The Dragon's Heart (Lochguard Highland Dragons #3) (8 page)

Looking down at her human, Lorna saw concern in his gaze. Her dragon chimed in again.
You’re being foolish, and I don’t like it.

Ross stroked her back in slow circles, and she sighed. “I just wish I’d met you years ago.”

He raised his brows. “But would you have been ready then? I somehow doubt it. Every heart needs time to heal, some more than others. I never thought I’d be able to accept Anne was gone and to find someone else, but I did. Hell, I’m even glad of the cancer now, since it brought me to you and my second chance.”

Placing her hands on his chest, Lorna teased his chest hair with her palms. “Those are fancy words considering we only kissed this morning.”

Ross rolled them over until he caged her with his arms. “It’s been nearly half a year since we met and I don’t know about you, but I’ve treasured most of the days.”

“Most?”

“Aye, the constant bickering with your youngest son I could’ve done without.”

She smiled. “His protectiveness comes from his father. His spirit might have come from me.”

“Might have?”

She chuckled. “Okay, all of it did come from me.” She remained quiet a minute. When she finally replied, her voice was sober. “I still miss him, you know. Jamie.”

Ross caressed her cheek. “Aye, I know. I miss my Anne every day. But I think she would’ve liked you. Even though Anne was quiet, she was stubborn and strong-willed. She found creative ways to get her way.”

“Jamie was a wee bit possessive, but deep down, I know he’d want me to be happy.”

“Then why do you keep pushing the chance away, Lorna? One minute you can’t get enough of me, and the next you shut down and keep me at arm’s length. I don’t like the latter, lass.”

She searched Ross’s eyes. This was one of those important moments in life when a person knew it could shape their future. If Lorna didn’t open up to Ross now and speak the truth, she might lose her chance with him in the long run.

Her dragon spoke up.
Just tell him already so we can have more sex.

Such a single-track mind.

We’ve done it your way for decades. Now, I want my way, too.

“So, is your dragon on my side?” Ross asked.

Lorna snorted. “Of course she is. I think she does it to get back at me for all the years of celibacy.”

You have that right
, her beast stated.

Ross replied before Lorna could, “Then maybe she could convince you to tell me why you pulled away earlier.”

As Ross stroked her cheek, Lorna decided she was done with hesitating. She wanted Ross to know all of her. “It’s been more than two decades since I’ve been with a male and my body has changed. I’m still getting used to being naked around you.”

“Oh, aye? Then maybe I need to make you so used to my touch that it feels strange to be apart.”

“Trying to charm me, human?”

He grinned. “Yes, and don’t expect me to stop anytime soon.”

Lorna laughed as Ross moved away to sit on his heels, his legs straddling the sides of her own.
 

He ran a finger across one shoulder and then the other. “These shoulders have had a lot to bear over the years, and yet they’re still straight and strong.” He moved his hand and laid his palm over her heart. “This heart is big enough to take in a nephew to raise, as well as an old man and even help with her daughter-in-law’s sister.”

Lorna should frown and tell him that almost anyone on Lochguard would do the same, but she didn’t want to break the spell. Ross’s husky words and gentle touch were addictive.

Ross cupped her breasts and gently lifted. “Not only did these nurture your bairns, but they also make any straight man dream of doing this.” Leaning down, Ross took one of her nipples into his mouth and suckled. Each pull made her core pulse. Then he switched to the other one and Lorna bit her lip to keep from moaning.

Releasing her nipple with a flick of his tongue, Ross released her breasts to take hold of her wide hips. “And your hips. Hell, Lorna, they have just enough cushion to protect you from my fierce grip. And as for your arse,”—he slid one hand to under her arse cheek—“let’s just say I can’t wait to take you from behind. Your lovely arse will keep me from breaking my bones.”

She smiled. “You’re being silly. Sex isn’t going to break you.”

“I don’t know.” He thickened his accent. “I hear dragonwomen can be
verra
demanding in the bedroom.”

Her dragon hummed.
He doesn’t know the half of it. Just wait until I can wrest away control.

Lorna opened her mouth to reply, but Ross placed a hand on her belly and rubbed slowly. If dragons could purr, Lorna would be doing it.

Her human said, “You display the scars of child-bearing, but more than that, they are a symbol of both the past and the future. Not having stretch marks or children wouldn’t suit you, Lorna. You love to care for others, so embrace it.”

