Chapter Four
Anxious to find him, she took her heels off and carried them as she raced towards the villas. Chinese lantern-style solar lights topped the bamboo fence posts, holding back the darkness. The air had become humid, heightening the sweet fragrance of white butterfly orchids and jasmine trees in full bloom.
Cindy sucked in a panting breath of the scented air.
I completely missed all this in our rush to the wedding.
At the foot of the villa courtyard, she came to a picturesque temple-like structure. She bent close and read a small plaque fastened to a post nearby. Beitou Garden Pagoda.
A new odor scented the night air—sulfur, had a matchstick been lit? A mist crept across the flat stone ground. She shivered.
“Incredible, isn’t it?”
Pivoting, she found her quarry a few feet away. “Yong, you frightened me.”
“Sorry, I seem to have a scary effect on you these days.” He walked inside the dim pagoda and sat on a carved bench.
She followed. “I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
“For jumping to conclusions,” Cindy sat beside him. “I haven’t been very fair to you about this whole Gwen thing.”
“No?”
“I think I understand it now.”
“Grandfather has a way of explaining things.”
“I love his stories.”
“So, you’re not mad at me?” The green of his eyes had dulled.
“I misunderstood, but it’s okay now.” She fixed her gaze on the floor, biting her lip. “If you can forgive me?”
“Forgive you?”
“I pride myself in not being a jealous person, but I should have known better.”
“Maybe it’s not jealousy, Cindy.” Yong collected her hand and held it.
“What else could it be?”
“Fear?”
“You don’t frighten me, well, unless you’re sneaking up when I least expect it.” She gave a nervous laugh.
“I don’t mean that kind of fear.”
Cindy sat perfectly still and silent. Confessions of my innermost demons don’t come easily. He squeezed her fingers and she lifted her head, facing him.
“Everything you’ve been through in the last six months—I’m sure you’re still pretty raw. The way things ended in your marriage didn’t leave a lot of room for trust in relationships, I would imagine.” His calm tone soothed her raw emotions, drew her in.
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
“And, my, history didn’t help.”
She might not be too late after all. “I’m thinking we need to start over.” Cindy stood up and tugged him to his feet.
“All right. How?” A twinkle in his eye made her heart lift.
“Would you join me in our villa?”
“I have a better idea.” He slipped his arms around her waist, lifted her, and drew her in for a slow, building kiss making her toes curl.
“Okay, we can’t get into this here.” She pushed at his chest, trying to touch the ground with her dangling feet.
“Why?”
“We’ll never make it to my villa if we start this here.”
“We’ll be missed at the reception. Should we go back and say our good nights first?” Yong set her down and kissed her forehead. “I still have to make my toast.”
“Fine, but let’s make it quick.”
“You mean we’re skipping dinner—won’t you be hungry?”
“For seafood? Uh, no, I’m good.” She cringed.
“Don’t worry, I got it covered.” He smiled.
Shoes in hand, she bolted down the path toward to reception hall to pay her final maid of honor duty for the night. Then we can get busy with the fun stuff.
“Bet you can’t catch me.”
Her date followed in close pursuit.
***
“I was exploring and found a place I’m dying to show you.”
“Oh really?” She eyed the mountain wall in front of them.
“Come on.”
“What is this place?”
“It’s a hot springs cave.”
“A cave? Isn’t that dangerous?”
“Not when you’re with me, I’ll keep you safe, I promise.” The warmth of his smile melted the last of her cold exterior.
More solar lights illuminated the path to their destination. Although hesitant, she didn’t resist when he led her to the rocky archway. The exquisite aroma of the jasmine flowers clustered along the walls of the entrance lingered about them.
“It’s for the exclusive use of villa guests so….”
“What?”
“Since the reception is still going, I don’t think we’ll be interrupted.”
“Oh,” a shiver of excitement ran through her. Another chance of getting caught.
“There are some wrought iron torches along the stone walls.” Yong patted his pocketless jacket. “No matches.”
“I don’t have anything,” Cindy stopped. She was not going into the blackness ahead. “I left my bag in my room, we’ll have to go back, we can’t see inside.”
“Hey, it’s no problem, I got it.” Yong stood close to the torch and blew on the wick. The glow emanating from his pursed lips ignited the lamp.
A surge of amazement rushed through her. “Oh, right, the dragon thing. Gwen told me all about it.”
“Hope it doesn’t freak you out.” Yong walked to the next one and repeated his magic.
“Not at all, actually, the first time I saw it was the night Gwen lost it on her ex. Then, I was freaked out, but it was like she was in a trance, and her eyes were….”
“Glowing?”
“Yes!”
“Yeah, that’s when the anger takes over. It’s like your body goes on autopilot. So, you’re okay with this then?” He leaned in to light another one.
