Her Dragon (Book 2 of The Circle Series)

CHAPTER 14: YOUR MAJESTY

AMADEO

“I know you’re new to this, but we have assistants for a reason.” Fintan’s voice grates on my nerves. Light and airy, it’s a sharp contrast to the white dragon’s maniacal personality.

“I didn’t think they were necessary to discuss matters of a personal nature.”

He’s silent on the other end, and I know his mind is racing.

He once sat on the Pearl Throne and was greatly respected and feared. Now he’s become increasingly antagonistic, but he was my father’s closest friend and that’s the only reason I’ve tolerated him all these years. He’s also the only one of the four Elders to openly oppose me taking Ignacio’s place, and the thought of working with him for the next few centuries irritates me greatly.

“Let me check my schedule,” he responds coolly.

The rest of the ride is silent. Valentina has angled her body away from me. Her heart rate has finally slowed down, but she’s still angry. Shoulders tense, she stares out the window.

“Why are we here?” She motions to the various boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

“To buy you something to wear for tonight.”

“No.” Her voice is flat.

“You know how I feel about that word.”

She shrugs and I sigh. “I understand that you're upset, but you’re not supposed to enjoy punishment.”

Her eyes narrow to challenge me. “Maybe I’ll punish you. Let’s see how you like it.”

I laugh, a deep roaring laugh, and my perfect mate frowns. “You’ve been punishing me since the day we met by keeping your distance, but I do the same, and you’re angry now? That’s not fair, and I warned you.” I move across the seat and close the distance between us.

“Silly me. I somehow thought I decide what to do with my body. Not you. I wonder where I got that notion?”

“Did you know orgasm denial heightens pleasure through obedience and submission?” Her eyebrows get lost in her hair at the mention of submission. “It can result in stronger, more intense orgasms.”

I lean forward and take her mouth before she can refute anything, nipping at her bottom lip for a little taste. When I pull back, her eyes have turned soft, and her slightly red lips are wet and begging for me to take them again.

“Don’t try to distract me,” she says sternly, trying to scoot away, but there’s nowhere for her to go. She’s up against her door already. “I’m upset with you.”

I'm the one who’s distracted by her. “There’s a lot we have to learn about each other and what we like. Let’s talk more about it tonight.”

“I think we should talk about it now. Or are you embarrassed that your driver will hear?”

“Not much embarrasses me, especially not my tastes, but I have a nice evening planned for us, and we’re on a bit of a schedule.”

“Does your personal taste just involve orgasm denial, or are you also into violent s*x?”

I curse silently. Witches are progressive when it comes to s*x. They’re just as comfortable with nudity and sexuality as other shifters, but you mention submission and control and many people get ideas of pain, whips and chains.

“Pain and pleasure can very well be combined, but it requires emotional maturity, self-awareness, and communication to make it safe and mutually gratifying. I mainly like using restraints.” She waits for me to continue with her hands clasped in her lap. “I derive pleasure from seeing men or women tied up.”

“You’ve been with men?”

“Does that bother you?”

“No, not at all. Why would it?” She’s quiet for a few minutes. I try to catch her thoughts, but her block is up. “I’m not sure I want to be tied up. I don't like the idea of being immobile and helpless.”

“I never want you to feel helpless when we’re together. If we communicate properly, we’ll both enjoy it. If you don’t feel comfortable, we’ll stop. I’ve already restrained you a few times.” She’s about to protest, but I continue quickly. “Pinning your hands above your head, asking you to put your palms against the wall, and using a belt are ways to keep you restrained, and you seemed to enjoy yourself on all those occasions.”

Understanding fills her eyes, and she blushes so prettily. Then her head snaps to me, and her expression turns serious.

“I’m not calling you Daddy.”

I laugh loudly, but she’s not amused. “Who said anything about that?”

She shrugs. It seems like my witch might know more than she lets on. “I’m not calling you Master either. That’s just weird.”

“I prefer Deo or Sir when we’re alone anyway.”

She nods a few times. “I think I can deal with all of that…”

My d**k twitches at her admission.

“But?”

“But I can buy something else for tonight if you don’t think what I have is nice enough. I don’t need you to buy me clothes.”

