin.” Amanda took a seat on the other side of the tub from the stairs. “I just want to rinse off.” She slid under the water. Her hair floated for a moment before she came back up. She stood and started past him. He stayed her with his hands on her shoulders. “There’s no hurry. The boys won’t be back for at least fifteen ticks.” Her green eyes narrowed. “Did you tell them to delay?” His hands slid down her slick muscular arms to her hands. “I wanted you to have a moment to relax and unwind.” “There’s no way I’m going to be able to calm down.” Amanda’s antsy squirming and warm hands on his chest told him she was burning up with need. “I feel as if my blood is jumping through my veins.” He took her seat and pulled her down on his lap. The hard pounding of his erection screamed for release again. His body wanted her as much as she needed him. “I could help.” The bobbing of Amanda’s breasts in the clear water caught and held his attention. He seized the creamy swells and toyed with the tips. Her eager hands slid down his chest, not stopping until she had his cock. She lifted her hips and directed him 133

Black Dragon’s Blood into her heat. “I don’t think this water is helping.” She sighed when his mouth covered her wet nipple. “It must have been a lifetime since you touched me.” The sweet flavor of her breast played against his tongue. Her impatient body rocked against his, demanding satisfaction. Hands gripped his shoulders, digging into his muscles. Her frantic movements couldn’t settle on a steady rhythm. He smoothed his hands over her, trying to calm her, soothe her desperate pace, but she cried out, “William, I can’t wait.” Lifting his head, he looked at the long curve of her neck. Head thrown back, eyes closed, he relished the rapture on her face. Her excitement radiated from her skin. She was close. He wanted to take her higher, sliding one hand between their bodies. He found her sweet spot buried between her thighs. She screamed with pleasure, “Yes.” He applied feather light strokes. “Oh, William, I’m coming.” She slammed repeatedly down over him. Passion built, her need growing to consume her until a glorious peace spread across her face. Her sobs of pleasure marked her release. Only then did he let himself follow her over the edge. His body exploded, vibrating with the aftershocks of their joint orgasm. She collapsed against his chest. He gathered her close, content for the moment to just hold her safe in his arms.

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Chapter Sixteen William ran his hand down her back a few moments later, hoping to prepare her for what was to come. “We need to get ready for our meeting with York.” “What?” She shivered, and he tightened his arms around her. “I don’t want to see that man. I might be tempted to kill York for what he could have done to me and our baby.” This was the first opportunity William had to more fully question her about what happened. Until this moment, he hadn’t been able to think beyond satisfying her hunger. He pulled her closer and slid her wet hair away from her face. “Do you want to tell me how you ended up here?” She shook her head, her eyes filling with misery. “I wanted to talk to my dad. I thought after reading the report this morning, he might fill in the blanks about Mark’s murder. Something in the file reminded me...” Tears fell. He caught them on the pads of his thumbs. The pain of not being able to protect her from this abuse knotted the muscles in his stomach. He’d not done a very good job of safeguarding her. “And?” “I had trouble with my engine.” Her troubled green eyes searched his. “I told you my location.” He nodded but didn’t interrupt her story. She needed to relay the events without him needling her with questions. “Someone grabbed me after my vehicle 135

Black Dragon’s Blood crashed, and I...” She lowered her gaze to his chest as if something bothered her. “I ended up here.” A blush bloomed across her cheeks. “York was in the room when I woke up. He was talking to another guy.” William anger rose. “What did he do?” She bit her lip then gave a deep sigh. “He was talking about using me to...” William knew what York had wanted. “Did he touch you?” Her eyes closed in confirmation. “Only with the drug he used to capture me, but...” His hands tightened into fists at her waist, and she rushed on. “I couldn’t move. His hand brushed against my...” Green eyes, full of misery, opened. She gripped his wrists and placed his hands over her breasts. “I couldn’t stop him.” Hoping to ease her pain, William cupped her breasts in his hands and bent to lay a kiss on the tip of each. “He didn’t hurt you did he.” “No, but they were planning to kill me like they did Mark.” Amanda’s eyes filled with tears again. She buried her face in the curve of his neck. Her arms circled him, squeezing him close. Deep sobs broke from her throat. He rubbed his hands over her back, unsure exactly how to console her. York, he wanted to kill. But Amanda’s state of mind at the moment was what concerned William most. She’d been searching for the answers to Mark’s death for so long, hounded by the uncertainty of what happen. Even with York’s admission, she still didn’t know how to let go of the past. Would she ever let go of Mark’s memory? “I…” she lifted her head. “I thought I lost you.” He blinked. The abrupt change in the flow of the conversation confused him. He shook his head 136