“The way tonight is going; it’s just one more amazing thing.”
Yong took her hand and they went deeper into the tunnel.
A surprising sensation filled her palm. “Hey, your skin is getting hot.”
“Part of the parahuman lighter trick, I’m afraid. It’ll go back to normal in a few minutes.”
“You weren’t lighting torches earlier, why the heat?”
“It can get triggered by my emotions.”
“What can?”
“My dragon side.”
“Which emotions?” She caressed the length of his arm, intrigued as he dispelled the dragon mystery.
“The intense ones. Anger is a doozy. It’s hard to control it then.”
“But you can control it?”
“I can now that Tatsu and I aren’t linked the same way anymore.”
Yong faced her, and Cindy caught a glimmer of flames on his face.
“Your pupils, they’re….”
“Yeah, the pupils change shape too.”
“Dragon’s eyes kinda look like a cat’s.”
“Huh, never thought of it like that.” Yong ran his fingers through her hair. “So, it doesn’t scare you?”
“No, should it?”
“I was hoping it wouldn’t.” Stealing a sweet kiss, he pulled back and watched her with adoring eyes. “You’re incredible.”
The flickering flames lit the way as they wandered down the rock tunnel, Yong pausing to ignite each they passed. Echoes of crackling filled the air.
“This is so beautiful.” Clinging to his hand, she climbed the smooth stone stairs, basking in the coolness against her bare feet. Arriving at a circular stone sitting area with cushioned lounge chairs tucked along the wall, her jaw dropped at the sight of the brilliant azure pool. Beside it was a table set with a banquet for two.
“What is this?”
“I hoped I would get you in here, so I made arrangements to have some refreshments sent over.”
“When?” She folded her arms across her chest with pursed lips.
“Uh, well….”
“Right before I started searching for you?”
“When I was pretty sure we’d work it out, I ducked out and had the kitchen staff set this up. Gwen mentioned you hated seafood and wouldn’t eat at the wedding.” He smirked.
“How could you have known we were going to—oh, the twin telepathy thing, right?” Very sneaky.
“I had to have an advantage, didn’t I?”
“You have many.” She kissed his cheek and gave him a playful version of the evil eye. “Three champagne roses, candles….”
“Oh, right, allow me,” he smiled and blew on the taper wicks.
“So, what’s on the menu anyway?” She lifted the silver domed lids off the plates.
“Braised chicken, noodles, pan fried dumplings….”
“All my favorites?”
“Yeah, and of course, for dessert, strawberries and chocolate.” Appearing bashful, he opened a bottle of chardonnay and filled the crystal goblets and gave her one. “The chocolate was supposed to be fondue.” He poked at the bowl of dark squares.
“Thank you, this is all very sweet.”
“My pleasure.”
“But—” She frowned.
Yong watched her with wide eyes.
“For the record, you and your brother set me up, and Gwen, too.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He smirked and clinked glasses with her. “I came in here earlier today; you wouldn’t believe how gorgeous it was with the sun’s rays streaming through there.” He pointed up to a rounded opening in the rocky ceiling.
Cindy stepped closer to the misty water and tilted her head back. “You can see a million stars from here.” She surveyed the cave's interior, awed by the rocky mass. Mineral deposits in shades of gray, taupe, blues, reds, and greens filled the walls. The cave teemed with cavities and crevices of different sizes and shapes.
“I couldn’t get over this.” He pointed to the steaming turquoise water. He placed their drinks on the table, and moved closer, his heated body against her back, his palms smoothing along her abdomen.
“I’ve never bathed in a hot spring before.”
“Let me enlighten you.” He spoke with a soft lusty voice between nibbles along her neck.
She closed her eyes as he unbuttoned her dress and slipped it down over her shoulders. Overcome with desire, she leaned against him, welcoming his touch. She dipped her head back, resting it the crook of his neck and guided his hand to her bra, her sensitive peaks hardening against his exploring fingertips.
“You’re so gorgeous; I can’t get enough of you.”
“I’m just getting warmed up.” She reached behind her and cupped his stiffening flesh. A sense of empowerment washed over her, and Cindy turned in his arms to face her seductive dragon.
“You are? Then I must be in for a real treat.” He took a step forward.
She tsked. “I’m not gonna make it easy for you.”
“Well, a few more minutes of waiting I can manage, but beyond then, I can’t promise anything.” Yong eased his kung fu jacket open, revealing the streamlined muscle of his shoulders, arms, and chest tapering down to his washboard abs.
Wow. Even better than through the window back home.
“How about, item for item?” He pointed to his bare top then her partial clothing.
“That can be arranged.” Inching her mini dress down, she stepped free of the material.
“Your turn.”
The ravishing glow of his jade eyes captivated her, as he slid his pants down his lean hips and dropped them to the ground.
