Dracos defiance, p.11
Draco's Defiance, page 11
“Moira.”
She heard the amusement in his voice and felt his hard body as it shifted around her, but still couldn’t persuade her eyes to open.
“Moira.” His lips pressed to the side of her face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay, sir.”
She didn’t know if she should still use the term, but leaning against him, she realized she’d only employed it because she wanted to. He’d collected her in a heap after he’d climaxed, wrapping her up in a soft blanket and holding her in his arms. She’d lost time there, uncertain of anything except the comfortable affection they seemed to have created.
Affection?
The word should have startled her, but snuggling against him, she couldn’t think to care. Draco had referred to interactions like this as one-night stands, but the fuzzy feeling swelling in her was far from how she imagined those cold and impersonal encounters to be like. Plus, this was their second time together. The second time he’d pinned her down and blown her mind, so surely that ruled out the idea altogether?
“You’re quiet.” There was no judgment in his voice, only perhaps a flicker of concern.
“I’m euphoric.” Had she just said that?
A deep, dark part of her brain told her to be embarrassed at the admission, that she should be ashamed to confess how she felt, but the waves of calm serenity ensured her otherwise.
Moira liked the sense of authority he held over her, even though there was no logical cue for her to do so. She didn’t understand her body’s response, didn’t know why the spanking had turned her on so much or why his tenderness made her smile, but she didn’t have regrets.
It was just as Draco had suggested. The ‘why’ didn’t matter, and for the first time in her life, she was focused not on the cases and arguments, but on her feelings.
She smiled, satiated by the thought. She liked the protection he offered, and enjoyed the fact that, for the first time, she’d met a man who was interested in her pleasure.
“Well, that sounds good.” His arms tightened around her. “I’ll take it.”
“You should.” Her eyes fluttered open as she peered around at his handsome face, and there was no doubt about it, Draco was gorgeous. His heart-shaped face presented a man with rugged and open features. The dark blond stubble at his chin stretched to his high cheekbones and as her gaze rose, she took in the light in his striking blue gaze. How had she ever got so lucky to have met and bedded a man of such magnetism, wealth, and experience? “I mean it.”
“So, what now?” He tugged her closer, skimming his lips over her cheek.
“What do you mean?”
She hoped he meant he wanted them to see each other again, or that he shared the sentiment ballooning in her chest, but she couldn’t be sure, and she dared not say so.
“I mean, what comes next?” The now-familiar mischievous glint shone in his eyes. “Do you want to run me through your findings on the contract and go home, or would you like to stay for dinner?”
“Dinner?” The last thing that had been on her mind was food, but inevitably Draco had a way of making everything sound outrageously appealing.
“Yes.” He pressed his lips together. “You know, the meal that generally comes at the end of the day?”
“Yes, I know dinner, Draco.” She’d definitely intended to use his name that time. “I just wasn’t sure if you’d like me to stay or not.”
“Well, now you know.” His breath was warm at her nape. “You’re invited.”
Thank goodness! She couldn’t control the way her pulse quickened. Draco was never supposed to be more than a brief sexual dalliance and the possibility of a private client’s fee, but the more time she spent with him, the more she realized he had the potential to be so much more than that.
“I’d love to have dinner with you, thank you.” Resting her head against his chest, she could hardly believe her sense of tranquility in his presence. Moira was used to her own company, and rarely found anyone she could maintain a peaceful quiet with. Draco was unique in a surprising number of ways. “But you’re right, we should really go over the contract first.”
“Not a problem. I appreciate you taking the time.”
“You’re welcome.” Knowing it was for the new blond in her life, she’d enjoyed every minute of the work. “That’s my job.”
“And I’m lucky to have you.” He paused, allowing the sentiment to wash over her. “Would you like your coffee now?”
“My what?”
Glancing past his body, her attention shifted to the coffee table at his side, and the array of cups and cutlery sat beside the contemporary coffee pot.
When had he put that lot together?