Anita Philmar and wiped the tears from her face. “Not an easy task.” “You sent me a message.” He grinned, curious as to her response to his note. “I...uh...want to have your baby,” she stuttered. He nodded. “Good.” “I—” A knock sounded on their hotel door. Amanda slid off his lap. He wanted to stop her, but this wasn’t the time to demand she say the words. In the not to distant future, she was going to have to admit how she felt about him. He just hoped it was what he wanted to hear. **** “Now that everyone is here, I think we can get started.” William glanced at the different occupants in York’s living room. Each had a part to play in the scene about to unfold. He would give Amanda the answer to Mark’s death she needed, then he would banish the man’s ghost forever. After changing into the clothes his agents provided, they had gone straight to York’s suite. She now sat beside him on the couch. York and his lawyer inhabited the wingback chairs with their backs to the glass wall that overlooked Sin City. The police, his agents and Seth sat in straight back chairs or stood in an outer circle around them. “Is your wife claiming Mr. York kidnapped her?” York’s lawyer, Mr. Smith, asked as soon as he was introduced to William. “Even if she was found in one of his hotel rooms, there is no proof he procured the room.” Amanda’s hand gripped his thigh. His arm around her shoulders tightened. This inquiry was not going to be easy, but he would not let anyone badger her. “My wife is stating that your client not only 137

Black Dragon’s Blood kidnapped her, but was intending to kill her, just like,” William raised his hand when Mr. Smith started to interrupt again, “he murdered her first husband.” William glanced at the nervous man in the other wingback chair. York couldn’t sit still. “Didn’t you?” “I—” “You don’t have to answer.” Mr. Smith turned to his client. “This is police business, and even though Mr. VanHorn is head of the Dragon Center, you are not required to answer his questions.” William couldn’t help but smile. He turned to the police chief. “Seeing as my wife has been found, and we don’t intend to press charges. I don’t see any crime here. I guess you and your men can leave.” Police Chief Perkins, who was standing by the glass wall, strolled to the center of the room. “Are you claiming this is Dragon Center business?” William nodded. “I’ll honor your decision, William.” Perkins motioned for the other officers to head for the door. “But we have a number of open investigations into a number of murders and a host of criminal activity associated with this hotel. You know, we can always use your help in gathering information.” “I will make sure your office is informed of any leads we might uncover,” William offered, knowing he’d see the man as soon as this meeting was over. The policemen by the suite door led the way out. Perkins followed them but paused on the threshold. “I’m confident I will be hearing from you soon.” The police chief saluted William then shut the door. Turning back to York’s lawyer, William addressed the man. “Now, that the police are gone, I don’t think York is going to need your services 138

Anita Philmar any longer.” Mr. Smith stood and turned to his client. “I might not agree with the way the Dragon Center handles their problems, but I have no legal way of protecting you from their rulings. You’re on your own.” “Are you telling me to turn myself in to the police?” York’s gaze darted between his lawyer and the door. “I’m not telling you to do anything.” Smith turned and pointed to William. “He is.” York’s gaze jumped to William. His hands shook where they lay on his thighs. His eyes darted around the room. He lunged to his feet and raced across the room for the suite door. The Dragon Center agents followed and intercepted York. After a slight struggle and a few well-placed punches, the man fell. William enjoyed each blow they landed. He only wished he was the one administering them, but he didn’t want to leave Amanda alone on the couch. Glancing down into her pale face, he whispered in her ear. “He won’t get away.” She snuggled closer as his agents dragged York back to his seat. Jake threw the criminal back into the chair. “I wouldn’t try that again if I were you.” Mr. Smith, who was now standing in the middle of the room, turned to his client. “I’ll see you at the police station in a few bongs. I’m sure by then Mr. VanHorn will have decided what he wants you to do.” William gave a slight nod of his head, and the lawyer said his good-byes. As soon as his lawyer walked out the door, York started squawking. “I don’t have dragon slayer blood so I don’t fall under your jurisdiction.” “True, but you can provide us with 139