Staring into Ross’s eyes, Lorna saw truth. Her human truly believed everything he said about her.

Her beast huffed.
Between me and Ross, will you believe us now and embrace your sexiness?

Ross took her hands and threaded his fingers through hers. “Have I convinced you of how much I want to see you naked yet, love? Because I can keep going.”

Lorna blinked back tears and cleared her throat. “I’m glad you came into my life, Ross. You’re a fine male and were more than worth waiting for.”

He widened his eyes and gave a fake gasp. “Is Lorna MacKenzie actually opening up to me? Or am I dreaming?”

“Ross,” she bit out.

Leaning down, Ross took her lips in a gentle kiss. “I’ve waited so many months for you, Lorna, that I’m ready to take you again.” He brushed her cheek with his fingers. “Just don’t expect this every night. An old man only has so much in him.”

She smacked his bum. “Stop saying you’re old. To me, you’re just right.” She nipped his bottom lip. “And let’s see if we can get two more times out of you tonight.”

“Someone’s demanding.”

“Aye, so get used to it.”

Ross chuckled before taking her lips in a rough kiss. As his tongue slipped into her mouth, Lorna clutched his shoulder and pulled him close. With each stroke, Ross let her know how much he wanted her. And for the first time, Lorna didn’t doubt herself or him.

Chapter Eight

Ross watched Lorna finish cooking up his breakfast in her nightshirt. He would’ve preferred her cooking in the nude, but given the proclivity of Lorna’s children to show up unannounced, she’d convinced him of the necessity of wearing some clothing.

Yet he couldn’t resist coming up behind her and taking her hips as he kissed her neck.
 

Despite leaning into his touch, she said, “Don’t think your kisses are going to convince me to make you a full Scottish breakfast.”

Stroking up and down her ribcage, Ross murmured, “You know how much I bloody hate porridge. Why are you making it yet again?”

“Because of your health. Not even your prowess in the bedroom will convince me to change my mind in this.” She glanced at him. “I just found you, and I’m not about to lose you to a heart attack.”

The fierceness in Lorna’s gaze stole his breath away.
 

Kissing the side of her mouth, he replied, “My fierce dragon lass.”

“Too right. Now step back or I may just drop a little of this down your pants.”

He chuckled. “That’s an empty threat, love, and you know it. Your dragon is quite fond of my ‘prowess’ as you put it.”

“You’re such a scamp.”

“Aye, but you love that about me.”

Lorna stared for a second more before turning back to her pan on the cooker. Ross’s statement had been lighthearted, but he wondered if Lorna had taken it to mean more.

Ross had wanted the dragonwoman for so many months, he was practically in love with Lorna MacKenzie already. Not that he could tell her truthfully just yet. While cancer had put Ross’s life and priorities in perspective, Lorna was still battling memories of her late husband. However, he hoped she didn’t go back to keeping him at arm’s length again. After the night before, Ross didn’t think he could go back to being merely friends.

Blast, why was he even thinking about love and the future yet? It was too soon.

Ross barely resisted running a hand through his hair. Bloody hell, courting a woman was more difficult than he remembered.

Stepping back, Ross allowed Lorna to dish out their breakfast. When she finished, he took the bowls to the dining table and Lorna followed with the coffee and cutlery. They were just about to sit down when there was a knock on the door.

Lorna frowned. “My children rarely knock, so who stops by at eight in the morning that isn’t family?”

She moved to answer the door, but Ross moved in front of her. “Let me. Your nightgown is too thin for strangers.”

Amusement danced in her eyes. “I’d hardly call the people of Lochguard strangers.”

“You know what I mean.”

The knock increased in its intensity. Lorna motioned toward the door. “Then answer it before someone thinks I passed on during the night.”

Shaking his head, Ross exited the dining room. When he opened the door, the tall bloke from the day before, who had walked with Lorna and Fergus, stood there. Ross hated having to look up to meet the dragonman’s eyes, especially since the bloke was more handsome than Ross liked. “Yes?”

The dragonman looked around Ross. “Is Lorna up and about yet?”

“Who wants to know?” Ross growled out.

The man raised his brows and answered, “Ah. You must be the one she hesitated about yesterday.”

The dragonman’s statement made Ross wonder if Lorna had wanted him as long as Ross had wanted her. “And who the bloody hell are you?”