She couldn’t recall it being there earlier. The table would have been in the way when he’d spanked and fucked her, but surely, she’d have noticed if he’d have gotten up and gone to the kitchen to prepare the drinks? The muscles at the apex of her thighs clenched as she contemplated the question.
Maybe not. Maybe I’d been in such a stupor that I just don’t remember.
“Your coffee?” His voice was sympathetic despite its growing smug tone. “I asked you if you wanted one, if you recall?”
“Yeah, I...” Shaking her head, she straightened and snuggled the blanket tighter around her as perturbed, she grappled with her lack of recollection. “I really don’t.”
“Don’t worry.” Easing himself upright, he reached for the pot and poured the steaming black liquid into one of the matching cups. “You were a little dazed.”
“I’m sorry.” She sensed herself flushing as he chuckled.
“Don’t be,” he assured her. “There are worse things than being so satiated that you lose track of time.”
He can say that again.
“Would you like a cup?” Lifting it toward her, he glanced back to the table. “I have milk and cream if you don’t want it black.”
“Black is perfect, thank you.” She reached for the cup, her fingertips brushing his when he passed it to her. “I really must have been out of it if I didn’t hear you—”
Moira never finished her sentence, the clamor of Draco’s phone splintering her line of logical thought.
“Sorry.” He mouthed the apology as grabbing his phone, he surveyed the identity of the caller. “It’s my brother. I should take this.”
“Sure.” Untangling herself from him, she gripped the cover around her and settled back on the sofa with her coffee. “Go ahead.”
Lifting the drink to her mouth, she watched as his perfectly formed ass wandered away.
“Sebastian?” As though he sensed her admiring scrutiny, he glanced over his shoulder as he answered the call, their gazes locking just long enough to inspire fresh heat at her face. “What’s up?”
A strained silence filled the room as Draco listened to whatever his brother—Sebastian—had to say. Moira couldn’t hear Sebastian’s words, but the elevated timbre of his voice through the phone suggested concern, or possibly even panic, as did Draco’s clipped response.
“Hang on, slow down, man. What happened to Rebecca?”
Draco turned, revealing his muscular form as he strode to one of the vast windows and listened to the reply. Moira’s gaze devoured the look of him hungrily, still struggling to believe that the handsome specimen on the phone was the same guy who’d just done all those sublime things to her.
I let him spank me! She had to look away as the memory bubbled to the surface. And worse than that, I loved it.
“That fucker again?” Draco’s growl dragged her focus back to him. Something about its resonance was animalistic and demanded her attention. “I had my own run-in with him this week.” His gaze flitted to her as he went on. “Yeah, nothing to worry about. I had no idea he was planning this. What do you want to do?”
His brow rose at Sebastian’s reaction. “Yeah, I get it, Sebastian. No need to shout.” The other man’s voice conveyed an urgency that twisted anxiety in her stomach.
She didn’t know Sebastian, or what had happened to upset him, but something was wrong.
“Yes, I’m in the city center, but I’m not exactly ready to entertain guests, Seb.”
Another pause followed where Draco listened to Sebastian’s reply, though his stiffening jaw conveyed how little he liked it.
“Hey, fuck you, Sebastian!” He turned to the window, though his scowl was still evident in the glass’ reflection. “If you want my help, then you’d better think about how you speak to me.”
She’d never seen this side of him before. The incident with Monroe at the bistro had revealed an element of his ferocity, but nothing like the obvious flare of fury that erupted in front of her now. She noted how if she should have been scared at the prospect of an angry Draco, then the unfolding version of her new lover was nothing but enthralling. She loved seeing the passion in him, and admired the way he stood up for himself. Of course, watching his spectacular body as he strutted around the room did no harm, either.
“Okay.” Draco sighed. “I’m just saying I already have a guest here.” He glanced back at her again, and if it were possible, his eyes revealed an even greater intensity than she’d seen previously. “And no, that’s not an option.”