Black Dragon’s Blood information.” William was tired of toying with the man. There were questions to be answered. Amanda shifted restlessly beside him and tugged out of his arms. William could tell she was upset by the events going on around them and still wired by her extended confinement in the bubble pit. She needed to rest. He pointed to the chair York’s lawyer had vacated, hoping to get this interview over with as soon as possible. “Seth, why don’t you take a seat over here?” **** Amanda felt the tension radiating from her husband. He’d not raised his voice or become excited by York’s attempt at escape. He appeared as if he were in complete control. Only because she was so close to him did she understand the fire racing through his blood. On a hunt, William’s adrenaline was pumping, filling the room with the spicy scent of his skin. Her own excitement grew as the action escalated. Her heart pounded in her chest. She was finally going to get the answers to Mark’s death she wanted. “Now, let’s review what we know. Then we can let you, Mr. York, fill in the gaps.” William took her hand and placed it over his thigh. The smooth fabric of his suit caressed her palm as she ran an uneasy stroke back and forth over his leg. “The file we have states Mark Helman was killed in this hotel. My wife, Amanda, heard you tell someone you ordered him killed. Would you like to tell us, Mr. York, why you would do such a thing?” “Go fuck yourself.” York spit out before the agent behind him grabbed his hair. Twisting in his seat, York tried to escape the abuse. “I don’t have to answer any of your questions.” Another agent took out a device that stunned 140

Anita Philmar the man. York screamed. Amanda jumped in reaction to the jerking spasms of his muscles. “Bad form,” William responded, “let’s give you a rest.” He turned to her father. “Seth, do you want to explain your connection in all this.” Her father looked over his shoulder at the agent standing behind his chair. “Why do you think I’m involved?” William shifted his arm around her, and Amanda’s pulse increased. Fear leaked from her palms. She stared at her father. The guilt on his face almost made her sick. Her stomach rolled and threatened to give her back the small snack she’d eaten before the meeting. “You were Mark’s superior. Why did you send him to see York?” “I didn’t, my girl. I just went along with that story.” Seth turned to the man sitting beside him. “York, here, threatened to kill you if I didn’t go along.” “Right, tell her the real truth.” York jerked his arms free of the agents holding him in his chair. They released him but didn’t step back. “I’ve paid you well over the years for your silence.” York turned to Amanda. His snicker ignited her anger. She wanted to punch him, but William held her in place when she started to rise. “Didn’t you ever wonder how your sweet daddy got out of debt?” York shook his head and gave her father a disgusted look. “It wasn’t your second husband who helped Seth. That hundred thousand gobbals you got him didn’t even make a dent in the amount he owed me. It only covered the amount he borrowed from the Dragon Center.” “What?” Amanda turned quickly to look at William. “Did you know about this?” He nodded. “We discovered Seth’s clerical error just recently while we were reviewing this case.” 141

Black Dragon’s Blood She shook her head and looked over at her father. “But why did you need so much money?” “Now, girly, don’t look so shocked. I had my expenses, and Mark needed chemicals for his testing.” Seth spoke as if she didn’t have a brain. The man never learned when he was in over his head. “Mark? You knew about him working on a dragon serum?” Amanda couldn’t believe her ears. Mark never mentioned he had her father helping him with the cost of his experiments. Or that anyone other than herself knew about him trying to develop a dragon serum. “You hated him.” “Well, I don’t know that I’d be saying such a thing, but we had our differences.” Seth pointed at the man beside him again. “Mark is the one who thought selling the serum to York was a good idea.” “I gave you a percent of the profit and got rid of your son-in-law as well.” York lifted his chin, snubbing her father. “I don’t see that you have any right to complain.” “Did you tell him to kill Mark?” Amanda was floored her father would have asked for such a thing. She slumped back against William. “No, I only discovered he’d killed Mark when he approached me about Mark’s formula.” Her father shook his head and turned to stare at the man next to him. “Seems Guy Brilliant over here forgot to verify the list of ingredients before he slaughtered the man with the miracle serum.” A heavy weight lifted. Her father hadn’t sent her husband to his death. Yet, she was beginning to see she hadn’t known her husband as well as she remembered. “Why didn’t you turn York in?” “Ha, and give up his share?” York started to rise again, but the agents shoved him back down in his chair. “Girly, I was in debt.” Her father’s gaze fell to the floor in shame. “And tempted by the serpent.” 142

