Water Dragon (The Bride Hunt Book 2) by Charlene Hartnady Page A

need so great that—”
    “Okay, I get it.” Her voice shook just a little, which made his mouth twitch and his eyes crinkle a little at the edges. He found her reaction to his words humorous.
    “Believe it or not, I want more than just sex. I want to get to know you. I want to be reasonable about this because, as my mate, you are my equal. I really want you to give this a chance. I’m willing to discuss it.”
    He’d turned down the advances of another woman. He was trying to be nice, well, sort of. She got the feeling that this was being nice for a guy like Torrent. “If that is true, then I want to negotiate one other thing aside from the no sex rule.”
    “It’s not a rule.” He frowned. “A rule would indicate that sex is off the table. I want us to rut. Ideally right now and in as many positions as possible.” He swallowed, causing his throat to work.
    Oh flip! Those crass words were affecting her. She felt overheated, her heart was beating out of her chest and her palms were sweaty.
    “However…” A deep purr. “I understand that you need time and space. I gave it some thought. It would be best if you initiated sexual contact. I will avoid doing so. You tell me what you want, when you want it and how you want it and I will oblige. It would be my pleasure and yours.” His gaze moved back to her mouth and he inhaled deeply.
    This was different. It was also not something she was used to. Normally her ‘dates’ dictated when and how they wanted it. This was new and refreshing. Not that she was going to actually take him up on it. “Okay… fine. We’re mated, so even though I’m not fully onboard, I agree to give this thing a try. I agree to at least getting to know you a bit better but without the pressure of sex.” What did she have to lose? It’s not like there was much for her back home and Torrent intrigued her. He was multilayered, that was for sure.
    He nodded and seemed to relax. Torrent moved off of her and went to sit on the edge of the bed, finally giving her some room to breathe.
    Candy pulled herself into a sitting position, she smoothed down her sweatshirt and tucked her legs underneath herself.
    Torrent twisted his body so that he was facing her. “You said that there is something you wish to negotiate.”

    * * *
    C andy nodded .
    Her big blue eyes were focused on him. She picked some lint off of her baggy sweatshirt. He wished he could rip the garment from her body.
    Note to self, procure some proper fitting human clothing and as a matter of extreme urgency.
    Her agreeing to stay with him was a major breakthrough. They were actually communicating. Excitement coursed through him. It was just a matter of time before she sought to have her needs met. He could scent that she was aroused even though he had barely touched her.
    How bad could her requirements be? If it meant her staying with him, he would grant them in a heart beat. How bad could they possibly be?
    She licked her lips and took a deep breath. Why was she stalling? He didn’t like it. Candy finally looked him in the eyes. “It doesn’t matter that we are… mated.”
    Yes, it did ! He didn’t say anything. He needed to give her an opportunity to talk first. She seemed to struggle with the notion. Although he had never spent any extended time with humans, he had plenty of experience with them. Those that wanted more after one night were normally running away from something. Most were happy with just the sex. There were also those that were somewhere in-between.
    “I don’t see us in that way. As mates.” She licked her lips. “It’s just too soon. I think it’s too soon to live with you, even if the situation is temporary.”
    He growled softly at her words, he couldn’t help it. It’s not temporary! He grit his jaw to keep himself from saying it out loud.
    “You might not like it but it’s how I feel. I’m willing to meet you half way by staying here but I can’t share a bed with you.”
    It was bad.
    Really