Page 21 of Lahaina Noon (Modern Legends of Dragons & Shadows #1)

Chapter 21

T hey talked late into the night, stopping to grab some snacks and for Bridget to feed the ‘wee beasties’ as Liam had called her cats. They seemed to be settling into their room just fine and were purring up a storm when she left. She peeked in at Gabriel; he had fallen asleep on the couch in the gaming room.

Most of the others were gone. Marco was asleep in a chair. Siobhan was sitting in the other corner, reading a book. Bridget noted someone had pulled a blanket over Gabe. She caught Siobhan’s eye, nodding. She nodded back, and Bridget returned to the library. Gabe was being well looked after and protected. She appreciated that most of all.

Bridget walked in, seating herself in Vaughn’s lap, giving him a deep, sensual kiss. “Thanks,” she whispered.

He smiled, “I don’t know what I did, but tell me so I can do it again.”

She laughed and slid onto the cushion next to him, snuggling into his side. “Mm, nope, moments passed. You just get the one.”

Vaughn squeezed her and tickled her, whispering, “You’re going to pay for that.” A smile full of dark promises graced his lips .

Bridget’s heart rate skyrocketed, remembering her last ‘punishment’.

“If you’re done,” Liam mimicked Vaughn’s tone from earlier.

Bridget launched a throw pillow at him with scary accuracy, pegging him right in the face. “Little League Mom,” she smirked at his stunned expression.

“Okay, children,” trilled Jack. “So, we’ve established a lot of knowledge and understanding about the Shadows, their King, Wielders, dragons are real, we know Vaughn hired Bridge so he can shag her when he wants, and Bridget and Gabe are in danger. What we haven’t done is discuss what the next steps are.” He leaned back and arched one of his perfectly manicured eyebrows. “Did I miss anything?”

They all stared at him before Vaughn cleared his throat, “Hmm. Very succinct, and yes, we need to decide our next steps. I’ve already brought Bridget and Gabriel here for their safety until we can make their home safer. This house is warded, my office building and cars are warded. I have sentries keeping watch; should the Shadow King set foot in this state, we will know. Short of taking the fight directly to them, we are doing all we can until we fully decipher the exact nature of the prophecy and what Bridget is supposed to do.”

Bridget yawned.

Vaughn smiled at her indulgently, “I think we’ve done enough talking for one night. I’m going to take sleepy head here to bed. You guys are welcome to stay if you want, there’s plenty of rooms in the guest wing,” he said to Jorrie and Jack.

They both nodded. The combination of alcohol and shocks they’d had today wiped everyone out .

“Liam,” murmured Vaughn. He scooped Bridget up in his arms, her head lolling against his shoulder.

Liam gestured to Jorrie and Jack to follow him to the guest rooms.

Vaughn gently laid Bridget on his bed and stepped back, just needing to look at her and know she was safe. He liked the way she looked in his home, in his bed. Her hair tousled and her face relaxed, a small smile resting on her soft lips. His heart clenched at his need for her. She wanted to see his full form. He shook his head, he’d never, in his long time on this planet, shown his full form to anyone other than other dragons, and some of the Wielders he’d worked with. He was old-fashioned, he guessed. Vaughn had never taken a mate. He had no family— his best friend Killian and his godson Liam were the closest he had.

He looked closely at Bridget. Was she the one? Why her? Why now, when everything they held dear hinged on keeping her safe and teaching her to use her unknown skills to stop the Shadow Claw? He leaned over, gently removing her shoes, knowing she would be more comfortable that way. As he unbuttoned her shirt, he skimmed his fingertips over the tops of her breasts where they were spilling out of her bra.

She sighed deeply, and he stilled, not wanting to wake her. He continued to unbutton her shirt and slid it out from under her. He slid her shorts off, smiling at the matching panties and bra. Who knew his Bridget was such a stickler for that? He put his arms under her, working to unclasp her bra, wondering why they needed to have so many hooks.

He finally got the clasp to release and eased the lacey material away from her body. She shivered slightly as she was exposed to the cool air in the room. He snatched one of her nightgowns from the chair where she had laid it earlier. He shook it out to slip over her head when his gaze caught on her breasts again. The chill in the room had caused her nipples to peak and looked entirely too tempting to him. “I’m going to hell,” he whispered, pulling off his own clothes and lowering himself to her side.

Bridget wasn’t sure if she was awake or not. Her eyes were closed, but she was feeling the most wonderful sensations. She sensed a warm, masculine presence wrapped around her body, and it was so right. She sighed and breathed the name that went with the spicy, smoky aroma she loved. “Vaughn.”

He heard her whisper his name, and his heart leapt at the sound. He continued to press small kisses over her body, and she began to stir. He lifted one lovely leg and placed it gently around his waist. He ran a finger down her center and found her warm, wet, and receptive.

