Page 43 of Dragon Mine (Dragon Kings 2)
There was no way she could refuse. She wanted it too badly.
Vaughn walked closer, his blue eyes catching her gaze. “We could remain here for the rest of the day.”
Eurwen’s heart leapt at the idea. She didn’t have to worry about Brandr walking in or what he might say because he wouldn’t know any of it. This trip was a holiday of sorts for her. She could forget who she was, the responsibilities she had, and who wanted answers. For now, it was all about what she wanted.
And that was a glorious thing.
“No one will miss us,” Vaughn said in a whisper as his hands came to rest on her hips, and his head began to lower.
She lifted her face to his, needing his kiss more than she was willing to admit—even to herself. While she was at Dreagan, she would let herself feel everything for Vaughn instead of locking it away. Accepting and acknowledging it had a profound effect on her.
His lips pressed against hers, firm and insistent. She placed her hands on his chest and leaned against him as she sank into the kiss. Desire heated her blood as his arms slowly wound around her and pulled her tightly against him. His tongue slid between her lips to duel with hers. She felt his arousal against her stomach, making her sex clench in need.
A knock sounded, interrupting them.
Vaughn groaned as he ended the kiss and pressed his forehead to hers. “This better be life or death.”
Eurwen couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s fine.”
“It isn’t.” He lifted his head, a frown marring his face.
“It is,” she assured him.
When he turned to the door, Eurwen realized that she hadn’t decided how much time she would spend at Dreagan. However, she didn’t expect to spend more than one night. Any longer, and Brandr would likely start a search for her. That meant Eurwen really only had that day and night of freedom.
She winced when she thought of it as freedom. Sharing duties with Brandr on Zora wasn’t a punishment. She considered it an honor. But…this pull that Vaughn had on her was impossible to resist, even if it did anger her brother.
Vaughn opened the door. His lips flattened as he stared at whoever stood in the corridor. “We’ll be out shortly.”
“Right,” replied a sultry voice with an American accent. “We both know that’s a lie.”
Eurwen watched as a beautiful woman with curly, shoulder-length blond hair and hazel eyes pushed past Vaughn. The woman was dressed immaculately in couture, from her Chanel earrings and necklace to her Jimmy Choo shoes.
“Eilish didn’t lie. You’re stunning,” the woman said. “I’m Alexandra, by the way. My friends call me Alex.”
Eurwen glanced at Vaughn to see him rolling his eyes. She returned her gaze to Alex. “I’m Eurwen.”
“I’m sorry for intruding. I know both of you want some alone-time, but a lot of people are dying to meet you.”
Vaughn walked to Eurwen, his lips twisting. “We’d better go down before they come up here.”
Alex stopped Eurwen before she could walk out. “I’m not sure how long you’re staying, but we do girls’ days as often as we can. We’d love for you to join us if you’d like.”
“That sounds like fun.” And it did. More than Eurwen would have guessed. The invitation thrilled her.
A lot.
It must have shown on her face because as they walked from the room, Vaughn leaned down and said, “Of course, they want to spend time with you.”
“I wouldn’t know what to do.”
He winked at her. “Sure, you would.”
They followed Alex down the stairs, where another group waited. Eurwen went through, meeting Dragon Kings and mates. The Kings she knew, and some of the mates she recognized, but it was nice to meet them officially.
Everyone was nice. And she noted many accents—American, British, Scottish, Romanian, and even Greek. Everyone wore smiles. Happiness and love were in abundance at Dreagan. Somehow, she hadn’t thought about any of that when she thought of Dreagan. She should have, though.
Just because she carried around so much hate and anger didn’t mean others did. Being at Dreagan and meeting everyone had opened her eyes to that and much more. She couldn’t wait to tell Brandr. He wouldn’t believe her, not until he saw it for himself—if she could ever get him to Dreagan.
Eurwen had no idea how long she talked to the Kings and mates before Vaughn finally called a halt to it and led her away to the library. He closed the doors behind them and blew out a loud sigh.
“Thank you,” she said with a grateful smile.
“I knew you’d be a hit.”
His grin made her stomach flutter. “I’m a curiosity.”
“Doona sell yourself short.”
She sank onto the Chesterfield sofa and dropped her head back. “I’m Con and Rhi’s daughter. That’s all this is.”
“It wouldna matter whose daughter you were. You’re one of us.” He pushed away from the door and strode to her, a small frown furrowing his brows. “I hope you realize that.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know anyone here. I barely know you. What little time I’ve spent on this realm has been to observe mortals. And since I stick with the dragons and my brother on Zora, I don’t have anything to compare it to.”
“Then learn from those here.”
“I’m not going to live here,” she said as she lifted her head.
Vaughn shrugged and sank onto the cushion beside her. “I’m no’ saying live here, but you could visit. Often.”
“Do you remember ruling your clan?”
“Of course,” he stated, slightly offended.
She shifted to face him. “Did you like leaving them?”