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Chapter Seventeen “But if you were willing to share some of the profits with my father, why did you kill Mark?” Amanda didn’t understand why York had killed her husband. “Your clever husband let me taste the goods first.” York’s sinister laugh made Amanda’s skin crawl. “For people with dragon blood, it only increases your sex drive. But for me, I was flying high on good sex and had a buzz that would rival a large number of stiff drinks.” The man frowned. “Mark’s cocky attitude was irritating. He had no respect. I saw no reason to deal with him. I had the formula.” “Without the directions on how to create it,” Seth added. York lunged for Seth in the chair next to him, but the DC agents stopped his attempt to attack her father. Disgusted, Amanda realized Mark died from his own stupidity. Why did he go to York in the first place? He’d told her he planned to sell the serum back to the Dragon Center so it could help people who wanted to have children. What happen to change him? Was money his only motivation? That wasn’t the man she remembered. Turning her face into William’s chest, she whispered. “Can you get rid of these two?” He drew her closer. “Jake, I think it’s time to take York to the Dragon Center for more questioning.” A rustling noise erupted as York struggled 143

Black Dragon’s Blood with the agents. “I’m not going with you,” York screamed. Amanda looked up just as the man ran straight past them and into the glass wall. The impact should have landed him on his butt on the floor. Instead, the glass gave. Night air rushed in as York disappeared. Shocked, Amanda could only stare at the gaping hole. William stood and helped her to her feet. “Jake, go down and take care of the police. We’ll need to file a report.” He continued barking out orders to his other agents as everyone in the room came to terms with what the crazy man had just done. “You two, escort Seth home.” In a fog, Amanda watched everyone file out of the room. Her father paused at the door, gave her a sad smile and left. Two agents followed him out of the room. When the door closed behind them, she raised her head to look up at William. Her mind and body exhausted, she didn’t think she could handle much more. “Now what?” Her heart expanded at the gentle look in his eyes. His large hands cupped her face. “Now that you have your answers, we can get on with our lives.” Amanda blinked, trying to see his crooked grin through her tear-filled eyes. “William.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed her tired body into him. “Hold me.” His strong arms encircled her in his warmth. He ran kisses down the side of her neck. “I think we better get you to bed soon or you’re going to collapse.” He picked her up, and she snuggled into his chest, closed her eyes and whispered, “Where do we go now?” 144

Anita Philmar **** William carried her into the same room they occupied the first time they had been in York’s hotel. “I decided since it’s so late, you’d prefer to spend the night here instead of trying to make the long trip home.” She didn’t comment as he laid her on the bed, her body limp and lifeless against the black sheet. He placed a red satin pillow under her head. “I need to finish up with the business upstairs.” He brushed the hair from her face, concerned by the pale color. The lady looked exhausted. “I shouldn’t be too long. Are you going to be all right? I’ll have a man outside the door should you need anything.” “I’m fine.” Her green eyes slid closed. “I’m going to try and rest.” William didn’t want to leave. If he had his way, he would climb into bed and drive every thought of the past day’s events from her mind. But the police were requesting his presence. He left and headed back to York’s suite. Pausing just over the doorway, he took in the presence of the short pudgy man next to the wall of glass. The man was not on his list of invited guests. “What are you doing here, Cornerman?” “I was in the neighborhood.” The man shrugged, leaned briefly through the window to look at the ground below, shuddered and turned back to the center of the room. A sinister smile played around his lips when his eyes lit on William. “Not a pretty way to die.” “If we’d known the man was strung out on drugs, we would have restrained him.” William didn’t feel this was any of Cornerman’s business. The politician was searching for another way to further his career by using York’s death as a strike against the Dragon Center. “Is that your official story?” Cornerman 145

Black Dragon’s Blood walked back to the middle of the suite where William stood next to the police chief. Not liking the man’s implications, William addressed Perkins. “It’s the truth. You can ask anyone in the suite. We’ll all give you the same sequence of events.” “Right. And everyone in the room either works or is related to someone at the Dragon Center. How do we know you’re giving us the truth?” Cornerman questioned. William’s blood began to boil, but he’d been in the administrative game long enough to not show his emotions. He shrugged. “That’s something the police will have to decide. As usual, the Dragon Center will cooperate in any capacity the authorities want us to.” “And that would be?” Cornerman looked at Perkins. The police chief shook his head and closed the envelope in his hand. “By all accounts, the man was being questioning about a serum the Dragon Center was interested in attaining. The same drug we believe caused him to take a plunge out the window.” “What’s to say they didn’t help him over the edge?” Cornerman accused. “No evidence. York was known for dealing in drugs.” Perkins handed Cornerman a file. “He’s been brought up on charges numerous times. Apparently he was also hooked on the stuff. As far as we’re concerned, we have one less criminal to deal with.” “Right.” Cornerman took the file and glanced through it before he handed it back. Turning for the door, he fired his parting shot. “You know, William, I’ll be watching you.” “Sounds boring.” The man wanted the Dragon Center closed. He was responsible for the bill in Parliament to make it happen, but William 146