Bondage and punishment are okay, but spoiling her is where she draws the line.

“You could wear a dirty sack, and it would look phenomenal, and it’s not a matter of your taste.” I smile at her, and her body relaxes a bit. “I told you before. I like doing things for you.”

Her eyes search mine for a few seconds. “Your money makes me uncomfortable.”

I’ve figured as much, she’s a proud woman but she will have to get used to it because I plan on taking care of her for the rest of our lives.

“I’ve already conceded a lot. Give me this. One outfit.”

“Define outfit.”

“A dress, shoes, and a purse.”

She shakes her head. “Just a dress.”

“A dress and shoes.” I don’t even know why I’m arguing with her.

“One dress and whatever else you have planned for tonight, which I know you’re going to insist on paying for,” she counters.

“Fine,” I mumble. She leans up against me, kisses me quickly on the lips, and gives me the biggest smile I’ve seen on her yet.

That right there. That’s why I allow this back and forth that I would never entertain from anyone else. We just spent time talking about submission, but she has me wrapped around her finger, and it’s only a matter of time before she figures it out, if she hasn’t already.

.

.

.

VALENTINA

Obedience and submission.

Those words together would normally rile up the feminist in me, but for some reason they have an opposite effect coming from him.

What a mind f**k.

Even now, an hour later, my body has not stopped thrumming with need. Combine that with the fact that I didn’t finish earlier, and I’m one thigh rub away from soaking my underwear for the second time today.

If Amadeo notices, he doesn’t say anything. He’s too busy playing the role of the ideal boyfriend. Women are looking at me enviously because of how attentive and charming he is, and I’m not going to lie, I love it.

Not only does Amadeo have great taste, but he also has an eye for precisely what is flattering on my body. Everything he picks looks surprisingly good,

On the way back, we stop at a tapas bar to pick up a bocadillo de tortilla, a delicious potato omelet sandwich.

“I’m surprised you ordered a Coca-Cola. They’re not good for you, you know.” He teases, watching me eat in the limo.

Coca-Cola. What a European thing to say.

“I rarely see the glass bottles back home.” I lift the bottle and look at the label. “And Coke is my guilty pleasure. I love it more than coffee.”

“Noted.” He grins. “It was supposedly first invented here in Valencia in the late 1800s. It was patented, but the custom at the time was only to accept patents when the product was popular. So it wasn’t registered until almost two decades after the U.S.”

“I did not know that.”

When the car finally stops minutes later, at the bottom of a hill, I’m stunned by the view of a medieval fortified castle with rows upon rows of stairs that lead to multiple towers. The driver takes out my luggage and the garment bag with my new dress and wheels them over to a man and woman.

Dragons. Older than Amadeo, but nowhere near as powerful.

“Deo…” I stare in awe at the view. “The Tribunal has me staying here?”

“This is my ancestral home, Valentina.” Amadeo fails to hide his amusement. “You’re staying with me.”

My breath catches in my throat. He explained his parents were king and queen of the Onyx Throne. How the rule of succession meant the crown would have bypassed his sister and gone to him when his brother died, but he did not explain that he technically is a king and lives like one. I guess he figured that was self-explanatory.

He grabs my hand and motions to the couple. “Manuel and Inés have been with me since I was a dragonling.” They step forward and bow. “They speak English and will get you whatever you want. Manuel runs my wing of the palace, and Inés is in charge of my kitchen.” She looks at him adoringly, but when her eyes land on me, there’s nothing but coldness in them. “If there’s anything you want to eat for the week, let her know.”

“It’s nice to meet you both.” I offer my hand, but their heads are still lowered. I look to Amadeo for guidance, but he remains silent, so I give them both a small smile and a nod.

“Manuel, bring her bags to my room immediately.”

“Si, Su Majestad.” (Yes, your Majesty)

The first thing that catches my attention inside is a large chandelier reminiscent of something hanging in an opera house or a ballroom. I can’t wait to explore this place.

“Another time,” he says. I was too captivated by the entrance to notice I didn’t have my block up. “We have to get out of here in an hour. Can you manage?” He pulls me along past the magnificent staircases and towards an elevator.

“You haven’t told me where we’re going, your Majesty,” I shoot him a sideways glance and he groans but doesn’t answer.

