Something had changed during their dinner, right after the strange out-of-the-blue hug. Abruptly releasing her, Tomas returned to eating, his expression withdrawn. Almost angry.

With me?

Did he resent the fact that his coming to find her meant he’d been caught on camera? Did he seriously blame her for the trouble that plagued them?

A knock at the door saw him rising, his eyes slightly unfocused, as if he let his other senses take over.

“It’s our clothes.”

How did he know? Didn’t matter. He was right. He returned from a short exchange at the door with a bag, which he dumped out to reveal simple garments.

“Get dressed.”

“Now? After what happened?”

“Yes, now. We need to visit my friend at his office.”

By friend, he meant lawyer. She didn’t know if that excited or terrified her.

She noted when she exited the bathroom that, while Tomas had donned a pair of boxers, the rest of him was bare. He held the shopping bag in one hand as he held open the door.

“We need to get going quickly.”

“Aren’t you dressing?” Not that she minded. He had a lot to ogle. She just didn’t trust that much skin on display—it made a girl want to do things…like touch it. Lick it. Definitely pet it.

“No point in getting dressed yet.” He held open the elevator door for her, and once she stepped in, he hit the button labeled Roof. A touchscreen lit up and flashed, Authorization? He pressed his thumb to the pad, and the doors slid shut. The elevator moved, and she frowned at him.

“Why are we going to the roof?”

“Smart girl. Dumb question. We’re flying to my friend’s office. It’s quicker.”

“In a chopper?” Something with a seatbelt perhaps? She hoped.

“And pollute the air with fumes? Nope. I’ve got this.”

He dashed her hope. “I thought being in your hybrid shape took too much energy.”

“It does. Which is why”—he tugged her into the middle of the helipad circle—“I need you to hold this.”

She grabbed the bag and forgot to blink—breathe—or look away as his fingers looped under the waistband of his shorts and tugged them downward. Down his long and muscled thighs. She kept her gaze on his feet. Big feet.

He stuffed the boxers into the bag. The next time she looked up, he was dragon.

“For a guy who didn’t want to be seen before, you’re now embracing the public limelight.”

I want Parker to notice me.

Hearing his voice in her head was freaking her out less and less. Chandra didn’t want to think about what that meant. Don’t tell me I’m getting used to his crazy worldviews.

“I don’t suppose you brought a harness?” she asked.

Could dragons give dirty looks? She was pretty sure he’d just given her a dragon glare and said, with mental indignation, You are not riding me. Which was quickly amended to, unless we’re both naked.

She almost blushed.

Come here. He signaled with a dragon paw the size of her head, the claws wickedly sharp.

He’d not hurt her before. She’d have to trust him again.

She sighed as she lifted her arms, the shopping bag dangling from her fingers. “Don’t drop me.”

The trilling sound? Definitely laughter.

He ran on two feet, clutching her close, for the edge of the roof. She forced herself to watch as the rim approached.

The leap had her holding her breath and not releasing it until his wings snapped open and caught an air current.

They didn’t plunge to their deaths. Only then did she relax.

The flight proved less frightening when done without anyone chasing them, trying to kill. Perhaps that was why Tomas felt a need to roll with her in the air, spinning and whirling. She clutched at him, only to realize she’d dropped the bag.

His fault.

When they landed on a rooftop—covered in asphalt shingles—she showed him her empty hands.

“Smooth move scaring me like that. Now you have no clothes.”

As he shrank, she kept her eyes trained on his face—nothing lower.

He smiled. “If you wanted me naked, you just had to say so. I would have gladly accommodated.”

“This isn’t funny. How are we supposed to go anywhere now? Which reminds me, where does your junk go when you’re a dragon? I mean, you hear all the time about hung like a horse and elephant.”

“When in dragon form, it’s tucked inside.”

“Like a snake.”

His turn to sigh. “If you must use that as an example, then yes.”

“Fascinating.”

“Fascinating would be you taking my snake in hand.”

“How about we go inside before some news chopper goes by and catches your dangling bits on camera?”

“I’d be more worried about drones.” He swept past her, grabbing her hand in passing, and tugged her through a rooftop access door. He dragged her down one set of a stairs and then spun her before the access door to the nineteenth floor.

“So, here’s the plan. I want you to go in there and find Jerrard Madison’s office. Once you do, walk right in.”

“Won’t his secretary try and stop me?”

“Yes, she’s a dragon, which is why you have to walk right by her.”

“Her assertiveness isn’t a reason to call her names,” she snapped.

“No, really, she’s a dragon, and she makes a great wall when it comes to talking to my cousin. So walk past her and right in and tell Jerrard it’s a nice day to play robbers and crows.”

“Why can’t I just say Tomas needs you?”

“Because my way is more fun,” he grumbled.

