Page 26 of Hot for the Dragon (Saltwater Grove #3)

26

DAPHNE

A rcher’s hand found hers as he led her through the corridors of his mansion. The air between them crackled with an unspoken tension, and Daphne’s heart pounded in her chest. She had never been in his bedroom before, and the anticipation made her skin hum.

The door swung open, revealing a room that was both elegant and fiercely masculine. A massive four-poster bed dominated the space, its silk sheets gleaming faintly in the moonlight filtering through the curtains.

Before she could take it all in, Archer turned her to face him, his hands framing her face. His kiss was possessive, demanding yet tender, and it sent a shiver through her body. Daphne’s hands instinctively gripped the front of his shirt, pulling him closer as their lips moved together in a rhythm that was both familiar and thrillingly new.

His mouth left hers, tracing a path along her jawline to her neck. His lips were soft against her skin, each kiss sending little jolts of electricity through her. She tipped her head back, giving him better access, and a soft gasp escaped her as his teeth grazed her pulse point.

"You’re so perfect," he murmured against her skin, his hands sliding down her sides to caress her curves. The warmth of his palms through her sweater made her breath hitch. Slowly, he pulled the sweater over her head, tossing it aside before unhooking her bra. The cool air brushed her skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat of his gaze as he looked at her.

Archer didn’t rush. He took his time, his lips trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbone before finally closing over one of her breasts. His tongue swirled around her nipple, teasing it into a hard peak, and Daphne’s knees nearly buckled. His hands roamed her body, exploring every curve as if he were committing her to memory.

"Archer," she breathed, her voice trembling.

Gently, he laid her down on the bed, his lips never leaving her skin. He kissed his way down her stomach, his hands slipping beneath the waistband of her pants. Slowly, he slid them off, along with her panties, leaving her bare before him.

Daphne’s face flushed as Archer looked up at her with raw desire. He knelt between her legs, his hands resting on her thighs, and leaned in. The first touch of his tongue was soft, tentative, as if he were savoring her. She gasped, her fingers tangling in the silk sheets as waves of pleasure began to build.

He took his time, alternating between slow, lazy strokes and firmer, more insistent ones. Every flick of his tongue sent sparks through her, and she could feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter inside her. His hands gripped her hips, holding her steady as he increased the pace, his mouth working in perfect harmony with her body’s rhythms.

"Oh god," she moaned, her back arching off the bed. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, and she could feel herself teetering on the edge. Archer didn’t let up, his deep growl of satisfaction vibrating against her sensitive skin.

When her orgasm hit, it ripped through her, wave after wave of pure pleasure leaving her trembling and breathless. Archer’s hands stilled, his lips pressing soft kisses to her inner thighs as she came down from the high.

"You’re incredible," he said, his voice rough with desire.

Daphne sat up, her eyes locking with Archer’s as she reached for the buttons on his shirt. Her fingers trembled slightly, but the heat in his gaze steadied her. She undid each button slowly, revealing the firm planes of his chest beneath. His skin was warm under her fingertips, and she traced the lines of his muscles, committing the feel of him to memory. Archer’s breath hitched, his hands flexing at his sides as if restraining himself from grabbing her.

"Take your time," he said, his voice low and rough.

She smirked, her confidence growing as she pushed the shirt off his shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Her hands moved to his belt, unbuckling it with deliberate slowness. The leather slid free, and she unfastened his pants, her fingers brushing against the hard ridge of his arousal. Archer’s jaw tightened, but he stayed still, letting her take the lead.

Daphne tugged his pants and boxers down, her breath catching as his large member sprang free. She hadn’t been prepared for the sheer size of him, and for a moment, she hesitated. But the way he looked at her—like she was the only thing in the world that mattered—made her feel brave. She sank to her knees before him, her hands resting on his thighs as she leaned in.

Her tongue flicked out, tracing the length of him, and Archer groaned, his hands tangling in her hair. She took him into her mouth, her lips stretching around his girth, and began to move. Her tongue swirled around the tip, and she sucked gently, savoring the way he tensed and the low, guttural sounds he made.

