Chapter Eight
With Ezra’s arm around her waist and one of his thighs thrown over hers, Sam concentrated on getting her breath back. It wasn’t easy. She’d had sex before, but she’d never had her mind blown like this, never felt such a connection to another human being.
She ran her fingers over the tattoo that covered his left arm. In fact, the swirling and stylized tattoo ran from his neck all the way to his feet, but only on the left side of his body. The design was intricate. It had to have hurt like hell to have it done and must have taken a very long time to complete.
Sam had never had an opinion about tattoos one way or another. She’d always figured a person was entitled to do whatever they wanted with their own body. On Ezra’s massive body, the colorful design was downright sexy.
“What are you thinking?” He caught her fingers and brought them to his lips.
“How much it must have hurt to get these tattoos.” He gave a bark of laughter and she twisted around so she was lying on her side facing him. “Seriously, your groin. That couldn’t have been fun.” She shuddered at the thought. Even the left half of his penis was inked.
“It didn’t hurt,” he assured her.
She didn’t believe him. “Either you have the highest pain threshold imaginable, or you were asleep while you had that done.”
“Neither.” He lightly brushed his hand down her bandaged arm. “Speaking of pain, how does your arm feel?”
Now that he’d mentioned it, the darn thing was throbbing.
“It hurts, doesn’t it?”
“A little.” Not enough that she regretted what they’d done.
“Damn it.” Ezra rolled out of bed and padded into the bathroom. Sam blinked and admired his broad shoulders, the musculature of his back, his firm behind, and his strong legs. The man had a swimmer’s body, extremely wide shoulders and a narrow waist.
That amazing tattoo also covered the left half of the back and legs. It ran down the center of his spine, creating a delicious contrast between bare skin and incredible ink.
Sam stretched. She was only partially covered by the comforter, so she flipped the other end over so she was in the middle of the blanket with both sides covering her.
Ezra raised one dark brow when he returned. “Cozy?”
“Very.” He set a glass and a small bottle of over-the-counter pain medicine on the bedside table and sat beside her.
The more she studied his tattoo, the less it seemed random. There was a flow, a pattern to his markings. He opened the bottle, shook out two pills, and held them out to her. “Take these.”
Since the pain had amped up, she wasn’t about to be stupid and refuse. She popped both pills into her mouth and followed them with the water he handed her. When she was done, he set the empty glass aside and pulled down the comforter.
“Hey. I was using that.” Now that they weren’t having sex, she was a little uncomfortable being naked around him. He, on the other hand, was totally relaxed. Not having any clothes on didn’t bother him in the least.
“I need to look at your arm.” He unwound the gauze and gently pulled back the thick padding. It was stained with a small amount of blood but actually looked better than she’d thought it would. He grunted and wrapped it back up again.
“Well?” she prodded when he didn’t say anything.
“You’ll live.”
Ezra was turning out to be the most frustrating, sexiest man she’d ever laid eyes on. “Thank you, Dr. Easton.” Sex obviously hadn’t put him in a good mood, and he was quickly ruining hers. She knew her problems weren’t going away, but she’d hoped for a little longer respite from them. She sat up, making sure to keep the comforter around her.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“To get cleaned up and dressed. I need to make plans. And I want to see that book I stole. I risked my life for it. I at least deserve to get a good look at it.”
Ezra scowled, and his entire demeanor became dark and angry. “The book is dangerous.”
Really. He was going to say that to her. “I know that. I was shot because of it.” She scooted off the bed and began to shuffle to the bathroom. “I’m hungry, too. I didn’t finish breakfast.”
Behind her, Ezra swore. She didn’t hear him move, but his large hands descended on her shoulders and held her in place. “I’m worried.”
It wasn’t an apology, but it seemed like it was the closest she was going to get. She sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I’m worried, too, but knowledge is power.”
Ezra snorted. She swiveled and looked up at him. “What?”
“You remind me of someone. He also thinks knowledge is the key to running the world.”
“He’d be right. Money can only do so much, but if used properly, knowledge can get you just about everything you want or need.”
Ezra trailed his fingertips down her bare shoulder. “We could conserve water and shower together.”
He was something else. “I’m all for conservation,” she began. He started to grin. “But,” she added, and his grin disappeared. “If you join me, we’ll probably end up wasting twice as much water, because we won’t be just showering.” She hated to admit to weakness, but it was best to be truthful. “And I’m not up to another round.”
He scooped her right off her feet. He did it so quickly, she gasped. Damn, the man could move. He carried her into the bathroom and set her down on the vanity. “A bath would be better. That way you can sit down. And you’re less likely to get your bandage wet.”
Without waiting for her to agree or disagree, Ezra started the water running in the tub. Since she agreed with him, she didn’t say anything. If she was going to be around longer, she’d be more insistent about him taking charge of her life. But since she was leaving soon, she figured she’d save her energy for the bigger problems, like the book.
She wanted a better look at the thing. She hadn’t cracked the cover of it on the Integrity, concerned that someone might see her reading it. She hadn’t wanted to bring any more attention to the artifact than necessary. It was the hum of power the book emitted that had told her it was special and extremely dangerous. Definitely something the Knights of the Dragon would want.