Anita Philmar couldn’t fight the man’s prejudice. “We both have to do what we think is right.” **** Waking, Amanda searched the mattress for William. Her hand found the rounded edge before she remembered he wasn’t in bed with her. He’d woken her early to explain he still had some work to do this morning regarding York’s suicide. The events of the prior day came crashing back around her. For a brief moment, she thought about burying her head under the pillow and going back to sleep. Her stomach growled, motivating her into action. She rolled over and forced herself to sit up on the side of the bed. She looked around and recalled her first visit to this room. The incredible passion she’d felt in William’s arms. The heat and pleasure he’d generated in her body as they conceived their child. Amanda smiled. The time on the video screen told her he was due back anytime. She started to step away from the bed when her footsteps faltered. He’d said he wanted to discuss his note when he returned. She didn’t want to address the issue. He couldn’t truly love her. Not the way she’d learned to love him over the last few weeks. Even with his overprotective attitude, he still treated her like an equal, someone he respected and valued. She couldn’t imagine her life without him. Slipping on her shoes, she walked to the door. A young man greeted her. “Hello, Mrs. VanHorn, how can I help you?” “I need to run downstairs for a few ticks.” Amanda tried to move past the man, but he blocked her exit. “I’m one of Mr. VanHorn’s agents. He said you are supposed to wait here until he returns.” “Were those his exact words?” 147

Black Dragon’s Blood The man looked taken aback by her question. “He wanted me to make sure no one came in or out of this room.” “But did he say I couldn’t leave?” “No, but—” “Then he wasn’t talking about me?” Amanda prodded, knowing the agent wouldn’t want to make William angry. “I’m not a prisoner, am I?” The man shook his head. “Well, then I’m free to go downstairs.” Amanda pushed the man’s arm out of the way and started down the hall. He followed. “If you’re not going to stay in the room, I’d better go with you.” The agent stopped beside her at the doors of the lift. Amanda smiled and put her hand on his arm. She didn’t want to get the man in trouble, but she had things she needed to do. “Good, I can use the help.” **** Glancing at the door down the hall, William wondered where the agent was he’d assigned to watch Amanda. No one stood in the hallway. He checked down the other hallway but found it empty as well. Concern knocked his heart rate into overdrive. He mashed the button on the keycard, and the lock released. He opened the door slowly and did a quick scan of the room for any abnormalities. The soft glow from the sun rocks lit the area. He glanced at the bed and saw it empty. The bathing room and washroom were the same. She was gone. He couldn’t imagine where she could have disappeared. His agent better know where she was. William yanked out his messenger and headed back to the hotel room entrance. The door opened in front of him, almost hitting him in the face. “Who th—” Amanda held 148

Anita Philmar open the door. “Where have you been?” William’s gaze swept over the cart his agent pushed into the room. “I thought I told you not to let her leave.” “I—” “I told him you didn’t mean me.” She stepped over to William. Her hands slid over his chest. She rubbed her body against him. “You weren’t trying to hold me prisoner, were you?” “No, but I didn’t want you leaving until I got back, either.” William put his hands on her waist, holding her close. He could smell the sweet scent of her skin. “You know how I feel about you going anywhere without me.” She smiled as her hands circled his neck. “But I got hungry.” Her eyes told him she didn’t only mean for food. The tight nipples pressing into his chest radiated a heat straight to his loins. “You could have ordered something delivered.” The door closed as his agent made a wise exit. “Amanda, we’ve got to talk about your habit of disappearing.” Her fingers played over his lips, silencing his next comment. “I don’t want to fight.” He opened his mouth and sucked one of her fingers inside. The tantalizing flavor of strawberries greeted his tongue. He took hold of her wrist. “What have you been eating?” “I had a few samples of the food I brought up.” Amanda glanced over at the cart by the wall. “I thought you might be hungry, too.” William noticed the assortment of fruits and treats. “Then I guess you don’t want to rest a while before we eat?” He maneuvered her toward the bed. Her eyes held a glow in their depths he didn’t remember ever seeing. “I’m not tired.” 149

