Silas (Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance) (Desired by a Dragon Book 1) (7 page)

M
y hands ran
up Silas’s biceps, and over his shoulders. Dear God, the man had muscles that made my mouth water. They were the perfect size, not too big and definitely not too small. His fingers entwined within my hair until he had a fist-full. He tugged my head back, exposing my neck to him, and began to trail kisses along the sensitive skin. The fiery sensation of need burned through me from the motion. As he continued to slowly make his way downward, he nipped and licked. The sensation of his tongue nearly undid me.

“Do you like that—the feel of my tongue caressing you?” he asked.

I only nodded in response, unable to form words. My body begged for more from him. No more words. No more teasing kisses and tantalizing touches. I wanted him. No, I needed him.

“Tell me what else you like.” His voice was low and commanding as his hot breath slipped over my skin. It intensified the sensations coursing through me in a way I hadn’t known possible.

“Kissing,” I said, too afraid to open up and tell him what I really wanted—him inside of me. At the mere thought, I felt something uncurl within my stomach that had my heart picking up its rapid pace and my breath becoming more ragged. I was on the brink of orgasm already, just from my thoughts.

Silas broke away from kissing my neck and forced me to look at him. His golden-colored eyes were hooded with lust and clouded with heat. He was as turned on as I was. Knowing this intensified what I was feeling. His lips crushed against mine in a near bruising kiss before I could think much more on the subject. With his lips making earth-shattering love to mine, he skimmed his fingertips across my bare skin until he reached an inch below my navel. My thighs quivered as I mentally begged him to allow his perfect fingers to explore a little lower.

“Was that the type of kissing you like? Or do you prefer things softer?” He pulled away and sought my stare. The hunger that had filled his eyes seconds before had doubled.

“I promise I’ll like anything you’ll give me.” My voice was caught somewhere between a plea and a breathy mess. If I hadn’t been so lost in the moment, I would have been embarrassed.

Silas’s lips curved into a sexy smirk, and the color of his eyes darkened. “Now that’s a promise I can make you.”

His dark head dipped between my quivering thighs. I withered beneath him as his warm lips trailed soft kisses along the inside of my leg. When he finally reached my center, the first lick of his devilish tongue had my back arching off the bed.

“You like that?” he asked. I could feel his eyes on me, but I was too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

I nodded. “Very much,”

“Look at me, Violet.” His tone was more commanding than before. It sent shivers of pleasure slipping through me. “Violet.”

I lifted my gaze to meet his, and found myself drawn into a set of large, golden eyes.

I
bolted upright in bed
, my heart pounding and my breath coming in ragged gasps. My eyes frantically searched my bedroom for any sign of Silas. When I realized it had only been a dream, I relaxed against my pillow again.

What the hell
?

Everything about the dream had seemed so real. Right down to the kisses. In fact, my heart raced to get out of my chest while my lower regions pulsed with desire from it all. I smoothed my hands over my face. I was so twisted. I’d enjoyed getting off with a half-dragon half-man, and it wasn’t the first time. I’d been having the same dream since the night that crazy woman slammed me into the wall in his living room.

Goose bumps prickled across my skin as I thought about how he’d murdered the woman. I knew he had, but for some reason, her disappearance hadn’t made it into the paper. Hell, Silas hadn’t even been called in for questioning or arrested either. I didn’t know what was going on, but I’d promised him if he let me go I’d never speak of what I saw, and I intended to keep it that way.

I released a deep breath and rolled over onto my side. My alarm clock said it was only 2:43 AM. I closed my eyes and tried to push all thoughts from my mind, but it wasn’t possible. Questions raced around like rats on a spinning wheel. If I ever decided to stop avoiding him, I planned to ask Silas what had happened to the woman. I imagined myself walking up his porch steps and knocking, and when he came to the door, it would be the first thing out of my mouth before I even looked at him. Yes, it would have to be before I looked into his eyes, because if not, I might never get the words out. I might just jump him right then and there instead, dragon or not.

I let out a loud sigh as I rolled onto my back again. Why couldn’t I get him out of my head? What was it about him that had me so infatuated?

I knew the answer to that question immediately: I wanted a repeat of the sex we’d had on my couch. I wanted to do things with him that involved lots of nakedness, touching, and passionate kisses. I wanted to fuck the hell out of him.

Jesus, I was screwed.

