Defiant Dragon Read Online Free PDF Page B

knowledge of my capabilities.” He leaned over to meet her stare. “Ask me if I give a fuck who watches.”
    Her heart sped up in anticipation that he might carry out his threat. The idea of a dragon coupling with her took root and she inhaled deeply, taking in air by the lungful. What the hell is wrong with you, girl? You aren’t some needy minnow. You are the daughter of a regent, and your voice can entice crews to drive ships to their death. Get your shit together and get your mind on the prize, saving your father and clan.
    She exhaled. “You could try. Of course, you might find your brain oozing from your ears before you get my dress up, but hey, if you’re willing to take the chance.” She smiled wide. “What was your mother’s name again? I’ll send her a sympathy card.”
    “I think I love you already, polýtimos. ” He tangled his fingers with hers and tugged her from the passage.
    She tried to snatch her hand from his hold to break the skin-to-skin contact. His grip tightened. River trotted to keep up with his long strides as they crossed the small square of grass and stepped onto the sidewalk. The thin layer of ice crunched underfoot. People shot curious glances their way, but anyone in their path quickly moved. A few folks even smirked at them as if they shared a secret. She scoffed, if they only had a clue. A sharp stone bit into the sole of her foot and she jerked free, hopping to grab the metal post of a street sign.
    “What the hell is wrong with you?” His brows were drawn together and his gaze darted up and down her body.
    “I stepped on a rock.” She pulled her palm away from her foot and stared at the deep red streaks across her fingers.
    “This is why certain species choose to cover their feet with a little invention called shoes. Let me see.” He crouched in front of her and gripped her ankle, lifting her leg higher. The hem of her dress slid up her thigh. Bowed before her she could separate the electric blue strands from his darker hair on his head. She formed a fist and her nails cut into the soft tissue of her palm to keep from reaching out and burying her fingers in his silken locks. She pulled her foot back when he tickled her sole, skimming his hand along the tender area.
    He brushed the dirt from her foot and released it. “It’s a scratch.” His gaze climbed her leg before he rose and stared down at her. Jax cleared his throat. “There’s an old warehouse a little farther ahead, the roof is half gone so we can come and go without notice. It’s mostly shifters on this side of town, anyway.”
    “So.” She flicked her wrist motioning for him to continue.
    “Never mind. You’re the type who wouldn’t appreciate any options I offered, so I’ll just go with what feels right.” He dipped and hefted her up in his arms.
    Jostled against him, she could feel his warmth flow into her side, the rapid beat of his heart alongside the curve of her breast. She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt the tense muscles along his shoulders flex. The rapid staccato of his footfalls on the cement calmed her anxiousness and his embrace lulled her into a sense of security. This was not good. Locate Harper, free your father . Those few sentences were becoming her mantra. “Put me down. I can walk.”
    “We’ll get there faster if I carry you.”
    “I’m beginning to hate you.” River groaned.
    “That will make sex that much better.” He turned a corner and moved onto a trail worn through the high grasses. “Next time we take a trip, I’m doing the packing.”
    She ignored his comments. A derelict building loomed ahead of them, most of the windows busted out. Large puddles of melted snow dotted the graveled lot surrounding the crumbling structure. One of the double doors at the entrance hung haphazardly to the side, partially sheathed by the dark shadows looming from the interior. She sighed. “You could have tossed me in the bay and I would have met you at your