Black Dragon’s Blood She followed him and hit the magnetic release button on his suit when he paused next to the bed. “You have on way too many clothes to be able to rest.” Taking a deep breath, he expected the citrus smell of her heat to hit his senses. Instead, only the sweet smell of the fruit behind her filled his nasal passages. Confused, he let her help him get undressed. His gaze fell to the deep cut of her blouse. He admired the form-fitting clinginess of the red, lacy material. Her breasts larger now that she was pregnant, were extra sensitive to his touch. He licked his lips in anticipation of the tasty treat. She shoved him down on the side of the bed, and the slit in her black skirt caught his attention. He wondered if she’d chosen to wear the underwear his agents had bought. When she stepped back, his hand brushed her leg. He grabbed for the end of her skirt. “Where are you going?” He tugged on the material. “I was going to bring the cart over so we can eat.” She refused to move closer. “I’m not hungry for food.” Amanda smiled. “But I want an appetizer.” He released her and watched as she pushed the cart closer. She selected a large strawberry. Glanced at him, she bit a small portion off the end then offered the treat to him. When he took it, she again stepped back. Some insight into her emotions nudged his brain. His heart rate accelerated. “Does it seem a little warm in here?” Her hand toyed with the release button on her shirt. William swallowed the strawberry and nodded. “Not as hot as it’s going to be.” “Then you don’t think I need these clothes?” Her finger tapped the button, and her blouse 150

Anita Philmar opened. She didn’t remove it. Instead, her hands slid to her skirt. “You know for Dragon Center agents, your men have good taste in clothing. I just might keep this outfit.” He watched her guide the material over her hips to pool at her feet. “I’ll tell them you liked it.” Her blouse, which ran down the front of her body, parted. He got his first glimpse of the soft petals of her sex. No underwear. “I think you forgot an item,” he teased, ready for her to come closer. “Oh, I have it, but your men failed in that department.” She walked over to her poche and took out a large square pair of shorts. “They were a little too big.” William laughed and shifted on the bed. His hands itched to touch her. “I’ll thank them for their bad choice. Now, can you come over here?” She dropped the fabric over her poche. Naked, she leaned against the wall. “No. If I do, then I won’t be able to keep my hands off you.” Her hands lay against the wall, as if she were uncertain as to what to do with them. On each side of her beautiful body was the mural of two men. Their eyes seemed fixated on her breasts. “And that’s a problem, why?” William started to stand, but stopped when she hugged the wall. Her gaze shifted to the floor. “Amanda?” “I never wanted to marry you, William.”

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Chapter Eighteen Void of all emotion, Amanda’s voice ripped through William. “And to be honest, I never thought you could get me pregnant.” Her hands stroked her stomach. An almost wistful smile played around her lips. “But both have happened.” He didn’t like the direction of this conversation. Nor did he want to discuss their past sexual encounters. He wanted her on top of him right now, relieving the pressure building in his groin. “Amanda, what’s this about?” She glanced quickly toward him then back down at the floor. Her eyes revealed a fear he couldn’t identify. “I want you to tell me why you sent me that note.” The tension radiating from her grew in his chest, making it hard for him to think. His own caged emotions forced him to stand and walk to the far side of the room, putting the circular bed between them. They both needed some breathing room. He didn’t want to admit why he’d sent her the note. The words were easy to write. It was saying them, one on one that was hard. Leaning on the opposite wall, he stared at the endless depths of her eyes. “I needed to tell you how I felt.” Her creamy skin glowed with a slight blush. Red hair flowed over her shoulders. Her green gaze traveled a course down his body. She licked her luscious lips, then bit them with longing. His erection grew as his gaze took a similar 152

Anita Philmar trip over her enticing curves. The round slope of her shoulders to the full swell of her breasts, the dip of her waist to the flair of her hips, she had the perfect body. He’d not planned to fall in love. The whole reason he’d wanted to marry her was to help repopulate the dying dragon bloodline. “Do you really love me?” Her words rang across the room. Her nipples peaked under his watchful gaze. He smiled and bumped into the edge of the bed as he made his way forward. “Yes.” She stepped to the other side of the bed and picked up one of the red pillows. “And what happens if I don’t love you?” He grinned and gathered up another pillow. “Not a problem, you will.” “And if I refuse to ever live in the house with your mother?” Amanda stepped to the left when William stepped to the right. She kept him on the opposite side of the bed, toying with him by holding the red pillow just under her breasts like a feast for his gaze to devour. “We’ll continue to live at your house.” He threw the pillow in his hand at her. She dodged it and sent her ball of fluff flying at him. “I won’t tell you where I am every minute.” Amanda picked up another pillow and rushed quickly away from him. They had circled the bed once and were starting the second pass. “I have a tracker on you.” “It’s been disabled.” He stopped. She was right. He’d forgotten to have a technician check her implant and reactivate the device. “You’re not going anywhere.” Her eyes narrowed into slits, and he tried to judge her next move just before he leaped onto the bed. He dove and caught her around the waist before she could do more than take a step away from the bed. He yanked her down beside him. 153