“This isn’t supposed to be fun.”

“Why not?”

“Have you forgotten people are after us? And you’re not wearing any pants?”

“So you did notice.”

She was doing her best not to, so, of course, he drew her close. The stairwell must be warmer than she thought because his skin oozed heat.

“We don’t have time for this.”

“I disagree.” He leaned closer. “There is always time for a kiss.”

“I can’t kiss you while you’re naked.” For some reason, it seemed important she not do that. Just like it was important she keep her eyes off his nakedness—lest she be tempted.

Too late.

She pushed away from him. “I’ll go find that Jerrard fellow. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Do you like blonds?” he asked suddenly.

“What?” she asked, half turning with her hand on the door.

“Never mind. I’m going with you. I just hope the sight of my masculine perfection doesn’t incite too many lusty thoughts in other women.”

“Someone thinks highly of himself.”

“Can’t deny perfection.” He placed his hand over hers on the doorknob and turned. It shouldn’t have sent such an electrical shock through her.

“You can’t go in there,” she whispered. Surely, he jested.

“Watch me.”

The door swung open and revealed a short hall lined with even more doors. Reaching the end of it, they spilled into a vast reception room that made her very aware of the fact that she stood beside a man who was completely bare.

Head held high, Chandra strode forth, noting the hum of voices from the various receptionists and law clerks, even clients, died down until only the ringing of a phone could be heard.

“May I help you?” The little blonde behind the tall desk blinked, not once looking at Chandra because she was mesmerized by Tomas, who seemed perfectly at ease and didn’t deign to meet anyone’s eye. He even managed to look slightly bored.

“We need to see Jerrard Madison.” Tomas didn’t even have the grace to blush or acknowledge his naked state.

Chandra wanted to die. Maybe have the earth swallow her. It was possible, she’d never been more embarrassed.

Whipping her gaze away, she noted a lady wearing a gray chignon and glasses perched on the tip of her nose was the only one who didn’t raise her head and ogle the scene they were making.

Chandra kept her chin high as they walked past the gawkers, right past the lady in the bun who thought to stand and object.

“Don’t even think about it,” Chandra growled when the woman would have grabbed her arm.

Chandra strode right into the office and slammed the door shut before whirling on Tomas and snarling, “What is wrong with you? Are you trying to get me disowned by my family?” Then again, hadn’t she hoped for years they would so she could start living life her way and in the open?

“Nudity is not evil, doctor. You should try it sometime.”

“I am going to kill you.”

“Can I watch?” said a man with a lazy drawl. “I’ve always wanted to see my cousin beaten by a girl.”

She whirled to see a man with golden hair sitting behind a massive desk.

“Jerrard.” The word emerged from Tomas, tight and clipped.

“Tomas.”

The men exchanged a brusque greeting while Chandra sought to tamp down her embarrassment, quell her anger—which she realized came more from jealousy than anything else—and take note of their location.

The office, as expected from a building filled with the attendees of law, bore a lot of wood—oak bookcases, framing a centered mahogany desk. The floors sported more wood tones with the only real brightness to the space coming from the large window behind.

“Cousin. Glad you’re here. I need divorce papers,” Tomas stated without preamble. “And clothes, if you have any around here big enough for me.” His tone seemed to indicate that unlikely, even if his cousin seemed a match for him in size and supercilious air.

Jerrard’s fine golden brow arched. “Anything else? Caviar? A limo?”

“That will do for now.”

“It will cost you.” The man called Jerrard leaned back in his leather seat. He looked at Chandra and smiled. “And who might you be?”

“Mine.”

Startled, Chandra cast a glance at Tomas. “Was that really necessary to say?”

“Just making things clear.”

“No, you’re not, because you’re implying you own me, which you don’t.”

Tomas glanced away from her to Jerrard. “Disregard anything she says. She’s mine. And I want her divorced by the end of the day.”

“Impossible.” Jerrard shook his head. “These things take time. The documents have to be filed and processed.”

“Expedite it.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Make it simple. What if I told you to have it annulled on the grounds it was never consummated?”

At that, Jerrard burst out laughing.

Tomas glared. “I fail to see your humor.”

“Do you really think anyone would believe she’s never been touched by her husband? Look at her? Can you prove he was impotent?”

“Kind of.” She lifted her shoulders. “I wasn’t his type.”

Jerrard stopped mid-laugh. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

Snapping his fingers, Tomas drew his cousin’s gaze back in his direction. “Very serious, so get going on whatever it is you need to do. I want her single by the morning.”

“It might take—”

“I will double your fee and give you that thing you covet in my collection.”

“You’d part with it?” Jerrard’s eyes brightened. “Consider it done.”