We rush past life-size portraits, sculptures, and gold mirrors scattered throughout different hallways until we finally stop at double-arched wooden doors.

Amadeo’s phone beeps, and he looks at it with a scowl. “I have to make a call in my office.” He points down the hall. “Manuel should be up soon.” He walks away before I can reply, his shoulders slightly tense and head bowed, probably texting.

I run my hand over the ornate carvings of the door, hesitating to enter. I thought I was staying in a hotel, not sharing his room. I didn’t think anything of it when he was in mine, but this feels different, more intimate.

It’s just a bedroom. I try to tell myself to walk right in, but my instincts are on high alert. This room is more than just a place to sleep for the week. I can feel it.

“Allow me to open that and bring in your things,” Manuel calls out from down the hallway.

Usually, I would smugly do it myself now, but I’m grateful he’s here. It’s just a room, I repeat. Except when I step inside, I realize it’s not.

Holy hell.

The room is easily three times the size of my own. The black and gold marble walls ooze opulence, as do the black velvet couches and the impressively large bed. The mini-bar, fireplace, and bay window that would make the perfect reading nook are lavish as well.

“Is it to your liking, my lady?” I face him, taking in his appearance for the first time. Leaner than Amadeo but still well built, Manuel looks to be about 6 feet. His long, dark auburn hair is kept neatly secured in a ponytail at the nape of his neck, and his eyes are warm and friendly even though he isn’t smiling. “I can rearrange the furniture however you wish. I can even have a vanity set installed for you to get ready, perhaps?”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Very well. Can I put my number in your phone? I anticipate we will be spending some time together. His Royal Highness has been quite busy as of late with work affairs.”

When I don’t pull my phone out right away, he adds. “Unless you want to spend time with my cousin, Inés?” He raises his eyebrows, and a grin spreads across his face. His amber eyes crinkle.

I unlock and hand over my phone, and his smile grows larger. “Is it just the two of you who work here?”

He hesitates. “No. Our staff is on vacation.”

“All at the same time?”

His eyes widen when he realizes he’s said too much. “Yes. I must take my leave now. Enjoy your evening.” He gives me my phone and walks towards the door.

“Manuel? Did he do that for me? Give them all time off?”

“His Majesty wanted to make sure you were comfortable. I hope you don’t mind, but he shared a bit about your background. He wants you to enjoy yourself fully while you’re here. He wasn’t sure how you would respond to all of this.” He bows.

It was perceptive of Amadeo to realize a castle full of servants would make me uncomfortable. But, goddess, this whole thing feels awkward, really.

I’m in a castle with an elevator, servants, and titles.

A castle!

“I’m sorry if that’s created more work for you.” No wonder Inés wasn’t happy with me.

“Not at all, my lady.”

“Do you happen to know where he’s taking me tonight?”

“That’s a surprise.” He winks before leaving.

I scan the room, and my eyes land on Amadeo’s nightstand. While the average person keeps a lamp or some books there, this fool has a heap of jewels.

I grab a ruby and lift it towards the light. Even though I live more frugally now, I grew up comfortably and with nice things because of my grandmother's position in the coven. I even own quite a bit of her jewelry, but this is something else entirely. I’ve never seen anything like it, such a blatant display of wealth.

I turn my attention to his bed. The head is carved intricately, much like the door, but the designs and styles are different. I smooth out the black comforter with both my hands and freeze.

A naked, buxom blonde is against the headboard. Knees bent and legs wide, her lustful eyes stare at me, and I don’t know why, but I immediately hate her. The foreign emotion burns my insides, and bile rises in my throat.

I blink away the vision, and a sickening feeling forms in the pit of my stomach as I walk to the bathroom. His black and gold marble theme continues here, and it’s just as luxurious as the bedroom. He even has a small chandelier above the toilet.

Once I figure out how to work it, I take a quick body shower using the shower gel that smells like Amadeo and put on the dress he bought. I would’ve never chosen it, but the mustard color looks good against my skin. It’s form-fitting until right above my knees, where it flares out until halfway down my calves, making me look extra curvy.