The first guy I’d ever truly been attracted to had turned out to be a nutcase.

For a brief moment, I toyed with the idea that he really was some sort of dragon shifter. It was sort of hot to think about. All those muscles and his strength. I found myself becoming more aroused by the second. When I couldn’t stand the way I was torturing myself any longer, I reached into the top drawer of my nightstand for my purple magic stick.

Fifteen minutes later, I forced myself out of bed and pulled on my robe. There was no way I would be able to fall back asleep now. I padded down the steps toward the kitchen to make some coffee.

As I waited for the pot to brew, my mind continued to fill with thoughts of Silas and my dream. The desire to see him had me creeping back upstairs to peek out my bathroom window at his place. It was the only window in the house I could stare out of without too much worry I’d be caught.

Lights were on upstairs inside his house, but since I didn’t know the layout I couldn’t be sure which room it was. After staring for a few minutes, and not seeing movement or the glimpse of him I was yearning for, I abandoned the window and headed back to the kitchen for a large mug of coffee.

Today was going to be a long day.

T
he dream happened again
. This time, I was certain there was some sort of magic at play behind it. It was rare that I ever dreamed, much less had the same one night after night. Not that I was complaining about having this particular dream, though. It was so real I could practically taste the sweetness of Violet on my tongue. I’d woke, tormented with hunger for her each morning, desperate to touch her with the tip of my tongue.

I rubbed my eyes with the palms of my hands, trying to get the images out of my head. There was only one thing that would help. My right hand dove beneath the sheets, finding my throbbing cock with ease. I pumped in a rhythmic motion as I allowed the images from the dream to fill my mind. It didn’t take long for me to find the release I craved.

Unable to stay in bed any longer, I decided to get up and make some coffee before heading out for my morning jog. I switched on the light, and riffled through my dresser for some clean running shorts. The feeling of someone watching me took me by surprise. It had the fine hairs along the back of my neck standing on end and my feet rooted in place while I attempted to figure out where the sensation was coming from. While other hunters could have been with Vanessa, or at the very least, followed after her when she didn’t contact them again, I hadn’t noticed anyone all week. Why now?

I moved to my window, hoping to catch a glimpse of someone. I peeled back my curtains and peeked out, but saw no one. My eyes scanned Violet’s house. No lights were on upstairs, but there was one on downstairs. Was it possible she’d been glancing through a window shrouded in darkness to get a glimpse of me? The thought brought a smile to my face. I was almost certain it was her. She’d been avoiding me all week, it seemed, which made me wonder what had her seeking me out now.

I made my way to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. Yesterday’s newspaper was still folded on the counter. I picked it up and began reading through the articles on the first page while I waited. Two cups of coffee and half the newspaper later, the sun rose and I realized I had yet to go on my morning run. I folded the paper and set it on the kitchen counter before rinsing my mug in the sink and heading to the door. The hope that I’d be able to see Violet pulsed through me.

I started down the steps just as Violet seemed to be doing the same. A gentle breeze blew, sending her sweet coconut scent to me. Instantly, I felt myself stiffen. The dragon in me wanted her more than the man did. Never had I felt him stir with such a reaction to a woman before. I trailed my eyes over her as I made my way down my final step. She was dressed in a pair of jeans with ripped knees and a pale pink tank top. Her hair had been pulled on top of her head into a tight bun that had me wishing she’d left it down like the night we’d gone for coffee.

“Hey,” I said, knowing I needed to say something. It wasn’t polite to stare.

“Hi.” She surprised me by flashing a small smile as she climbed into her SUV. She started the engine and backed out of her tiny driveway with a quick glance at me.

I stared at her as she drove away. My fists clenched at my sides as I continued toward the swamp. I should have said something more than a simple “hey.” Maybe if I’d tacked on a “how are you?” she wouldn’t have rushed off.

Then again, maybe she was too freaked out to be around me, now that she knew what I was. After all, she’d been avoiding me all week, but maybe that was only because I’d let her.

When I reached my running path, I decided on my lunch break today I’d pay Violet a visit at work and ask her out to dinner. We needed to talk, that much was clear. Maybe once we did, I’d be able to get that damn dream to stop torturing me at night.