Ezra lifted her off the counter and set her on her feet. She was still clutching the comforter, and they played a short game of tug-of-war, which she lost. He dumped the blanket onto the floor and deposited her into the tub.
The man carted her around like she weighed nothing at all. It was not something she was used to since she was five-eight. But around Ezra, she felt positively small. He had at least a foot on her, and probably a hundred pounds, maybe more, all of it solid muscle.
The hot water felt good, and she sank deeper. “I’m going to grab a quick shower and then see if I can rescue any of our breakfast. If not, I’ll make something else.” He turned off the taps in the tub and walked over to the shower stall.
She shouldn’t be watching him, she really shouldn’t. But it was impossible to turn away, not when she had a perfect view. Ezra was quick and efficient. Water slid over sculpted muscles, caressing his massive body. Sam’s entire body surged to life. Her breasts ached and the water, which had soothed only moments before, now aroused her.
As if sensing her gaze, he turned and stared right at her. She wanted to look away, but couldn’t tear herself away from his molten turquoise eyes. The outline of the blue tattoo was the same color. It had to be intentional, and it was stunning.
He looked like an ancient warrior, ready to battle any foe, slay any enemy.
He was also very aroused. His shaft was long and thick and while she watched, he eased his hand down and gripped it.
Sam forgot how to breathe.
…
Ezra knew he should turn away from Sam. Her arm was hurting and she needed to rest. She didn’t need to watch him jerk off in the shower. Of course, the only reason he had his fist wrapped around his dick in the first place was because she was watching him.
How could he not be aroused?
Her amazing red hair curled around her shoulders, the tips damp. With her green eyes and sultry smile, she could be a siren, sent to lure him to his doom.
And he’d go willingly.
That made Sam Bellamy a very dangerous woman.
Swearing, Ezra turned his back on her and began to wash. He needed to get away from her before he did something stupid, like drag her out of the tub, slam her against the wall, and fuck her until they both exploded with pleasure.
She wasn’t up to that. Yet.
His cock jerked, and he swore again, thankful the rush of water kept her from hearing. He gripped his cock once again and pumped. He wasn’t human and could go for hours without needing to rest. Right now, his balls were so full they hurt.
He told himself he wasn’t going to turn back toward her, but he did. Sure enough, she was still watching him, her eyes wide and her lips parted. Her skin was flushed from the heat of the bathwater and a rush of arousal.
She lowered her gaze and licked her lips. That was all he needed. He stroked his cock faster. He slapped his free hand against the tiled wall for support and kept their eyes locked together. He wanted her with him, even if it was only having her watch him.
He’d like to do that someday. Watch her pleasure herself. The idea of seeing her touching her breasts, stroking her slender fingers in and out of her tight core sent him over the edge.
He roared, and the glass wall that partially enclosed the shower stall vibrated as the spray of the shower washed away his release. Sam was leaning against the edge of the tub with both arms resting on the rim, as though she wanted to get closer. He closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. The orgasm might have slightly eased the physical ache in his body, but it did nothing to calm the turmoil swirling inside him.
He gave his chest and groin a fast wash and turned off the water. In the silence, he could hear Sam’s heavy breathing. “You almost done?” He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist.
“What? Ah no.” She grabbed the bar of soap from the holder and ran it over her legs. “I’ll be another few minutes.”
He left her there soaking in his bathtub. Possessiveness swirled inside him. She was his siren. He liked the idea of her in his tub, in his bed, in his house. He wanted to see to all her needs, provide her with whatever she needed, as long as that didn’t include her wanting to leave him.
That he would not do.
He removed the towel and ran it over his hair and body, all the while listening to the sounds of water splashing as Sam washed. The creature that lived inside him, his dragon half, also listened intently. He’d never seen the beast so focused on a woman. That was a good thing, because Sam was staying.
He still wasn’t certain about her connection to the Knights. Whatever it was, he’d have to find a way to deal with it. Because there was no fighting his primal instincts. Sam belonged to him. Besides, it was too dangerous out there for her to be on her own. Now all he had to do was convince her of that.
He tossed the towel aside and yanked on the jeans and shirt he’d been wearing earlier. He grabbed the damp towel and stalked back into the bathroom. Sam was just standing but sat back down when he entered.
“No need to be shy.” He dumped his towel on the counter and reached for her.
“I’m not shy. Not really.” She stood, accepted the hand he held out, and stepped over the side of the tub.
He couldn’t get enough of her. He devoured her with his gaze, loving the way several droplets clung to her breasts. One trailed down to the tip, and he bent and swiped the errant bead of water away with his tongue. It tasted almost sweet, like Sam. He particularly enjoyed the way her nipple puckered even tighter at his touch.
Sam groaned and swayed toward him.
She needed tending, he reminded himself. Food and rest. He grabbed a large towel and wrapped it around her. “I’ll be down in the kitchen. Call if you need me.”
“I need to see that book, Ezra.”
