Page 70 of Sebastian's Secret
Was that excitement in her tone?
“I didn’t know that dragons really existed.”
“No one does,” he whispered. “You’re the first.”
“I’m the first?” She sounded stunned, her palm running down the back of his neck.
“Yes,” he confirmed, reveling in her gentle caress.
It was so good to be touched as the dragon. For so long he’d yearned for interaction when he shifted, but in all that time the only ones he could connect with were his family. Sprawled out on the ground in front of her, Sebastian felt as if a vast weight had been lifted from his shoulders. This was who he was and now Rebecca truly knew who she’d chosen.
“As far as I know, no one else has shared the family secret.” Eyes opening, he turned to her. “Although I suppose my father must have told my mother once.”
Not that Michael Vaughn had ever spoken about the disclosure. Ever since her untimely death, his mother had rarely been spoken about at all.
“I don’t know what to say.” Her lips curled as she rested against his shoulder. “I’m humbled, if not a little petrified.”
“You’re safe,” he told her, curling his body so he could brush his snout over her leg.
“Oh God!” she gasped, suddenly eye to eye with his massive jaw.
“It’s okay,” he comforted. “I won’t hurt you.”
“Maybe not now, but…” she paused just long enough to meet his gaze and convey her playful intent. “What if you get angry and dragon me in the future?”
“Dragon you?” Sebastian smiled, hoping the gesture didn’t reveal too many of his teeth.
“Yes,” Swallowing back her trepidation, her hand rose to his face and stroked his scaly skin. “You might add it to my list of punishments, sir.”
“I vow to only ever punish you as a man.” Her touch was magnificent, and the fact that she was secure enough to skim her palm over his snout was miraculous. She did truly trust him, the thought warming his dragon heart. “But perhaps the dragon could offer rewards instead?”
“Rewards?” In her bravest moment yet, she leaned closer and planted a kiss on his muzzle.
“Mmmm,” he answered, distracted at the intimacy. “Say, a ride for the woman I’m crazy about.”
“A ride?” Her eyes lit up at the idea as her gaze turned to the top of the mountain. “Up there?”
“Well,” he replied, following her line of thought. “Perhaps not the first time. I’ll need to make sure you’re secure and safe first, but yes… eventually.”
“Sebastian.” She inhaled. “Is this really happening, or am I just about to wake up and find I dozed off on the drive up here?”
“It’s real,” he assured her. “As real as my feelings for you, Rebecca.”
Time stretched around them at the admission, seconds where he longed to kiss her, but was forced to make do with her undeniably warm smile and small palm on his skin. His dragon was a fierce and mighty creature, but there were some needs that only the man could fulfil.
He decided then and there that as soon as he shifted, he would take them to the Vaughn city penthouse and give her what they both craved. It was true that he had to reconvene with his brothers at the lodge not far from where they stood, but Sebastian had more pressing matters on his mind. Rebecca would soon reach the stars, but she would leave the flying to him.
“So?” he prompted. “Do you want to climb on to my back and see how it feels? I’ve never had a passenger before.”
Her lips trembled at the offer. “Now?”
“Right now,” he clarified. “Let’s see how my little girl manages.”
“I don’t want to hurt you, Sebastian.” Unease gleamed in her gaze as she considered mounting him.
“Don’t worry,” he soothed as he nudged her toward his back with his nose. “I’m tougher than I look.”
“You look pretty tough to me!” Rebecca laughed, her hand exploring his peacock blue flesh.