Free Her Dark Dragon by Lillith Payne Page A

and slipped along the cotton-covered flesh until her fingers met skin at his neck. Danni twisted around, dropped onto his lap, and, with one arm around the back of his neck, started effectively to unbutton his shirt with the other. She touched her lips everywhere—his cheek, his chin, his neck, but not his lips. She felt him swell under her, the unmistakable pulse making her squirm deeper in his arms. He allowed her to unbutton his shirt, to stroke his chest with her hands as she finally lowered her lips over his.
    Nico gave her full control, took what she gave, and answered in kind. It was an exercise in tortured lust, her touching and him holding back. She skimmed his nipple with her fingernail, and he didn't hold back his groan. Danni left his mouth to travel to the flat tip and licked it with her tongue. He relaxed under her, his hands running along her thigh and her upper arm, pulling her tighter. She knew she had to stop soon or he'd take her then and there in the back seat of the hired car.
    She was startled and slightly dazed when he forced her head up and tugged her chin toward his mouth. Only it didn't stop at one kiss. It became two, then three, and then continued until they were exactly as they were when he'd tried to slow her down. This time, he lifted her slightly and placed her on the seat beside him, with his arm over her shoulders holding her in place. She was confused by the movement; her look questioning him. She didn't know they had another stop to make.
    "What?" she whispered, attempting to slip her hand back across his chest.
    "Settle down, Danni, we're almost there."
    She looked outside, for the first time realizing they were in the heart of San Francisco now. There was little time to right her clothing and hair, let alone repair her lipstick before the car slowed before one of the larger hotels. Her first instinct was he'd taken her here instead of his home. She could understand that. He wouldn't want her memory around him. The idea hurt her, but self-preservation was important to both of them. She was more confused after hearing him tell the driver to pick them up in an hour.
    He ushered her inside, the lobby was a grand space. To the right was a doorway into a darkened lounge. He directed her to the space filled with soft music from the three-piece combo set off in the corner. Several couples were dancing, others were attempting to dance, and some were just sitting quietly with a drink enjoying the music.
    "What would you like Danni?"
     
    * * * *
     
    His words asked for more than one answer. This was a new side of Nico Severino, one she'd only experienced in glimpses. Tonight, she wanted to experience the whole man, outside the vineyard, away from business. The dark dragon she'd heard the rumors and stories about. The man who only accepted surrender, and got it because of his masculine, seductive air. Danni's lower lips moistened, dampening the small swath of material covering her intimately. Nico knew she was craving his touch, and his strategy worked on her. Danni made a point of not squirming in her seat. A girl had to keep some element of self-respect, albeit a small one.
    "No wine!" she said with a laugh. "Tonight, I'm in the mood for something strong and hot—brandy, I think." She sat back, letting him place her order, taking in the surroundings. When she glanced to Nico, he wore a strange smile. "What?"
    "Nothing," he said, shaking his head with a laugh, accepting she'd gotten his number. Psyching Danni out wasn't going to work.
    "Did you think you were the something strong and hot I wanted?" He turned to look at her but didn't answer. "You are my dark drago. But you seem to have a plan, so I've decided to go along with your seduction."
    "Is that what you call this?" She hadn't wanted to show up at his door only to be thrown over his shoulder and carried to his bed.
    "Wouldn't you? First, a lovely supper with good food and wonderful company. The emotions of watching a favorite person leave