"Damn, Daphne," he growled, his voice thick with pleasure. "You’re amazing."

The praise sent a rush of warmth through her, and she increased her pace, her hands gripping the base of him. Archer’s hips twitched, and she felt the muscles in his thighs tighten under her palms. His moans grew louder, more urgent, and she could tell he was close.

Just as she thought he might lose control, his hands slid under her arms, lifting her effortlessly to her feet. “That’s enough,” he said, his voice a rough command. "I need you in the bed. Now."

Daphne’s heart raced as he guided her back onto the mattress, his body hovering over hers. His eyes burned with hunger, and she felt a thrill of anticipation.

Her pulse quickened as he leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was all hunger and possession. His tongue slid against hers, demanding and fierce, and she responded with equal fervor, her hands tangling in his hair to pull him closer.

She could feel the weight of him pressing her into the mattress, his arousal hard and insistent against her thigh. Her body ached for him, every nerve alight with anticipation.

"Archer," she breathed, her voice trembling.

He looked at her, his eyes dark with need. "Tell me you want this."

"I want you," she said without hesitation. "All of you."

A possessive smile tugged at his lips, and he kissed her again, his hands sliding down to grip her hips. Slowly, he positioned himself at her entrance, the tip of him pressing against her warmth. Daphne’s breath caught, her body tensing in anticipation as he pushed forward, filling her inch by inch. The stretch was intense, a delicious pressure that made her toes curl, and she gasped, her nails digging into his back.

"Relax," he murmured, his voice low and soothing.

She let out a shaky breath, her body gradually adjusting to his size. Archer waited, his forehead pressed against hers, his breath warm against her skin. When she finally nodded, he began to move, his thrusts slow and deliberate, each one sending sparks of pleasure shooting through her.

Daphne’s hands roamed his back, feeling the ripple of muscle beneath his skin as he moved. The sensation of him inside her was overwhelming, a heady mix of pleasure and intimacy that left her reeling. She clung to him, her hips rising to meet his, and the sound of their mingled breaths filled the room.

Archer’s pace quickened, his thrusts growing deeper, more urgent. His hands tightened on her hips, lifting her slightly to change the angle, and the new position sent a wave of pleasure crashing through her. She gasped, her back arching as he hit a spot that made her vision blur.

"That’s it," he growled, his voice rough with pleasure. "Let go, Daphne."

Her breath came in short, shallow gasps as the pressure built inside her, coiling tighter until it threatened to explode. Her body tightened around him, and she cried out, her nails scoring his skin as the first wave of her orgasm hit her. It was unlike anything she’d ever felt, a tidal wave of ecstasy that left her shaking and breathless.

Archer let out a low groan, his thrusts growing erratic as he chased his own release. His hands gripped her hips tightly, holding her steady as he buried himself deep inside her. With a guttural growl, he spilled himself into her, his orgasm wracking his body with powerful tremors.

For a moment, neither of them moved, the only sound in the room their ragged breathing. Then Archer lowered himself onto his elbows, his forehead resting against hers as he pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

He smiled, a rare, genuine smile that softened the harsh lines of his face, and then he rolled onto his side, pulling her with him.

Daphne nestled against Archer's chest, his heartbeat strong and steady beneath her ear. The silk sheets whispered against their skin as he pulled her closer, his arm a protective band around her waist. His warmth enveloped her, making her feel safe and cherished in a way she'd never experienced before.

"You're thinking too hard," Archer murmured, his fingers trailing lazily up and down her spine. The simple touch sent pleasant shivers through her body.

"Just savoring this moment," she said softly, tracing the defined muscles of his chest. His skin was impossibly smooth except for a few scattered scars - badges of honor from his fighting days.

"Good." His voice rumbled through his chest. "Because you're not leaving this bed anytime soon." His possessive tone made her heart flutter.

Daphne smiled, tilting her head up to look at him. His coal-black eyes were soft as they met hers, a stark contrast to his usually stern expression.

She pressed a kiss to his jaw. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but right now, in this perfect moment, she was exactly where she wanted to be.