Page 79 of Dragon King’s Duty Bride

The tension that had wound itself through Lucas’s chest loosened just slightly as he kissed her back, slow and warm. The world outside the room faded for a moment as he held her. She rested her cheek against his chest.

“You make everything better,” she whispered.

Lucas brushed his lips against hers again. “And you remind me why it all matters.”

He lifted her easily and carried her toward the bed, her soft laugh filling the room. She reached up and traced his face, all the while the same desire he felt reflected in her eyes.

His hand fondled her breast, and he felt the nipple harden under his thumb. Their clothes disappeared as passion flared, and he kissed her again, her mouth warm and needy.

Sia returned his kisses with the same urgency and need that he felt. Her legs wrapped around him and pulled their bodies together without breaking contact. He was already hard against her, and instinct took over at her insistence.

This time wasn’t consummating a marriage. This time was all about lust and sensations. At her insistence, he didn't have to bother with all the foreplay and slower pace. He could just get what he wanted and give her what she demanded.

She was hot and wet as he entered her, and he didn't waste a second. She moaned as he thrust in and out, and she bucked her hips to give greater access.

Their kisses became more hot and needy, and she clung to him like a woman drowning. Faster and deeper he plunged until they climaxed together, and the chamber echoed with their cries of pleasure.

When their breathing finally calmed, he pulled her close and held her. He couldn't remember sex ever being better or so fulfilling as he buried his face in her hair. She mumbled something but he couldn’t make it out.

He pulled back slightly. “What was that?”

Her head rested on his shoulder as they cuddled. "I said I love you." Her voice was quiet as she said the words he felt but had never said.

He kissed the top of her head. "Oh, Sia.” He tightened his arms. “I’ve waited to hear that. I love you, too."

The evening faded into quiet warmth and closeness, the kind only they could give each other as the worries of the day disappeared.

The next afternoon, Sia brought tea and biscuits to Lucas. “You need a break.”

He pulled her close and kissed her soundly. “You’re the only snack I need.”

She looked up at him with a spark in her eye. “Celeste is at dance. The other two are napping.”

“Is that an invitation, my little minx?”

The shrill ring of his phone shattered the moment.

Lucas groaned softly but reached for it anyway. “I have to get that.”

Sia stayed tucked against him as he answered. “Yeah?”

What he heard on the other end wiped the smile clean off his face.

“What do you mean, missing?”

Sia stiffened.

He stood slowly, pulse hammering. “Since when? Who was supervising?”

A pause.

“No, I’m coming.”

He ended the call and looked at Sia. Dread pooled in his stomach.

“That was Bryce.”

“Your head guard?” Sia’s face was drained of color. “Celeste’s dance class?”