She shivered again and moaned.

He positioned himself at her entrance and slowly slipped just inside. Her eyes flew open, and he swallowed her gasp with a kiss as he thrust forward, sheathing himself in her. He lay there for a moment, fully savoring the feeling of her body warm and silky around his. She was so completely perfect for him.

She whispered his name again, pleadingly.

He looked into her eyes and saw a fire there that matched his own. He whispered, “Bridget.” as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him down to her. She had slipped her other leg around his waist and raised her hips to meet him. He understood and began to move inside her again, but slowly. He wanted to savor this sweet moment, feeling everything.

They made love gently, savoring each other, taking in every second as if it was the first time. This was so different from their frenzied, powerful coupling before. Vaughn wasn’t sure what made this so much more special, but his heart was warming in ways it never had. He was old, he’d been with other women, but never like this. Never this soft exploration, this melding of hearts. It’s because she matters , he realized. He wrapped her in his arms tightly as his heart filled with heat and he shattered at the same time.

Bridget cried out, too, as his heat swamped her and brought her own release. They both lay there, quietly breathing each other in. She snuggled up to him, and he curled his arms around her. She fell asleep quickly and peacefully, but as she drifted off, she thought she heard him say, “I love you, Bridget.”

Bridget woke with a smile on her face. She was warm and sated. A wonderful feeling. She remembered Vaughn being so sweet, carrying her to bed and being oh so careful trying to undress her and put her in a nightgown. Like something treasured. She grinned at the sight of that gown still lying on the chair where he’d dropped it after he’d been too tempted by her naked body. If this was how she’d feel waking up naked, she’d never wear a nightgown again. Vaughn was warm and soft against her back.

They’d fallen asleep in each other’s arms, and at some point, she’d ended up facing away from him, so he’d wrapped a strong arm around her. She eased herself back over, so they were face to face. She studied the soft curve of his lips, the angles of his jaw. The dark lashes that framed his beautiful eyes. He really was just too incredibly handsome, and she couldn’t believe this gorgeous thoughtful kind man really wanted her.

Loves you , her mind supplied helpfully. She thought about it for a minute. Had he really said that? He sometimes called her Bridget love, but that was a term of endearment. Kind of like calling someone baby, honey, or darling. No, he said I LOVE YOU ! Three whole words, three syllables, three distinct sounds. She wished her head would shut up and just let her enjoy this moment.

“You know it’s rude to stare.” Vaughn whispered without opening his eyes.

Bridget jolted at being caught, whispered back, “How did you know, your eyes were closed. Is that some sort of dragon voodoo?”

He opened his beautiful blue eyes, pinning her to the spot. “You were thinking too hard again.” He smiled and brushed her hair from her face. “Good morning my sweet, did you sleep well?”

She kissed him lightly. “Why, yes, Mr. Drake, I had a warm handsome man here to keep me company all night long.”

He growled at her and flung the blanket over them while she squealed in mock terror.

Sometime later, they lay panting, her head on his chest, him running his hands lazily over her back. “I suppose we should check on the others,” he finally sighed.

Bridget stretched like a cat and yawned. “Mmm. A responsible Sex God.” She giggled .

He pinched her arm and laughed. “You aren’t letting that go, are you?” he teased.

She shook her head no and sighed. “I’m glad the other rooms are on the other side of the house; I’d hate to think we had an audience. But I’m sure we need to get up and feed whoever is still here.” She smelled coffee brewing and added “Although it seems someone has made a start.” They took turns taking a shower and getting dressed.

When they stepped into the breakfast nook, they found Siobhan, Marco, and Gabe sitting at the table, plowing through a stack of pancakes.

Liam was in the kitchen with Jorrie, showing her how to flip a pancake high. They were laughing and standing very close together.

Bridget looked up at Vaughn and smiled.

He shook his head, asking, “Where’s Jack?”

Jorrie answered, “Probably nursing a hangover. You know he’s not his best the morning after.”

“I resemble that remark,” Jack said, coming around the corner, looking a little worse for the wear. He sat down and put his head on the table. “My kingdom for some coffee,” he moaned.

Bridget took pity on him and fixed him a cup, setting it down by his nose.

He inhaled the aroma and sat up, taking her hand. “My darling angel, why don’t you run away with me.” He kissed her hand.

She kissed the top of his head, “You’re engaged, remember?” and walked away to fix herself some tea.

Once everyone was settled at the table, Gabe turned to Vaughn. “Mr. Drake, it’s really nice of you to let us stay here last night. So, thanks for that. I know there’s something going on, and I’m being kept in the dark here, but I’m sure it’s some adult crap that you guys think I’m too young to handle yet, so I’m going to respect that for now. But I need to know, what are your intentions with my mother?”