After that, things moved rapidly. Clothes were fetched for Tomas—a shame because she’d rather enjoyed the view. More food also arrived because, apparently, being a dragon made Tomas hungry. Once she’d signed a boatload of documents and was falling asleep against Tomas, who’d snuggled her on his lap a while ago, only then did Jerrard say they could go.

This time, they traveled by limo, not by air. And they didn’t return to their previous hotel. Instead, they were disgorged at the sweeping entrance of a lush hotel in the heart of the city, and Tomas wasn’t quiet about their arrival. As a matter of fact, he ensured everyone noted them there.

“What are you doing?” she hissed when he bellowed over his shoulder at the front desk for champagne to be sent. “Are you trying to let everyone know where we are?”

“Yes. Too obvious?”

“Just a little.”

“Good.”

“How is that good?”

“Here’s the thing, doctor. Turns out, I’m a bit of a celebrity. I’m being touted as the guy who dives off the building and saves the girl from monsters.”

“What are you talking about?”

Tomas paused to pull out his new phone—courtesy of Jerrard, who had decent connections—and showed her the video. She watched it three times before she could speak.

“I can’t believe your rescue of me went viral, and people think it’s romantic.” It was romantic in retrospect. Still…what did that have to do with anything?

“We are trending right now. So any attempt to hide is only going to have people whispering about us. Why whisper when I can have them shout?”

“Won’t shouting lead Parker and his goons to us?”

“Precisely.”

“You’re dangling us as bait.” She understood the idea. “So Parker finds us, then what? You do realize he won’t make it easy. He’s not going to just walk into the hotel unarmed and without backup.”

“No, but he will send someone, probably several someones, and I shall follow that one back to Parker’s hideout.”

“What if the person won’t lead you back?”

“Don’t poke holes in my plan.”

“But it’s flawed.”

“Can’t you just swoon and tell me how wonderful I am?”

“Is that what all your little archeology students do?” She clasped her hands and batted her eyes. “Ooh, professor. You’re so wonderful. Teach me.”

“I’ll teach you,” he growled as they stepped into the elevator. He stuck his arm across the door, preventing anyone else from entering, and the door closed amidst grumbles. Some cities never slept. But Chandra’s grainy eyes really wished she could get some.

Tired, Chandra leaned against the mirror on the back of the conveyance. “Trending or not, you’re going to lose your hero status if you keep growling at people.”

“Then you’ll set them straight.” He slapped the stop button, jolting the cab. He then turned on her and pinned an arm against either side of her body.

“What are you doing?”

“In the movies, don’t the heroes always stop the elevator to steal a kiss?”

“This isn’t romantic.” She might have said it, but her body certainly didn’t believe it. Her heart raced, and her skin heated as he drew near. Nearer. His lips hovered just above hers.

“How can you say that? We’re alone.”

“I didn’t ask to be alone.”

“You should know by now I don’t ask.” He leaned in and kissed her, his lips grabbing hers and making her pant within seconds.

Where did he get this power to make her forget everything except how much she wanted his touch?

A speaker crackled. “Excuse me, honored guests. Is there an issue with the elevator?”

Tomas reached behind and slapped the button to send them moving again. They didn’t stop again until they reached the penthouse level.

It took two more key card scans before they were in their room. And, what a room.

It was huge, and smack-dab in the middle of it, in front of a bank of windows, stood a huge bed on a raised dais. Talk about being on display with the floor-to-ceiling windows.

In an effort to distract herself from the main focal point of the room, Chandra moved to the windows, noting more details, such as the massive soaker tub for two, also sitting up against the glass.

Dawn had crept up during their time at Jerrard’s office, the sun rising from the horizon, the orange rays bathing the city in a warm, forgiving light.

The reflection in the glass showed him moving in behind her, a looming, dark presence, his virility unleashed and intent.

If I don’t move, he’ll touch me.

She stayed where she was, and he placed his hands on her hips. She blocked out every voice that told her this was wrong and leaned against him. His lips buried themselves in her hair, seeking her nape.

She sighed as his lips caressed. She relaxed against him, reveling in his big frame.

He pulled her back against him, snug enough that the hardness of his erection bumped against the bottom of her backside.

She should move away.

Pivoting, she laced her arms around his neck and leaned up on tiptoe. He took the invitation and kissed her. Kissed her with masterful intent, igniting the desire she couldn’t seem to stop around him.

Arousal spun hot and fast, pleasure moistening her nether parts as Chandra clung to him. They kissed. Over and over they kissed until she panted against his lips and only managed to stand because he held her.

She felt a breath-catching spasm in her sex when he sucked her tongue then twined his around hers. She could only too easily remember that appendage in other places.

She found herself pushed against the cold glass. But she didn’t care, not even when he stripped her bare. They were in the penthouse suite. Who would see them but the birds—and dragons?

