it took Rania a moment to figure out what he was talking about. He watched her intently all the while.
“I doubt that the healer’s nature matters,” she admitted, studying his mouth again. “Maybe dragon shifters are immune.” She was talking too much and she knew it but she couldn’t stop.
Was she beguiled?
Hadrian shook his head. “No, I felt its effect. I still do.”
“It’s changing,” she admitted, hearing her own uncertainty.
“Why?”
Rania shook her head, mystified. “I’ve never seen it do this before. I’ve never seen it be ineffective before.”
He smiled and she could only stare. “Maybe it’s because of the firestorm.”
“You can’t really believe that we’re destined mates.”
“What if I do? What if that’s what makes me impossible to kill?”
Rania felt an uncharacteristic surge of despair. “No. That can’t be it. I can’t fail.”
“Why not?” He was watching her closely, divining her secrets again. “Everyone fails sometimes.”
“Not me. I can’t.” She wriggled against him, remembering her mission a little too late. “You don’t know what’s at stake...”
“Then tell me.”
Rania glanced at her wrist and the red string, then found herself telling him the truth. “The deal is thirteen kills to set thirteen free.”
“I expected one for one, but thirteen is a lot. Am I lucky thirteen?”
She nodded, then shook her head with a frown. “You’re not lucky.”
“I’ll guess you’re one of the thirteen who will be freed.” He frowned slightly in concentration and rolled to his side, letting his hand slide down to her waist. She liked the weight of it there, and the way he absently drew circles against her skin with his thumb. “Who are the others?”
“My twelve brothers.” She took a breath, aware of the way her nipples tightened. The white light was blinding and distracting, never mind how Hadrian’s eyes glittered in awareness. It felt warm in the room, despite the cool fury of the firestorm.
“So you made a deal to set them free, and you’re keeping your end of the bargain,” he said, with a nod of approval. He withdrew slightly, as if he wanted to collect his thoughts, watching her closely. His thumb still circled, sending desire radiating through her. She braced herself but his next words surprised her, all the same. “I hope you’re not thinking the Dark Queen is going to keep her promise.”
Rania was insulted. “Of course, she will. We have a deal...”
“She’ll change it.” Hadrian interrupted her protest. “She doesn’t care about keeping her word. She only cares about winning. She won’t let you go that easily, or even your brothers.”
“What do you know about it?”
“I know about the Dark Queen,” he said grimly. “I know she lies and cheats to get her way.”
Rania felt protective of Maeve. “You don’t know that...”
“I do. I know that red string burns because I had one, too. And I was forced to dance until my feet bled.” He slid a hand up to cup her breast, admiration lighting his expression as he watched its progress. He swallowed. She stared at his smile as he teased her nipple to a taut peak, rolling it between his finger and thumb, coaxing its response even through her clothes. “What’s your name, swan-maiden?” he whispered, his voice husky. “You have to know that we’re both on her list of intended victims.”
“Speak for yourself,” Rania said, pulling back a bit. She was alarmed that she was so susceptible to him and this firestorm.
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t have to tell you anything more. I’ve told you too much already.”
Hadrian smiled crookedly at her and the sight was enough to make her stare. Had she ever seen a more attractive man? “It’s like you want to talk,” he murmured. Before she could argue, he flattened his hand and slid his palm down the length of her, the warm weight of his hand easing beneath the waistband of her tights. Rania knew his destination and couldn’t bring herself to evade his caress. He met her gaze, waiting and watching, but she swallowed and stayed put.
Just one touch.
Then she’d finish him.
When Hadrian’s fingertips slid into the warm wet heat of her, Rania knew she’d never felt anything better. She arched her back and gasped. He stole a kiss and she parted her legs, unwilling to deny herself the pleasure he offered. His fingers were gentle and strong, just like him, and he caressed her with a surety that brought her blood to a boil.
Just a little bit more. Just a little indulgence...