“Stuart MacKay of Clan Seahaven. Lorna and I are old friends. I just stopped by to see her before I leave later today. We have a lot to catch up on.”

The mention of the too handsome man leaving made Ross stand a little taller. “Well, she’s eating her breakfast. You’ll have to come back later.”

Stuart opened his mouth, but Lorna’s voice boomed out before he could say anything. “Ross Anderson, he’ll do no such thing.”

Turning his head, Ross spotted Lorna. When she stopped next to him, she looked to Stuart and smiled. “Hello, Stu.”

When Stuart smiled back, Ross clenched his fingers. The sooner he could get rid of Stuart, the sooner he could find out about the full extent of their past. Lorna had claimed they’d nearly been mated, and he wanted to know if she still had feelings for her old lover. Stuart’s presence was a blatant reminder of how much he still had to learn about Lorna MacKenzie.

Lorna stepped aside, the motion causing her nightgown to show more of her figure than Ross liked. “Come in, Stu. I have enough porridge for you, too. I know it’s your favorite.”

Of course, it bloody was.

As Lorna guided Stuart to the kitchen, Ross took a deep breath and tried to get a grip on his jealousy. Lorna had chosen him, end of story.

And yet, his brain understood that, but his heart was being bloody stubborn. Breakfast with Lorna’s “old friend” would test his patience.

Be careful, Anderson, or you might push her away.
Aye, Lorna didn’t like unnecessary drama. The trick would be in not becoming a third wheel to their conversation because there was no way he was leaving Lorna alone with the dragonman. Ross trusted Lorna, but given the flash of hunger and male appreciation in the dragonman’s eyes a minute ago, he trusted Stuart MacKay about as far as he could throw him.

~~~

Lorna shouldn’t like Ross’s jealousy around Stuart, but both woman and beast rather enjoyed it.

Her dragon huffed.
I like knowing Ross would fight for us. Even if Stu challenged him to a battle, I think Ross would accept if it meant keeping us.

Aye, I agree. Our human is more like a dragon-shifter than he knows. Maybe living on Lochguard has rubbed off on him.

Why do you say that as if it were a bad thing?

Stuart’s voice interrupted Lorna’s conversation with her beast. “I half expected for at least one of your children to be here. From what Fergus told me, your cottage is never empty.”

Ross grunted. “It’s not empty.”

Lorna bit back a smile. “Last night was a bit special, and Faye stayed with a friend. Besides, as Ross pointed out, he’s here with me.”

Stuart looked to her human. “Aye, I see him.” Stuart met her gaze again. “Although, I’m a bit unclear about how he lives on Lochguard since he’s not a human sacrifice.”

Entering the kitchen, Lorna took down another bowl for porridge. “His daughter was a sacrifice and is mated to Fraser. Finn did some negotiating, which allowed Ross to accompany his daughter. He had cancer and needed care.”

From the corner of her eye, Lorna saw Ross stand tall. “It’s gone now, though. I’m healthy as a horse.”

Stuart chuckled. “Too bad you’re not as healthy as a dragon-shifter.”

Lorna sensed Ross’s temper creeping up on him, so she spoke before he could. “Just because humans and dragon-shifters are different doesn’t make humans any less special. You, of all people, should understand that Stu.” While Stu sobered up, Lorna explained to Ross, “Stuart had a human mate.”

Ross’s posture relaxed at the use of “had” and he murmured, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Stuart waved a hand. “Deb will always be with me. But let’s not ruin a perfectly fine breakfast by talking about dead mates. We should focus on the future we have in front of us.”

After handing Stuart his porridge, she moved to stand next to Ross. She’d allowed her human to stew long enough, so she leaned against his side. “Aye, I look forward to the future.”

Ross looped an arm around her waist. For a second, sadness flashed in Stuart’s eyes, but it was gone before she could blink. The dragonman smiled again. “Well, my immediate future includes eating this porridge before it goes cold. Oh, and maybe embarrassing Lorna as well. I’m sure Ross would love to hear about Lorna in her youth. She was quite the firecracker.”

Ross snorted. “And she still is.”

Stuart exited into the dining room. Before Ross could follow, Lorna kissed Ross and whispered, “I can sit on your lap in the dining room if it eases your male pride. But just know I picked you, Ross. Stuart is just a friend, and probably a lonely one. Remember, he was exiled from Lochguard over a decade ago.”