Let them watch. She didn’t care. How could she care about anything when Tomas touched her?

Only because of his grip and the glass at her back did she remain standing. Her legs would surely collapse if she were left on her own.

He nudged her feet apart that he might better fit himself between her thighs. Then he lifted her, held her until her pulsing core pressed against his lower belly. And still, she didn’t push him away. She drew him close that they might continue to kiss, their mouths slipping and sliding.

She mewled in loss when he moved his lips away then cried out in passion as he shifted his grip on her and drew her high enough to latch on to a pert nipple. His mouth tugged, and his teeth bit down. She moaned her pleasure and dug her nails into his back. Her legs, wrapped around his upper torso, squeezed tightly, pressing her sex against him, giving her enough friction to make her want to cry in frustration.

His hands had shifted from her waist to her buttocks, the large palms kneading and playing with her cheeks as his mouth toyed with her ripe buds.

She couldn’t help but respond to his touch. Couldn’t help but want more.

His teeth nipped her harder, and she cried out, the pain actually pleasurable, sending a quiver through her sex.

He bit again, and once more, she mewled and squirmed against him. Suddenly, she wasn’t pressed against the glass anymore, but her back was on the bed, and he was kissing his way down her belly to her mound. He knelt between her spread legs, and she couldn’t blush at how exposed she was, not when the heat in his gaze, that ardent desire, boiled her blood.

He used a single finger to trace the edge of a trembling lip. She couldn’t help but shudder, and she felt herself getting wetter.

So wet and needy for him.

“Sweet. So sweet,” he murmured before pressing his mouth to her core. He licked her, licked and lapped and nibbled.

The pleasure was too much. “Tomas!” She cried his name as her body quivered. She could feel herself climbing that precipice again, the one he’d shown her earlier, the one with so much pleasure. She couldn’t wait to jump off this time.

She couldn’t help but squirm as the bliss intensified. He wrapped an arm around her thighs, anchoring her in place that he might continue to spread her nether lips. He plunged his tongue inside her as she bucked on the bed, her fingers pulling at the sheets in wild abandon.

When she thought she couldn’t take it anymore, he stopped torturing her channel to tease her clit. He tantalized it relentlessly, flicking his tongue across it, wet swipes that felt so good. It was going to make her come.

As if sensing how close she was to the edge, he changed tactics. He sucked her pleasure button and squeezed it with his lips.

A quiver rocked her body, and she couldn’t help but beg. “Please, Tomas.” She needed relief, and only he could give it to her.

She was ready.

He covered her body with his own, his lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss, his arms propping him over her so he didn’t crush. The head of his shaft bumped against her sex, and she couldn’t help but stiffen. It felt so big.

Too big.

She didn’t let trepidation stop her. She knew enough about biology to know it would work. And she trusted Tomas to keep giving her pleasure. She just had to get over one slight little problem.

The tip of him butted against the barrier of her maidenhead, and he paused.

“This might hurt a little,” he warned against her lips in between kisses.

“I can handle it.” She could. She was done waiting. She was a woman, with needs and desires. A woman who wanted to finally experience life to its fullest. And that included sex, with this man, right now.

She kissed him, tasting herself on his lips but not shying away. He pushed into her, and it burned, and she cried out as he shoved past that barrier.

For a moment, he didn’t move, and she realized after a few breaths she had dug her nails deep into his shoulders. But the worst of it was done now.

She shifted her hips, and he groaned. He began to move inside her, small back and forth strokes that reignited the passion that had started to slow. He tucked a hand under her buttocks and lifted her, giving him a deeper angle of penetration that stole her breath each time he butted against a sensitive spot inside.

Soon, they were both panting and rocking, his speed increasing, and in response, her channel squeezed him, squeezed him so hard.

He buried his face in the crook where her neck met her shoulder, and his lips latched on to her skin, sucking at the tender flesh over her pulse. His hips pistoned, driving him deep into her, and she welcomed it. Welcomed it and came.

Oh, how she came. Her body shattered into so many pieces as pure pleasure engulfed her and remade her.

In the midst of it, she heard him cry out; he bellowed her name. Roared against her skin and stiffened as he thrust one last time into her. But it was his bite, the sharp nip of skin that triggered her second orgasm, and for a moment, she was pretty sure she left her body and floated over it.

How lovely they looked, her tanned limbs wrapped around his pale ones.

It took several heaving moments before she regained any kind of coherent thought. And even then, those thoughts were of how nice she felt.

How perfect this was.

Lying under Tomas, their naked skin almost melded together, a happy glow permeated every atom of her being. So this was sex.

Not just sex, but mind-blowing sex, the kind she’d heard about but never believed. This is how it should be when you love someone.

Love?

Dear, Devi. When had that occurred? And now that it had, what would happen next?