With slow deliberation, Cindy unlatched her bra and dropped it.
“Almost there,” he prompted, eying her panties.
“You first.”
With a one sided-grin, he inched his black boxer briefs down, exposing a delightful view.
“Oh have mercy.” She approached him.
“Come on, I’m not so unique.” His cheeks grew crimson.
“I didn’t mean your cock; although, I’m quite taken by that sight, too.”
“Then what?”
“Here, this delicious muscle running down to your….” She stroked the chiseled planes of his sides, below his waist, and traced her fingers along the sculpted furrow from his hips, narrowing down to his pelvis. “It’s so sensual.”
“You like this?” He motioned to his torso.
“Oh sweetheart, not every man develops an Adonis belt. These magnificent muscles are such a turn on.”
“Adonis belt, huh? I can live with that.” He snaked his arms around her waist, and nibbled on her ear lobe. “Last but not least.” His hands glided down her backside, under her sheer garment, and kneaded her buttocks.
Caressing his rock hard pecs, she fondled his taut chest and shoulders, then back down to her treasured arrow again. “I can’t get over how much I want you.”
The last barrier of cloth fell to the ground and her dragon did some searching of his own.
“You have some pretty good definition along here yourself, beautiful.” His hands trailed along the same region on her body, and ventured further down, dipping his finger into her pussy. “This feels good, doesn’t it?”
He stroked back and forth while his thumb massaged her clit. Breathless, she cupped his cheek and sought his feverish lips, his tongue dancing and curling with hers. Weakness filled her knees at his penetrating touch.
“Yong,” she panted.
“Mmm hmm.”
“I wanna play.” She led him to the lounge chairs at the side of the water, pulled a cushion off, and laid it on the ground. Yong collected three more, made a makeshift bed for them and lay down.
She knelt beside him and whispered into his ear. “I’m not much of a math whiz, but I do have a favorite number.”
“You do? What is it?”
“Sixty-nine, of course.”
“What a coincidence, that’s my favorite, too.”
Cindy straddled him and lifted his swelling cock to her mouth. She jerked when he licked along her exposed folds and darted his tongue inside her.
Determined to pleasure him, she fought the erotic distraction and sucked around the ridge of his engorged head, stroking the length of his hard shaft.
The sudden vibration of his groan against her throbbing pussy intensified her delight.
“Yong, that feels so good.” She pivoted her hips, in rhythm with his talented mouth. The way he feasted on her was maddening. Her saliva dripped down the length of his cock as she rubbed her palm up and down. Inch by inch, she took him deeper. Gentle, but tight, she gripped his distended flesh then descended on his swollen head with hungry lips.
Decadent swirls of his talented tongue against her clit made her twitch with elation. The faster and more diligent he was in sucking on her pussy, the deeper she took him, letting his cock slide down her throat, bit by bit. He pumped his hips as she accepted him.
“Oh,” he moaned. “Cindy, I want inside you.” The pressure of his fingers pushing into her was more than she could bear.
“Let’s try the hot springs.” She slipped away and then kissed him. “Come with me.”
“I plan to.” He laughed, and followed her into the glowing pool. The steam rising carried the heady scent of a sugary chalk from the sulfur-based water.
Hot water splashed over her ankles. “Wow, this is incredible.” She headed down the flight of steps.
“This is awesome.” He dove in after her in and swam up, capturing her in his arms. “Like a fantasy come true.”
“How so?” She smoothed back the glistening strands of ebony from his face.
“I’m in here, with you.”
“I’m sorry I wasted so much time, we could have—”
“Shhhh.” He placed his finger on her lips. “No regrets. Life is too short to spend wishing we did something different. We’re here now, that’s what counts.”
“I almost blew with it you tonight.”
“No you didn’t.” Yong cradled her face in his palms, with an adoring smile. “I wouldn’t have given up on you.”
“I gave you good reason to.”
“You needed time.”
“You always know the right thing to say.” Mesmerized by the opulence of his eyes, Cindy felt a surge of desire shoot through her core.
He carried her up the pool steps. The delectable invasion of his tongue intoxicated her. Yong sank down onto a step and settled her on his lap. His hardness against her thigh made her eager to climb on. Her dragon lover reached between them, and rubbed the tip of his cock along the outside of her pussy, tempting her to take him.
“You want this?”
“I do.”
“Then put it inside you.” His feverish kisses grew urgent when she followed his command. Cindy gripped his steely shaft, and then eased down onto him, heated water splashing about them.
He held her hips, pulling her onto him. His thick cock filling her drove her wild. She braced her knees on either side of him, moving up and down, the friction of him gliding into her, in the water was astounding.
“You’re so fucking hot.” Grunting with each plunge, his grip tightened on her hips, and their pace increased.
