“You are afraid.” Firestriker’s voice was soft, and she caught a hint of disappointment.
She fought the urge to frown. And argue. Slaves didn’t argue, or frown at their masters.
“Do you fear me?” he asked.
“No master,” she answered automatically. The pleasing answer, the right answer.
“No?” 
“No,” she lied.
He blew out a breath. Amusement? Or irritation? She didn’t dare raise her eyes to his again to find out. 
“Come closer,” he commanded.

Her heart slammed against her ribs and her stomach leapt upward. She sensed him shift in his seat, stretch out and lean back. Legs with bulging muscles filled her vision and her nostrils filled with the scent of the air after a storm. His scent.

She had little time to process how it was possible for a man to smell like rain. Another bulge caught her attention...and held it. His black fitted pants did little to hide his straining erection. Her mind filled with years of training. All the things the managers had forced her to learn—but never experience. Her body reacted of its own accord, with a deep pull at her core and a tingling warmth between her legs.
I do not want to consummate. A deeper part of her mind reminded. She struggled to rein in her wayward desire, but her body was having none of it.

Strong fingers gripped her chin, a gentle touch, but one that demanded no nonsense. He pulled her face up. “Look at me,” he demanded.
“We will have to work on your lying,” he growled softly.


***

A romantic Adventure!
      
Woman. Virgin. Sex slave. Three words that describe Gayriel on the day she is to be sold into service. But words could be deceiving, and so could she. Because there was nothing she wouldn't do to walk the world free, never to suffer a touch she did not desire. She expected it would be difficult, and she expected it would be dangerous—the very act of escape would forfeit her life if she was caught. What she didn't expect was him.
    
Dynarys Firestriker, general of the Amber Aerie guard. Dragon Lord. Half Breed. His very blood is a legacy he must fight to overcome, and slipping a female spy into his enemy's midst is the easiest way to prove himself. But the slave he chooses for the task is anything but easy. Worse, she tempts his beast, a complication he definitely doesn't need. Not with a traitor in his Aerie and one in his delegation. 
     
Can he rein in control long enough to salvage his mission? Does he even want to? They say a dragon's mate is the pinnacle of what it means to love...what of a dragon's slave?

The Dragon's Slave

The trial began outdoors in an open area, dug down beneath the level of the ground in ever shrinking circles.
“A theater,” Tharissa explained from beside Gayriel as they neared one of the four sets of stairs that led downward to the lowest levels. “But it is mostly used for sparring and everyone cal...

CHAPTER 24