He paused in the doorway but didn’t turn back. “I know.” While he understood the necessity, that didn’t mean he liked it.
…
Sam pulled the plug in the tub and then sat on the edge, still wrapped in a towel. Now that Ezra was no longer in the room, she could breathe a little easier. He was so big, such a large, vibrant presence, he seemed to suck the air right out of her lungs.
Watching him jerk himself off in the shower had left her feeling hot and horny. She’d never seen anything quite so sexy, especially since she knew the show had been all for her.
Well, maybe not all of it. She grinned and shook her head. He’d certainly enjoyed himself.
He’d caught her watching him and had showed her just how much she affected him, made himself vulnerable to her. That was almost as sexy as the water cascading over his naked body.
She rubbed her hand over her face. “Focus.” The pain medication had dulled the ache in her arm, and the bath had soothed any soreness from their lovemaking. She dried off and padded back to the bedroom. The flannel shirt she’d worn earlier was still on the floor, along with the sweatpants so she pulled them back on. By the time she added socks, she had her wayward thoughts mostly under control.
She took a few more minutes to tidy the bathroom and hang the damp towels to dry. Since Ezra’s comb was sitting on the vanity, she dragged it through her curls before tossing it back down. There wasn’t much else she could do with her hair.
She studied her reflection. She didn’t look as pale as she had. Of course, thinking about Ezra naked in the shower was enough to bring color to any woman’s cheeks.
Her stomach growled, so she left the bathroom and headed downstairs. Ezra was standing at the stove. “I’ll warm the pancakes and bacon in the microwave, but I’m scrambling more eggs. Nothing worse than cold eggs.”
She took her seat back at the counter, content to just watch him. Before long, he had everything done and was taking his seat. She started in on the pancakes and bacon, not speaking until she’d eaten a good chunk of what she’d piled on her plate.
“Do you want more?” Ezra indicated the still half full platters.
She shook her head. “I’m stuffed.” Even though she’d been hungry, she could only eat so much.
Ezra dragged each platter in front of him and proceeded to devour every remaining scrap of food.
“Wow, you must have been hungry.” He was a big man and probably needed to eat a lot more than she did.
“You have no idea.” His hot gaze stroked over her. Sam almost picked up her napkin and fanned her face but caught herself in the nick of time. He already knew he was hot stuff, best not to add to his ego.
“So what now?” There was no putting off this conversation any longer. They were both sated from their lovemaking and the meal, both clean and dressed. There was nothing left to delay them.
Ezra rose from his stool, put the dishes in the dishwasher, and poured them each a mug of fresh-brewed coffee. Sam knew she should help, but she also knew if she tried, he’d tell her to sit. In any case, there wasn’t a whole lot to clean up. “Let’s go into my office,” he said.
She took the mug he offered. “Sugar?”
He got a small container from the cupboard and dug a spoon out of the cutlery drawer. “Do you want milk?”
She shook her head and added two teaspoons of sugar. “No. This is fine.” Finally, there was nothing left to delay them. “Lead on.” Now that the time was at hand, she was reluctant. It meant her time with Ezra was almost over. She barely knew him, but she’d miss him.
The living, dining, and kitchen areas were an open L-shape, but his office had walls and a door. It also had big glass patio doors that opened up to the outside and let in the sunlight. Shelves filled three walls of the room. Each was filled with glass jars and cases.
Drawn to them, Sam walked to the nearest one. Beach glass filled several tall crystal vases. It was an explosion of color. She didn’t know much about beach glass, other than that it was pretty, but she did know that certain kinds were much rarer than others and that red and orange were the Holy Grail to those who collected.
It made sense since colored glass would have been a luxury item years ago. The ocean took broken shards of glass and lovingly polished them until they were something else entirely, but still works of art.
The vases on the shelves were filled with red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and more. And there was a lot of it. “This is incredible.” He must spend hours and hours on the beach to collect so many specimens. He also had to have travelled. “How long have you been collecting?”
“All my life.” She moved on to a case filled with coins. Silver and gold, ancient and more modern, from all different cultures.
“You’re a beachcomber?”
He laughed. “You could say that. A salvager, too.”
She hated to pull herself away. Ezra liked to collect old things, too. He got the value of their history. It was something they had in common, even if what they collected was slightly different. She understood his passion.
Another shelf was filled with shells of different kinds. Some she’d never seen. “Do you dive?” He had to in order to have such amazing specimens.
“You could say that.” At his dry tone, she forced herself to turn away from his collection.
“I’m sorry. I could spend hours in here. This is amazing.” She could tell he was pleased by her reaction. And why wouldn’t he be? Any collector liked when someone appreciated their collection.
He motioned her to a large leather chair in front of a massive wooden desk. The desk itself looked as though it had come off a ship from the seventeen hundreds. Instead of sitting behind it, Ezra took the other brown leather chair next to hers. He set his mug down on the desk. She took a sip of her coffee and almost moaned at the delicious flavor.
He reached out, took her mug, and set it next to his. Then he angled both chairs so they were facing one another. He took his hands in hers. “What do you know about the Knights of the Dragon?”