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“My Lady,” he said, lowering that massive head. “I cannot even give you a name.”
“I do not need a name.” Maren swayed toward him. In the morning she would wake and find herself back in that tower, and she doubted she’d ever leave. If she didn’t take what she could now, she’d regret it. She would have this moment, and keep it in her heart forever. “This moment is a gift.”
“One I swore I’d never take.” His massive body tensed beneath patchwork armor, he looked away. “Monsters—even those that serve the realm—are forbidden from forming attachments.”
She tentatively stroked his cheek. “This isn't real. Those rules don’t apply here.”
A growl shook through him, and a huff of frustration ruffled her hair. His hind claws scraped across the hard earth of the cliff’s edge as he inched away from her. Enormous hands flexed at his sides, and need rolled off him in a searing wave, but he did not reach for her.
She followed him. “Tell me you want me.”
“You tempt me,” he said with a sigh. “Yes, I want.”
She eased within the shadow of his shoulders and drew his face into her hands so she could look into his eyes, and the molten passion she found there sent a rush of heat through her body—she burned from it. And more. As if a storm had taken hold within her chest, she vibrated with wanting him. The need to have him possess her was fierce and wild.
“Shall we not take this one moment, brave knight?” she asked. “Or will you send me away?”
“I should send you away,” he growled. “Even dreams can leave scars.”
“They can,” she agreed. “But this one will not.”
“Be certain.” Passion and worry flickered in his gaze. He carefully took hold of her shoulders. “Lady, you are delicate and beautiful—and I am a beast. I no longer know how to touch you like a man.”
The brush of claws against her skin sent a thrill through her.
“I am certain.” She licked her lips. “I want this. You. Please.”
“As you wish.” He locked eyes with her, and stepped back.
She would have cried out in protest, but the determination blazing in his gaze stayed her cry. Slowly, holding her gaze, he reached up and those enormous, bestial hands began to remove his armor. Despite those wicked claws, he masterfully unfastened the clasps of his patchworked armor—no single plate forged for man could be large enough for that chest. Tarnished steel clattered to the ground, and he stood before her.
Her breath caught in her chest.
Dear Gods, but she had been given a greater gift than she could possibly deserve.
He was as tall and as stunning as the largest statue of their fallen gods, the one that filled the base of the tower. Like that marble dragon, his muscles were taut and rippling. He was the shape of an ancient god, with a thick pelt of fur covering his skin, and the story of a thousand battles carved into his flesh. Between his legs stood proof of his desire, and by the gods it was as massive as the rest of him.
She should be afraid.
Instead, her nipples tightened.
Her body yearned for the feel of that fur against her bare skin, for the caress of his massive hands. She wanted to taste his lips and to feel his arousal twined with hers. If this were real, she would worry whether their bodies would fit together, whether his teeth and claws would pierce her flesh. In their dream, all she feared was that it would end before she could taste every part of him.
By the gods, she would claim this moment with her whole being.
She tried to remove her simple nightshift, but her hands were shaking and her fingers wouldn’t cooperate.
“Please,” she whispered.
“Be sure.” His voice was a low growl threaded with need. “I cannot be gentle.”
“Then be rough.” Abandoning her ties, she threw herself into his arms and gripped the thick fur of his neck. “I beg you.”
“A knight would never make a lady beg.” Those massive fangs flashed in a quick smile, and heat lanced to her core. His gaze ran over her body and he let out a low growl of pleasure.
She shivered with anticipation.
“Allow me to make amends.” His claws trailed lightly over her curves and contours, exploring her body as if it were something he had been searching for all his life. He moved slowly, sensually, his every touch a caress. He removed her clothing piece by piece, using his claws to cut through her ties until she stood before him on the cliff's edge, naked and exposed.