Jack choked on his coffee, Jorrie grinned at Liam, and Bridget put her head down on the table.

Vaughn, however, took the question seriously. He stood and walked around to Gabe, indicating he should stand as well. “Gabriel, I appreciate your respecting our boundaries on the other matter. Your mother’s main goal is to keep you safe, so that is mine as well. When she deems it necessary for you to know all, you will. Until then, she’s running that show. As to your question about my intentions, well that’s an easier answer. Your mother is a smart, talented, beautiful, amazing woman. So, I’ve taken advantage of that by making her the new VP of VR Integration at Cloud Warrior Gaming.

“I hope you agree that your mother is deserving of happiness in her life as well, so as the man in your household, I’d like to ask your permission to court your mother to see if I can give her that. I’m not going to try to take your father’s place. No man could ever do that. But I hope you will see how much I want to be in your lives in my own special place. So, Mr. Ridgeway. Do my intentions seem clear enough for you? And do I have your permission to date your mother?”

Gabriel stood there for a moment, obviously giving serious consideration to what he’d just heard. Finally, he nodded, but he leaned in close to Vaughn. “Yes sir, I’m okay with you dating my mother, but know this if you hurt her,” he paused, “I’ll sic my Aunt Jorrie on you. And she watches a lot of DateLine. ”

Bridget wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry at the scene before her. The respect Vaughn had shown Gabe, treating him like a man. It was so sweet and thoughtful. Gabe had obviously picked up on Vaughn’s sincerity. The kid had a good BS meter. It was the last line, though; they all burst into laughter.

Jorrie laughed so hard that tears poured down her face. “That’s my Rutabaga!” she shouted.

Gabe mortified, turned and hissed at her, “ Aunt Jorrie !”

This caused her to laugh harder. “I’m sorry, baby.” she gasped. “I’ve raised you well!”

Gabe turned back to Vaughn, shrugging off the embarrassment of the childhood nickname in front of his idols. “Mr. Drake, sir.”

Vaughn held up a hand, “Just call me Drake, Gabe.”

Her son smiled, “Okay, Drake, I was also wondering if we were still on for today? You mentioned letting me and some friends beta test Cloud Warrior-4?” He smiled hopefully.

“Indeed, I did!” Vaughn smiled back. “A promise I intend to keep. I think we said 1:30, right?”

Gabe nodded vigorously.

“Fantastic, that will give us all time to get there and get everything set up. I’ll have some pizza delivered, there’s plenty of drinks in the café, so you guys will be all set. Marco, Siobhan,” he called to his staff, “Can you two run ahead and get things set up for our newest beta testing interns?” he smiled.

Marco grinned, “Fresh meat! Awesome!” and grabbed his jacket and helmet from the bench by the front door. “C’mon Von-Von, I’ll give you a lift.”

Siobhan punched him in the arm. “I told you never to call me that,” she growled, “But I do like your bike.” She threw a wave over her shoulder, “See you there in a bit, Gabe!”

Bridget frowned as she watched Gabe track the slinky girl’s form out the door. “Gabe,” she called to him about to warn him off from the puppy crush he obviously had on her.

Liam walked in front of her and put his arm around Gabe’s shoulders. He winked at Bridget and said, “C’mon man, come help me with the dishes, and I’ll tell you why you’ll never get anywhere mooning after my sister,” as he steered the teen back into the kitchen.

Bridget watched Liam bend his head closer to Gabe and give him some man-to-man talk. She sighed with a little sadness in her eyes.

Vaughn put an arm around her shoulders and his chin on her head. “I’m sorry you’re sad,” he said quietly.

Jorrie rubbed her back.

“I’m not sad.” she sniffed. “Okay, maybe a little, but I’m more grateful. Gabe hasn’t had a solid male role model in his life since his father passed, and I’ve tried filling that void, but I can’t talk to him about girls and flirting. It’s so sweet of you and Liam to help with that. He absolutely adores Liam, you know. He adores you, too.” She looked up at Vaughn.

He smiled, “What about Jack? I know he’s been there for him.”

Jack sighed and gave an exaggerated sashay over. “Well, I gave him great advice about not mixing stripes and patterns, but when it comes to advice about the fairer sex, I’m afraid I much prefer a five o’clock shadow. Although I did teach him how to tackle and throw an uppercut.” Jack laughed. “I know what you mean, though. Gabe needs someone to confide in about that stuff, and gay Uncle Jack wouldn’t be the first choice. I’m not hurt. I know my place.”

He joined the group in a hug, then backed up and clapped. “Now unless you have any hot gay dragons lurking around, I haven’t met yet, I’m going to run home and make sure my fiancé hasn’t abandoned me.” He winked, shook Vaughn’s hand and mimed a phone. “Call me once we are ready to plan Shadow Extinction. They messed with the wrong family.”