She shifted in her place uncomfortably, instantly regretting the decision when her tender ass complained at the contact. Clearly, the two men were discussing her. Perhaps she should do the honorable thing and get dressed and leave? Whatever the call was about, it appeared to require his full attention.
“Yeah, it just isn’t.” Draco accentuated the final word, his free hand balling by his hip.
Her heart raced as she looked around to see where her clothes had been discarded. She wondered whether there’d ever be a time she could stay dressed in Draco’s presence. Assuming that he wanted to see her again.
“Because I said so, Seb,” he snapped. “Isn’t that enough?”
She was sure a low snarl escaped his throat at the caller’s answer. Her body responded to the noise in an oddly primal way, her nipples beading as she huddled the blanket closer. What was happening to her? Moira knew she’d never met a man like him before and she doubted she ever would again. Everything about Draco spoke of excited fascination, and the idea of leaving without him left a dull and empty void inside her.
“Because Rebecca’s not the only one with links to Monroe.” He hissed the explanation, and the way he turned his back told her how reticent he’d been to vocalize it.
Monroe? She swallowed at the name she’d been happy to forget. What did any of this have to do with that cretin?
“You heard what I said.” Draco inhaled. “I don’t mind helping, but things aren’t as simple as they were.” Spinning to face her, he met her eyes as he started to speak again. “You’re not the only one with someone to lose.”
Chapter Sixteen
Draco
“SOMEONE TO LOSE?” SEBASTIAN snorted, as though the concept was ludicrous. “What the fuck are you talking about, Draco? Your liaisons don’t last more than a few hours.”
“Yeah, well, not this time.”
Draco loathed his defensive tone, especially in front of the woman who’d captured so much of his focus, but he couldn’t help himself. He didn’t enjoy the fear and anger in his brother’s voice and a part of him wanted to help—and he would help—but not at any cost. For the first time in his self-absorbed life, he had someone else to think about. Someone who might be directly impacted by Sebastian’s demands.
Moira.
Taking a deep breath, he listened to his brother. Sebastian was in trouble. Or, to be more precise, his woman, Rebecca was in trouble, and true to form, Seb wanted his brothers to come to their aid.
It wouldn’t normally have been an issue for Draco. He loved a fight as much as the next dragon-shifter, particularly when the foe in question was Oliver Monroe, the same idiot who’d upset Moira, but the idiot in question presented Draco with a quandary.
Monroe had tried to snatch his sister, Rebecca away from Sebastian, and the attempt had sent them both into an understandable spin. Sebastian wanted around-the-clock protection for his lady, while he, Balthazar, Draco, and Cole headed out to pay Monroe a visit. Draco could comprehend his logic. The problem was, though, he and Moira also had history with the odious Oliver.
The last time they’d met, Moira had thought he was following her, and Draco had to admit, Monroe had been hard to shake off. He didn’t like to think what the bastard might have done had Moira not been smart enough to go into Berrunti’s. Draco wasn’t prepared to abandon her while he went to fight Sebastian’s battle. After all, Monroe clearly had a thing for his beautiful brunette. He wouldn’t leave her undefended any more than Sebastian was prepared to leave Rebecca without protection.
She’s not mine. The realization sliced at his heart like a blade. I hardly know her.
The thought did little to quell his rising emotions.
“What do you mean?” Seb sounded like he was running out of patience. “I don’t have time for your shit today, Draco.”
“Well, excuse me.” His brother’s impertinence was bordering on being fucking rude. “You called me and asked for my help, remember?”
Sebastian was generally a polite and decent guy, but this prevailing ‘all for one and one for all’ attitude meant that he and Balthazar expected Draco to jump whenever they called, but Draco had news for them. He didn’t take orders. Of his three siblings, he’d always gotten along better with the youngest, Cole, but he was willing to bet if Cole needed him, he wouldn’t be such a petulant prick about it, throwing demands around as though he was their parent.