Black Dragon’s Blood “William!” She wrestled with him, her arms elbowing his chest, her legs working toward a sitting position, her hair flying around her face. “Let me go.” A shift of his weight rolled her across the bed. Her body aligned with his. A quick maneuver in the opposite direction had her under him, her hands pinned beneath his above her head and his feet dangling over the end of the bed. “We need to talk,” she said between gasps of breath. Clasping both her hands together, he used his free hand to brush her hair from her face. “Let’s make it a short conversation by getting the facts straight.” He looked down in her sea green eyes. “You’re not going to leave me because what we have together is about more than just good sex or having children. You’re in love with me.” “I didn’t say that.” Her eyes grew darker. He could see the secret in her soul and knew she was struggling with the truth of his statement. “You didn’t have to. The strawberries gave you away.” He released her hands and stroked the curve of her shoulders. His body humming with need, he shifted her legs apart. “How can my feeding you strawberries give you the impression I’m in love with you.” Amanda’s hands rested on his chest. “Because you were trying to cover the lack of your spicy orange scent.” William understood now why he couldn’t smell the fragrance of her lust. “You’re struggling with your emotions so your normal lusty flavor is absent. You wanted to hide the fact under the smell of another fruit.” “You’re delusional.” Amanda shook her head. “I was hungry.” “For me.” He slid his lips along the crease of hers. “You’re allowed to love me.” 154

Anita Philmar Her whispered breath flowed over his skin. “No, I can’t, you’ll only leave me.” He raised his head enough to look at her. Eyes closed tight, forehead wrinkled into a frown, pain reflected in her expression. “What would make you think that?” “Both Mark and Jeffery did.” Her eyes remained closed. Tears leaked from under her eyelids. Her body, rigid from past hurt, lay unyielding below him. Determined hands pressed against his chest. “Mark died because he wanted money more than he wanted me. That’s the true reason he left me the night after we conceived our baby.” William struggled to register this new information. Amanda had lost not only her husband but an unborn child as well. No wonder she’d had a burning desire to find Mark’s killer. “Did he know you were pregnant?” She nodded. “Then he was a fool.” William couldn’t believe the stupidity of the man. “I don’t know how Jeffery died, but I’m glad both men are gone. Because that means, I have you. And I’m not going anywhere.” Her eyes opened. “You can’t make that promise.” “True, but I don’t plan on being away from you long enough for you to notice my absence.” He brushed the tears from her checks. “Have I left you alone for more than four bongs since we’ve been married?” “No, but your body is just hungry for mine.” She shifted, rubbing her wet folds against his hard erection. “You just need a constant release of your desires.” He smiled and guided his thick rod into her tight channel. “I do need you. And the fragrant smell of you drives me crazy with lust, but...” Her legs slid around his hips, her arms circled 155

Black Dragon’s Blood his neck. He couldn’t stop his cock’s slow slide deeper into her slick, wet heat. And he didn’t want to. He sighed. “You’re what makes me whole.” Green eyes filled with love. He didn’t wait for the words as his lips covered hers. He had no doubt she loved him as blooming orange blossoms mixed with his tart scent. He increased his pace, content that every one of his erotic dreams would come true.

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Epilogue Standing on the balcony of her home, Amanda looked out at the dark night. A black dragon moon hung in the distance over the mountains. A curved sliver of light lanced the sky with an arrow that warned all dragon women to be wary. No sex tonight. After two years of marriage, and with two small babies to take care of, she knew in less than a week she would be pregnant again. But not tonight, regardless of William’s clever plan to slip her some dragon serum. She turned back to the open doorway. With the party going on downstairs, their guests needed their attention. She’d only come upstairs to check on the children. “I will not marry you.” Dee’s elevated voice echoed from the living room. “I’m not interested in having a husband.” Amanda’s gaze caught her niece entering the large suite. She was followed by Amanda’s brotherin-law, Scott. The two were standing in the middle of living area, arguing. Dee’s face flushed, almost to the color of her red hair. Her hands were flying in every direction as her irritation increased. “I know William thinks every dragon woman should be pregnant, but I’m not ready to settle down.” Dee continued to argue as Scott grabbed her arms. Stepping closer, Amanda caught his part of the conversation. “What’s wrong with marrying me?” Dee fought his grip and twisted away. 157

