Page 17 of The Dragon's Gambit

“Lee, if you live here, too, then we’ll get to spend more time together. That’ll be nice. Being able to see you whenever instead of just when you pop in.” Reiya smiled, looking up at him.

“You want to see me more than you already do?” He chuckled down at her. “You know, if you ever wanted to see me, you only needed to call for me.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t want to bother you,” Reiya said quietly.

“But it’s okay to bother me here since I live here?” Lee looked down at her with a wry smile.

Reiya stood still in his arms. She would be a bother to him if she kept on invading his private time. This was his sanctuary … his home. Maybe she was a burden. “I don’t want to be a bother to you at all, Lee. So just let me know when I’m being one.”

Lee chuckled heartily. “Reiya, I was teasing. You’re not a bother to me at all. You could never be a bother to me.” He tilted her chin up to look into her eyes. “Understand?”

Reiya’s face flushed under his gaze. She was incredibly close to his face. She could feel his breath. Lee was special to her and had been special to her for quite some time. She couldn’t help it … she liked being close to him. He had a way of making her feel better without doing anything. She nodded slightly as she stared back into his eyes. His eyes seemed to flicker as they stared at her, as if there was something going on internally, in his head.

“You smell like Xander.” Lee frowned as he touched the shirt she was wearing and snorted.

“Brody is bringing me my clothes tomorrow.” Reiya giggled and scrunched up her nose.

“Now, are you going to tell me why you’re upset? If it’s about being here, let me know, Reiya. I’ll bring about hell to make Xander change his mind.” Lee meant it, too. He was already upset with Xander over this decision. He felt like the timing wasn’t right.

“I think that this is a good opportunity to try to fix the relationship between fairies, wolves, and dragons, since all four kingdoms have gathered for this event. I’m going to do my best to help my people.” Reiya met his gaze confidently as she smiled.

“Then why are you upset?” Lee was proud of her. She was a born leader, thinking of her people first. Still, there was something bothering her, and that bothered him.

“I think I just … maybe I feel overwhelmed by all the changes. Missing my brothers and stuff, having the weight of my people on my shoulders, and maybe I’m just feeling a bit lonely.” Reiya admitted the last part quietly.

“Reiya, I’m here to help you. I’ll share your burden with you. I can’t fix you not being around your brothers, but Brody will be here tomorrow, and I’m here, too.”

Yeah … of course he would lump himself in with my brothers, because he’s always seen me as a little sister.She knew she wanted him to see her as more than that, though she would just be setting herself up for heartache. She couldn’t help it. He was her first crush. She had come to depend on him and having him as a part of her life. She knew that, once she found her damn mate, all of this would get fixed. She really needed her wolf to break free so she could break free. She wanted to be able to have feelings for her mate and know that it was okay to feel that way.

“Thanks, Lee. It’s just my first night away from everyone. I’ll be fine.” Reiya smiled up at him weakly.

“Do you want me to stay with you?” Lee asked quietly, and then quickly added. “Until you fall asleep, that is.”

Reiya smiled at him. She wouldn’t mind if he stayed with her all night, but until she fell asleep would work too. “Would you? You’re sure it wouldn’t be a problem?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Come on. Let’s get you in bed. Do you want me to tell you a story?”

Reiya swatted at his side playfully. “Quit teasing me. You’re making fun of me.”

“No way … well, maybe a little.” Lee grinned and pulled the blanket over her.

“Will you sit beside me and play with my hair as I go to sleep?” Reiya batted her eyes at him.

“Awful demanding of your summon, aren’t you?” Lee gave her a crooked smile but obliged her, climbing into the bed by her side. “Get some sleep, Reiya. You look tired.”

She snuggled into the warmth beside her. It was like an electric blanket, so warm and cozy. She let herself relax under his soothing touch, feeling content and safe.

Chapter 11 Sleeping with a Man

Reiya woke up as the sun trickled in. She found herself held captive in two large arms and buried in a firm, warm chest. She tilted her head up to see Lee sleeping. She had to admit … it was one of the best night’s sleep she’d had since she left theBlack Ice Pack. She wouldn’t mind sleeping in his invigorating embrace every night. Her heart rate quickened as she realized ... she slept with Lee last night! The butterflies in her stomach swarmed together, and she felt a gentle excitement growing. She felt him stir, and then suddenly his body tensed.

She looked up at him and smiled when she found his shocked eyes looking back at her. “So, does this mean I can say I’ve slept with a man?” Reiya teased coquettishly. She watched as his eyes flickered down at her. There was something unreadable there, but it quickly vanished, and all that was left were his usual warm eyes.

“If you want to say you’ve slept with me, I wouldn’t mind. Heck, it might help keep the boys away. Sorry about this, though. I didn’t mean to fall asleep in your bed.” Lee sat up and cleared his throat.

“It was nice. Honestly, I haven’t slept this well in months. I feel fully rested.” Reiya sat up next to him and watched him smile.

“Must be my protective aura.” Lee gave her a cocky grin and raised his eyebrows slightly.