“Because I stupidly thought family meant something to you.” Sebastian sounded on the verge of tears, but Draco didn’t know why he was bothering. Overt displays of emotion rarely had any effect on him. He hadn’t cried when either of his parents passed, and these days, few people seemed to emotionally impact him.
Except Moira.
His gaze traveled to the woman listening to his every word. He hadn’t been hearing her thoughts since he took Sebastian’s call, but her eyes conveyed intrigue and concern.
“You know it does.” Had he not been so consumed with his new lover, Draco might have been riled by the inference that he didn’t care. All he’d done was ask Sebastian to consider what his needs might be before he handed out instructions. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
“I don’t know anything anymore.” Anger rose in Sebastian’s voice. “If you’re too bloody busy banging some random hooker, then fair enough, Draco. I won’t bother you again.”
The line went dead before Draco could even respond.
What the fuck, Sebastian? He stared at the screen in his hands before Moira’s voice drew his attention back to her.
“Is everything okay?” She leaned closer from her seat, her thoughts drifting to him. It didn’t sound like it.
“I’m not sure.” He heaved in air as he strode back to the sofa and collapsed into the seat beside her. Moira was still wrapped up in the blanket he’d given her, but personally, Draco was overheated. He’d never had a problem in his own skin as either man or dragon, but dealing with his family had ratcheted up his temperature another notch. “My brother’s having a tantrum.”
“I’m sorry.” It’s my fault. Her knitting brows confirmed the preposterous idea.
“Why are you sorry?” Draco placed his phone down on the coffee table before pouring himself a cup of the hot drink. “This isn’t your fault.”
“I just had the feeling I was the subject of some of the conversation.” She shifted awkwardly at his side. “And if that’s true, I didn’t mean to cause any issues for you.”
“There are no issues.” Turning to her, he offered a reassuring smile. The last thing he wanted to do was upset Moira or leave her with the impression she was some sort of inconvenience. Right now, she was the number one concern in his life. “Sebastian will sort himself out, or he won’t.” Or, he’ll call Cole and ask him to get me onside.
Draco rolled his eyes at the sad reality. That was classic Sebastian behavior. Frustrated with Draco, he’d run to Balthazar or Cole and get one of them to resolve the problem for him. Brothers. I love them, but sometimes, they can be a liability. Sipping at his coffee, he checked his phone. No new messages yet.
“So long as you’re sure?”
Taking a drink from her own cup, she watched him from over the rim. Damn, she was gorgeous, especially with her ‘fuck-me’ hair. Draco had been right to stop and think before he chased off after Monroe. The men in that family were proven villains and one had already expressed an unhealthy interest in Moira. If Monroe was out there somewhere looking to enact revenge against the Vaughns, Moira could easily be one of his targets.
“I’m sure.” His voice carried conviction. “This isn’t about you and I don’t want you to worry about it.”
“Okay.” Her fingers relaxed around the handle of the coffee cup.
“I need to use the bathroom.” He gestured toward the door. “Help yourself to more coffee if you like.”
Leaning to kiss her, he grabbed his phone before he stalked away. It would be just his luck that one of his brother’s would call while he was out of the room and he didn’t want Moira exposed to any more Vaughn family drama. Things were going too well between them to allow his siblings to screw things up.
“Thanks.”
Her mind was quiet as he wandered from the room and closed the door, his lips curling as he realized what that meant. For the first time since he’d known her, he’d been able to silence her racing thoughts. He’d done that! A peculiar sense of pride swelled in his chest. Giving Moira peace of mind was worth more than a little heartache with Sebastian.
Moira
THE DAY WAS DEFINITELY not working out the way Moira had anticipated. Sure, she hoped that there would be passionate sex, and Draco hadn’t let her down on that score. Her thighs trembled just thinking about the pleasure he’d squeezed from her body, but she’d wrongly assumed that they would have dealt with the legal matters first. That’s what she’d stayed up late working for. She’d memorized the points she’d planned to present to him in her head over coffee that morning, but as things stood, her briefcase was still in his hall, waiting for their attention. The conversation had never happened.