Black Dragon’s Blood “Nothing, but it’s not what I want to do with my life.” She backed up several more steps. “I guess you better get used to the idea that our relationship is officially over.” Her niece turned and ran toward the guest bedroom. Amanda knew Scott’s intentions so she stalled his progress. “Scott, what are you doing up here?” Amanda stepped into the living room, eyeing her brother-in-law’s dark looks. The man held a remarkable resemblance to her husband. “I thought you knew the rule.” He stopped and turned his anger on her. “I know no one is allowed into your precious suite unless invited, but I was talking to your niece.” Glancing around, Amanda pretended to look for Dee. “Well, she’s not here now.” “Right, she’s hiding in your guest room.” Scott stalked to the suite’s main door. “But don’t worry, I’m leaving.” “Good, can you tell William I need to see him?” Amanda directed before Scott shut the door. **** Understanding his brother’s crime of invading Amanda’s space, William had a pretty good idea why she wanted to see him. But in reality, it played into his hands. He’d already instructed his mother to tell his remaining guests the party was over. He wanted to get to his wife upstairs. The living room was quiet when he opened the door to their suite. Amanda stood by the doors leading onto the balcony, staring out into the night. He noted the flare of hips, wider with the birth of their children, her spicy citrus scent sweeter. Her whole body was designed to please him. The lady should be feeling the effects of the potion he’d slipped into her drink before the party started. 158

Anita Philmar When he shut the door behind him, she turned and walked to the small kitchen area. Her hand retrieved a goblet on the counter. “I hope you know what you’ve done.” Noticing the red liquid in the clear glass, he made his way toward her. Her scent caused his loins to swell. “What do you mean?” “You spiked the punch with dragon serum. I could smell the formula.” She held the glass out. He wondered briefly who could have spiked the punch. Then he remembered his brother’s request for a small sample. William took the glass. The fragrant aroma of fruit mixed with the orange blossom scent of Amanda caused his pulse to increase. “I didn’t do it.” “Then who?” His wife’s eyes flashed, telling him she was angry at the idea of him trying to deceive her. He glanced at the swell of her breasts outlined by her low-cut dress. A blush rose over her skin, proclaiming her body was heating up. He could almost hear the sweet sucking motion of the wet lips between her legs when she strolled across the room. “Because if it was meant for me, you missed your mark. I’ve had nothing but the wine we opened before our guests arrived.” Her hand rubbed her neck. She wiggled uncomfortably in her skin-tight black dress. William looked at the bottle he’d spiked on the counter and smiled. “I didn’t touch the punch.” “Dee just left. She said if she stayed any longer she’d give into her desire to jump Scott.” Amanda shook her head and glanced out the balcony doors. “The man was up here trying to get her to marry him.” He looked down at the punch in his hand and lifted the glass. She placed her hand on his arm to stop him. “Don’t drink that, we have guests who need our attention.” 159

Black Dragon’s Blood “No, I sent them home.” He swallowed the remainder of the punch. “But...” Amanda backed away. William picked up the wine and poured the small portion left in the bottle into the empty cup in his hand. “Do you think the small amount of serum in the punch will actually have any affect on our guests?” His mind reviewed the guest list of the party to celebrate the end of Cornerman’s term. Most had dragon blood. All the women were within the age range to bear children. Could there be a population explosion tonight? His body was poised to add to the numbers. They had been trying for the last week to get Amanda pregnant again. Why was tonight any different? “I don’t know.” She turned and walked onto the balcony. “You should have the serum restricted to medicinal purposes only.” He followed her, catching her hand when she passed the double lounge sofa near the door. “I can’t regulate when a woman will get pregnant.” She turned. The seductive heat in her eyes lit a flame and he tugged her against his chest. “No, but I know you, William. You want me to get pregnant right away.” His hands ran down her back and over her hips. He rubbed his engorged rod against her. “I told you my plan when we got married. I want a baby growing inside you at least once a year.” “And you know I love having your babies, but with a black dragon moon on the horizon, tonight is not the time for me to get pregnant.” Amanda rubbed her full swollen breasts against the wall of his chest and whispered. “You know the curse it can lay on a woman.” “Oh, come on, you don’t believe in that old dragon-witch tale, do you?” He lifted her into his 160

Anita Philmar arms, laid her down on the lounger beside them and toyed with the straps at her shoulders. “Yes, but if it’s true, we could have twins or triplets.” She sighed when he pulled the fabric away from her breasts. The creamy swells lay cupped in his hands. He dipped his head. “I’m willing to take the chance, are you?”

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