With shallow pants, Cindy rode him hard and fast. Water splashed and sloshed about them. She rocked in time with his movements underneath her, seeking the elusive peak.
“Fuck, I—” He stood up with his cock still buried deep inside.
“Yes, harder, harder.”
Her dragon swirled around and rested her on the edge of the pool. Standing in front of her on the step, he pounded into her, over and over. The pressure and tempo of his movements intensified. The erotic stinging of her ass scraping against the stone drove her crazy. He devoured her lips, one arm wrapped around her waist. Reaching down, he rubbed her clit in frantic circles, his finger powerful like his plunges.
Cindy gripped his biceps and pistoned her hips, creating friction in—just—the right spot. “Uh,” she gasped, “Uh, right there, oh Yong, I—I’m gonna....”
Approaching the edge, Cindy felt herself rise like a white-hot tsunami and then crash down as her body exploded into rolling spasms. She cried out in ecstasy and convulsed against him. He continued to drive himself into her.
“I felt you come, Cindy. I’m almost there,” he groaned.
“Yes baby, come for me.” Cindy bit his shoulder as he slammed into her trembling body.
He pulled back and gazed at her.
“What is it?” she panted.
Yong massaged her clit again, his pace slowed. Her thighs twitched with each splendid circle.
“Again?” she gleamed, still shivering.
“I want you to come with me.” He worked her tender nub, ’round and ’round. “Oh yeah, I feel you tightening again.”
“Yong, oh, God, I—I.” Cindy peaked with another eruption of exquisite contractions.
“Cindy, uh, I—you’re so fucking tight.” He groaned and spasmed into her, again and again.
They rode their climax together. He captured her mouth and caressed her sensitive nipples. Tremors rushed through her with every stroke of his cock, every sweep of his tongue in her mouth. Resting, buried inside of her, Yong placed his palms on her cheeks and gave her a long, feathery kiss, their breaths mingling.
“You’re amazing.” He held her close to his chest.
“Yong?” She pulled back and watched the jade of his eyes.
“What is it babe?”
“I—” She stared at him with astonishment.
“I know, I’m into you, too.” He kissed her forehead and picked her up then stepped out of the pool.
“Safe, yet romantic.”
“Considering our talk before, safe, is good right?”
“Yes.”
He placed her on her feet, wrapped his jacket around her, and led her to the makeshift bed.
“Hungry?”
“For what?”
“Anything you want.” Yong brought the platter from the table, sat down in front of her, and held up a strawberry.
She bit into the plump, juicy fruit, reveling in the flavor.
“I prefer mine dipped in chocolate.” He smiled and held up a solid square of the delectable treat.
“Hmm, dessert.”
“But, you haven’t had any dinner yet.” He laughed.
“Oh, I plan to, right now.” Cindy lifted the bowl of solid chocolate pieces. “Can you—fix this problem for me?”
“Anything for the lady.” The corners of his sexy mouth lifted, and she handed the candy to him.
She watched him blow over the top in amazement, the chocolate melted it instantly.
“Now, that’s what I call service. What a turn on.” She licked her lips.
“What have you got in mind pretty lady?”
“I told you, your Adonis Belt drives me wild, I wanna run my tongue along it.” She eased him onto his back. Straddling his hips, she descended on his mouth and captured his heated lips with excitement. The exquisite warmth of his hands ran down the length of her body, sending tremors of excitement rushing through her.
“You’re so hot.” Grinding against his hips, the intensity of his heated erection rubbing along her thigh drove her wild. “Do dragons stay this hot forever?”
He shrugged. “If my temper is too hot, or I’m worked up in other ways, but I can pull it back….”
“Actually, it adds to the thrill.” She kissed him again and climbed off. She took a berry and dipped it into the warm chocolate. Cindy grinned and smothered his chiseled hips with the sticky delicacy.
A deep, erotic growl escaped his lips and she caught the delirium filling his face.
“Yong, your eyes?” She moved up to his face and examined the almond shaped pupils and the glow of jade.
“Yeah, the dragon thing, you’ve got me riled up.”
“I’m only getting started.”
Then, a terrible thought occurred to her and she retreated and stared at him.
“What is it, Cindy? You look so sad. Did I say something wrong?” Yong sat up and cradled her cheek in his palm.
“No, it just occurred to me, this is a one night stand, in the truest sense.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, we both signed up for one night only, and Gwen told me you accepted a job in Los Angeles. So, does that mean, after tonight, we’re done?”
“Before tonight, I would have gladly moved there. But now, finally having you, after all this time, I can’t think of any reason to go, but every reason to stay.”
Relief washed over her. She eased him back to give him his reward. “Good answer Mr. Li.”
“Well, I’m glad, because it was the only one I had.”