M
y feet were killing
me and it wasn’t even noon yet. I knew I shouldn’t have worn sandals. Sneakers were the only way to go when you were on your feet all day. I knew this, but every now and then, I challenged my feet. Today I was paying the price for it. Once I finished cutting this kid’s hair, I was heading to my car for the pair of sneakers I’d stashed for moments like this.

“Almost done. Can you look down at the floor for me, please?” I asked the little boy who couldn’t be more than three. He was a sweetheart with white-blond hair and giant blue eyes, but he had a hard time following directions. I gently tipped his head so that he was looking at the ground. “There you go. Now hold real still for me.”

“Be still, honey. You’re doing so good.” His mom’s voice was bubbly in a way that made me smile. “Such a big boy.”

I knew the kid was little, but I still found myself wondering how old he would be before she stopped talking to him that way.

“He’s doing better than I thought he would,” she added in a whisper meant for my ears only.

“Yeah, he’s one of my best kid cuts yet.” I reached for the buzzer to trim the back of his neck. Two taps to his skin and I was done. “There. All finished.” I brushed the hair off the back of his neck and unsnapped the cover he’d been wearing.

“Look at you! You look like such a big boy now!” his mom cooed as she helped him out of the chair.

“Sucker.” His chubby hand reached out.

“In just a minute. Let Mommy pay the nice lady first.” She riffled through her purse.

“Sucker!” He shook his outstretched hand and stomped his foot.

My brows lifted to my hairline, shocked by his sudden outburst. He had been such a sweet angel for me. What happened?

His mom dropped down to his level and smoothed a hand over the crown of his head. “I said in just a minute. Let me pay first, sweetie.”

“You did so good. What kind of sucker are you going to get?” I asked, hoping to distract him while his mother found her wallet.

He narrowed his eyes at me, giving me the worst go to hell look I’d seen in a while, before shifting his attention back to his mother. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he squeezed his eyes shut and tipped his head back. I prepared myself for what I knew was about to come next. I didn’t have to have kids of my own to know when one was about to be a jerk. Anyone could have spotted this little guy’s temper tantrum a mile away.

“Sucker! Now!” he screamed.

My ears hurt as he continued to drag the “now” out. It was moments like this that made me thankful I didn’t have any kids. I’d been torn with the idea for years, weighing all the pros and cons. Thankfully, I’d caught Jackson with Kimmy before deciding to have any with him. Now, as I listened to this kid have a meltdown over a freaking sucker he’d obviously been promised after the haircut, I was leaning toward never having any. At all.

I glanced at the mom, seeing how she was reacting to her son’s tantrum while hoping my expression was one of understanding instead of pity.

“I’m so sorry.” Her cheeks flushed as she spoke. I could only imagine how embarrassed she must be. “Truce, calm down. You’ll get your sucker in a minute, but not if you continue to behave this way.” Her voice had taken on a new tone that seemed to grab the kid’s attention, because he stopped his wailing.

The woman stood and continued to riffle through her large purse for her wallet. I grabbed the broom and began sweeping the little booger’s hair into a neat pile.

“How much do I owe you?”

“It’s ten.”

She handed me a ten and five before taking her little boy by the hand and heading toward the exit.

“Thanks for coming in, Linda,” Camille called after her.

“See you in a few weeks. I can’t wait to add more color to this hair of mine.” Linda smiled as she pushed the door open.

The moment the door closed behind her, I heard Camille say, “As long as you leave the little rugrat at home.”

“I heard that,” I said with a laugh.

“Whew, that kid has some lungs, doesn’t he? I forget every time about the whole sucker business when she brings him in.”

“It’s his cute factor. He’s got it in spades.”

“You got that right.”

I pressed the button on the automatic dustpan and watched as it sucked up the hair. It was one of the most genius inventions. When I was done, I moved to the desk where Camille was standing. “Do you mind if I head to my car around back for a second? My feet are killing me in these shoes. I’ve got a pair of sneakers in there I can change into.”

“Sure, go ahead. I was wondering if they were. I can’t wear shoes like that while I’m on my feet all day. I’ve got to have some support.”

“Thanks.” I bent to retrieve my purse and started toward the back room.

Minutes later, I returned with my comfy sneakers on and a smile on my face. The smile fell the second I spotted Silas talking with Camille.

“Hey, you have a visitor.” Camille grinned.

I could feel Silas’s golden eyes on me. The intensity of his gaze had my knees weak. I walked to my station and busied myself cleaning the comb and scissors I’d used to cut the little boy’s hair.