My thoughts turn back to the woman in my vision. Is that what he likes? I work hard on my body and I have curves and great breasts, but not like her. She would spill out of this dress.

This is ridiculous.

I don’t do the jealousy thing ever, and I refuse to start now. Busty blondie might even be dead by now. With that thought, I apply some make-up and then focus on my hair. I do a trick Anessa taught me by putting my hair in a high ponytail. It takes half the time to curl and still looks good.

I’m tempted to leave it up, but Amadeo likes my hair down and messy. So I separate the curls and flip my hair a few times for extra volume, and a bit of a sexy bedhead look. All that’s left to do is fix the front pieces when he walks in.

His hungry eyes rake over my body through the mirror, and I let mine roam as well. He’s dressed in a brown blazer, matching pants, and a crisp white dress shirt unbuttoned quite a bit to reveal a thick gold chain.

He slides his hands up my hips and rests them on my waist. “Are you ready, hermosa? (beautiful)” he gives my shoulder blade a light peck then plants hot kisses up to my neck. I can’t do anything but nod. “I’m sorry I was away from you for so long,” he murmurs against my skin. He sucks on a sensitive spot, and I shiver. I can feel his smile as he continues to send jolts of pleasure coursing through my body with his wicked mouth. He lifts my hair and makes his way to the back of my neck, giving the spot a lot of attention. He always ends up there, I’ve noticed.

“You smell like me.” He groans and pushes his bulge against my ass, forcing me against the sink. I push back, wiggling a bit. His growl is guttural, fueling my desire, and my movements become bolder.

What is it with us and bathrooms?

He grazes the spot above my spine with his teeth and then gently bites down. I freeze.

A bite, harder than the one he just gave, pierces my skin. Amadeo is lapping up blood with his tongue, and a black tattoo with hints of red spreads down my back. I can’t make out the design, but it’s intricate.

I spin around to face him as the vision clears—two visions in an hour. I knew the energy in the room was potent, but this is rare even for me. My heart beats wildly in my chest while he stares at me with so much passion and an emotion that has no business on his face. It’s much too soon for it.

“Deo, what’s-“

His mouth claims mine, my words dying on his lips. I immediately wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze him tightly, but it’s not enough. I want more. I want to mold every inch of me to every inch of him. And I’m absolutely terrified. Of my feelings, of what I just saw. Everything.

“We should go. We’re going to be late.” A low whine leaves my mouth when he breaks the kiss.

“Let’s be late then.” I surprise us both with my words as I run my hands up his chest and clutch his shirt. He chuckles.

I didn’t realize crossing the Atlantic put us in an alternate universe where he is the one who ruins all the fun.

“Patience, mi cielo.” He smiles. “I want to show you my city as well as give you all the pleasure your body can handle, and some. Let me do both.” He reaches into his pocket and dangles a necklace between us. The gold rope chain holds a citrine gemstone.“Citrines are the color of honey, just like your eyes. It’s fitting that this was the first thing I stole as a dragonling.” He stares at the stone, admiring it in his palm. “I showed it to everyone and anyone who would listen for weeks,” he explains proudly. “The chain belongs to me as well, a personal favorite style of mine. I had my jeweler do a marquise cut with the stone to make it more modern-looking.”

My heart beats uncontrollably, and he must sense my panic as I step away from him. Dragons don’t share from their hoard, especially not their first treasure. Everyone knows this.

“It’s okay. If it’s too much, it’s okay.” He places the necklace on the sink.

I can’t handle the dejected look on his face. I quickly unclasp the necklace I’m wearing and slide his ring off the chain. My heart continues to pound so loudly, I can hear it in my ears. I reach for his hand and slide his ring on his thumb and kiss it.

“I love the feel of this against my skin whenever you touch me. Wear it for me, and I’ll wear this necklace.”

His dragon eyes blaze, and I know I did something right, but that doesn’t stop the panic in my chest.

This is all happening too fast.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.A/N:

This was a particularly long chapter. I debated separating it into two parts but ultimately felt that it should all stay together.

So what did you think? We learned quite a bit about Deo today like where he lives and what he likes ;) I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Head on over to my group page Gianna Coppola Books or @_gcoppola_ to see a short video I've put together of the aesthetic for the next few chapters.