Touch of Flame

Ravina had a lot of research to do so she went to the library to spend her day there reading. She wanted to learn more about clans and how they functioned. How was the hierarchy? How much power did the king have? Was there a court and if so which members did the court consist of?

She read all the books she could find on the subject. The political structure of the dragons wasn't as complex as that of the humans. It was simply the royal family who were in control.

What kind of person was his mother? Also, if it was his brothers who were killed by them, then he would certainly kill her. Not that she was very concerned for her life. She was dead anyway but she would like to live to succeed at least before dying.

There were so many things she needed to find out and even then she was sure there would be surprises in an environment she couldn't control.

Ravina went on to read books about pregnancy prevention. Just in case. She didn't think that she could pretend that far nor was she planning to. In fact, she wouldn't pretend much. She didn't have to and he was too smart to just believe her.

"What are you reading?" Suddenly a voice spoke from behind her.

Ravina shut the book quickly and stood up before turning around. "My Lord."

"My Lord?" Ares lifted one brow as he walked over slowly. He was back to looking like his old grim self. "Your Highness."

"I am just researching." She said feeling nervous at the way he looked at her.

He walked closer and closer and she waited for him to stop but he pushed the chair out of the way and then grabbed the back of her head before kissing her.

Ravina stiffened at first, despite having realized a moment before he kissed her that he was going to. Her first instinct was to push him away but she felt that warm sensation that made her curious again.

Ares pushed her back against the table and wrapped one arm around her waist. He kissed her hungrily, his lips relentless against hers as if punishing her for something. Then his tongue invaded her mouth, claiming every corner, tasting and stroking until she sighed against him.

Oh, God. What was he doing? She should stop him but… she was leaving. She might never experience this. Ever.

Ares lifted her and sat her on the table without breaking his lips from her. He placed himself between her legs and his hands reached under her dress. His rough palms caressed the bare skin of her legs and slowly traveled up to grasp her thighs. He pulled her closer to the end of the table, pushing his hips into hers.

Ravina put her arms on his shoulders and gripped tightly overwhelmed by all these sudden sensations. She let out a moan when he tore his mouth from hers and kissed along her jaw before going down to suck the tender flesh of her neck. Her head fell back and her eyes fluttered close. Her body hummed to life and her blood thumped in her veins.

Ares's mouth remained sucking and kissing the same place on her neck but his hands continued to explore. He stroked her thighs, and ventured inward, teasing the more delicate flesh, brushing his fingers up and down and making her aware of the pulsing need between her legs.

Her legs clasped around him and she felt like she began to sway and fall backward on the table but he quickly grabbed her waist pulled her closer to him. His mouth was like hot liquid down her throat and his skillful hand brushed over her breast and came to rest at the side of her neck. Ravina shivered and he took her mouth again with his.

He drew her bottom lip into his mouth, releasing it slowly as if he didn't want to let go. Then he drew back to look at her.

Ravina was breathless and as she met his gaze her face was flushed. Why was he doing this now?

"I don't want to do this." She breathed.

"I don't either." He said yet he grabbed her chin anc kissed her once again. And she kissed him back. It didn't have to mean anything. It was just physical. She would not let her walls down. No.

No!

She didn't have that amount of control to keep those things separate. She placed her hands on his chest to push him away but he took the hint before she could do anything. He stepped back, his eyes cold and void of emotion.

"I'll let you continue, Your Highness." He said.

Giving her a slight bow, he walked away. He shut her out as well. She didn't blame him. It was for the best. Putting back the books with heart pounting and completely flustered and frustrated she decided to go to the prisoner to keep her mind on something else. Something that would help keep up her crumbling walls. Her mission. Yes. She needed to focus.

***

Malachi had injected too much sedation into himself that he felt dazed and weak. Perhaps it was for the best to keep himself calm. The woman had gotten his weakness but she chose to leave him instead of torture him. Still, he was tortured.

Would he never see her again? Did she really leave him? He hoped she would die of some disease before her marriage. He chuckled at his own childishness.

Suddenly he smelled her scent. Was he hallucinating from all the sedatives? His gaze shifted to the entrance, waiting for her arrival. She came dressed in white again.

His body and senses came to life triggered by something. His eyes narrowed as she came to stand infront of him. She wore white but she had some color on her skin. Her cheeks were flushed, her heartbeat racing and her blood rushing hot through her veins. He could feel the heat from her body reaching to him and the scent of arousal.

Malachi didn't realize when he rose from his seat and hurled forward, yanking the chains so hard pain shot up his arms from his wrists.

Ravina flinched back, surprised by the sudden reaction. Her eyes widened and stared questioningly.

He took a deep breath and let the graviton pull him a few steps back. His heart pounded in his chest, pained, twisted. He hated her more each passing day but he hated himself more than her.

"Where were you?" He asked knowing very well where she was. He could smell that man off her. The one who made her feel this way.