“Hi.” I barely made eye contact with him. It was better this way. “Do you need to set up another appointment?” I reached for the rag and sanitizer spray I generally wiped the back of my chair off with.

“No.” He started across the salon to where I was standing. My heart decided to jump to my throat as it increased its pacing tenfold from his sudden movement. “I came to see if I could ask you to dinner tonight?”

I paused and glanced at him. “You came to ask me out to dinner?”

“We made plans a while ago, but never got around to following through with them.” A crooked grin sprang onto his face as he crammed his hands into the front pockets of his slacks. I wished I hadn’t been looking at him, because then I wouldn’t have noticed how adorable he was in his moment of unease.

Silas licked his lips, and for whatever reason, the tiny gesture had images from my sexy dream blasting through my mind. I could feel my thighs begin to quiver as lust began pumping through me. That tongue of his had done crazy good things.

“Is that a yes or no?” There was amusement in his tone that irked me. He wasn’t allowed to be amused by me. This situation was too screwed up for it. “I’d really love a chance to talk with you again.”

“I’m not sure.” I made the mistake of looking at him as I spoke, and noticed him flinch as though my words had a jolt that only he could feel attached to them.

“So you’re saying you won’t have dinner with me tonight?” A wry hint of a smile curled at the corners of his mouth as though he didn’t believe me.

“Yes, that’s what I’m saying.” Rocks piled up in my stomach. Telling him no was the last thing I wanted, but it seemed necessary. I couldn’t trust him, and I damn sure couldn’t trust myself around him. “Look, I promised you I wouldn’t tell anyone what I saw and I meant it,” I whispered.

“I know. And I believe you.” He shuffled his feet and I found myself wondering if it was a nervous habit of his. “I thank you for it, and I’d like to show that thanks by taking you to dinner tonight.”

Damn he was good. But it didn’t change the fact that I couldn’t go out with him.

I shook my head no at the same time the door opened, and in stepped the guy delivering my lunch. “You don’t need to take me out to dinner. Really, it’s not necessary. Thanks for the offer, though.”

I stepped around Silas and headed straight for the delivery guy to pay for my salad. I rummaged through my purse for my wallet, noticing when Silas left the salon. A deep breath expelled from my lungs. While my hormones thought turning him down wasn’t the right thing to do, my brain definitely thought it was.

“How much do I owe you?” I asked the teenage boy holding my lunch.

“$11.57.”

I handed him a twenty. “Keep the change.”

“Thanks. Have a good day.” He passed me my bag before heading out the door.

I could feel Camille’s eyes on me as I made my way to my station to eat. It was obvious she had heard the entire exchange between me and Silas.

“You’ve got to be outta your damn mind, girl. Why on earth would you turn that man down?”

“I just got out of a really bad relationship, and I’m not looking to step into anything new.” It wasn’t a total lie; this was exactly what I told myself on the way here. Stepping into something new was not what I’d been looking for.

“Maybe you hadn’t been looking for it, but it found you.” Camille set her purse on the counter and dug out a jar of peanut butter. “Do you know how many women in this town would love to start something up with that man? Heck, do you know how many women in this town have
tried
to start something up with that man?”

I knew she was probably right, but I couldn’t get over what I’d witnessed or what he said he was. I speared a cucumber with my fork, debating whether I should say anything to her about it. I promised Silas I wouldn’t tell anyone, but this was a hard secret to keep.

I locked eyes with Camille. “Tell me what you know about him.”

As if she could sense something from the way I asked the question, her facial features softened and I thought I spotted suspicion in her stare. “I don’t know much. He hasn’t lived in town very long. Is there something specific you’d like to know?”

“Is he a good guy?” I wanted to ask if he was the type of guy who wouldn’t resort to murder unless he had a damn good reason, but I didn’t.

“Of course he’s a good guy. He’s sweet and charming. A little reserved at times, but he’s in great shape and has never said a bad word to me.”

I picked at my salad, mulling over what she said.

“You should give him a shot. Silas is a great guy, and I think the two of you would be perfect together,” Camille said, surprising me. “Besides, the chemistry between you two is off the charts.”

I opened my mouth to say something in response, but she cut me off before I could.

“Don’t even try to deny it. I could feel the chemistry sizzling all the way over here.”

I laughed, because it was all I could do. The chemistry between us
was
off the charts.