Chapter 33

DIMITRI

A few hours before dinner, I make a spur-of-the-moment decision to bring Valkyrie back to my room. She left me in a state of arousal earlier, and I’m determined to get her back.

I can tell she’s scared. She’s never had sex before, and that’s why I’ve been so patient with her.

When I discovered she was a virgin, I was taken aback, even a little frightened, because I’m not exactly gentle. I didn’t want to hurt her. A woman like her, so innocent, has no idea what a man like me is capable of.

We can be rough, even cruel in our passion. But I’ve been restraining myself for too long, and it’s getting harder to keep control.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself as I get dressed. I want her so badly it physically hurts that I didn’t take her earlier.

My body craves her, and it’s starting to get on my nerves. But then it hits me: maybe I’m falling for her. Maybe that’s why I can keep myself in check.

My father used to say that when we truly fall in love, we can do things we never thought possible. That we can learn. But am I really learning anything?

I shake off my thoughts and approach her door. Am I really going to do this?

With a newfound resolve, I enter her room. I don’t wait for her to invite me in. I just barge in. Valkyrie looks up in surprise as I stride in and scoop her up.

Her screams only make me grin. This was a good decision. I carry her all the way back to my room, her small fists pounding against my back.

I kick the door open and toss her onto the bed. A small yelp escapes her lips, and her brow furrows in confusion.

I smile at her, but Valkyrie just stares back at me.

I take a moment to gather my thoughts, then look down at her. “I’m only going to say this once, so listen up,” I command. “I want you. I know this is new for both of us, but Valkyrie, I can’t hold back any longer.

“I’ve been patient for too long out of respect for you. But I’ve realized something… I don’t want to lose you,” I confess, hoping she understands.

Maybe I’m asking too much, but I want her and I feel a connection to her. Maybe she doesn’t feel the same way. But I hope she’ll at least give me a chance.

I hear Valkyrie sigh. Not waiting for her response, I lean in and kiss her. Our lips meld together. She tries to push me away, but I don’t let her.

Wanting to feel her closer, my hand slides down her waist and pulls her against me. She moans as my touch affects her. I slip my tongue between her lips, exploring her sweet mouth.

Just kissing her is enough to arouse me. Her warm breath against my skin makes me want to devour her. I deepen the kiss, my hand roaming up and down her body. She shivers under my touch. With one final kiss, I pull away.

Her blue and yellow eyes meet mine. Panting, Valkyrie looks at me, her gaze intense.

I plead with her one last time. I wait for her response. I don’t know if I’ve convinced her, but now I’m worried. She raises her hand and gently strokes my face.

I’m taken aback. Her warm hand moves across my face, causing a strange sensation in my chest. After a moment, Valkyrie whispers, “Okay.”

I smile, nodding obediently, and rest my head against her neck. I’m so happy I want to kiss her again, but I restrain myself.

I relax, and I feel Valkyrie relax too. Once her breathing evens out, I know she’s fallen asleep.

I lift my head and drop my arm to the side. I gaze at her red lips, slightly parted as she sleeps peacefully.

Her fiery red hair is spread out over the sheets. She looks beautiful, even in disarray.

I let my eyes wander over her body. I’m eager to explore her. Careful not to wake her, I start by kissing her cheek, then her neck.

I leave a trail of soft kisses. Valkyrie stirs slightly. I pause, waiting.

She doesn’t wake up. I continue, kissing her again, focusing on certain spots. Valkyrie moans softly as she shifts slightly.

I reach for her leg, sliding my hand under her dress to caress her thigh. Her soft, pale skin is warming under my touch.

This is one of the things I love about being a dragon. When we’re aroused, our skin gets warmer. It’s a comforting sensation.

I smile, looking up at her face. I’m close to her chest. I untie the front of her dress and lower my lips to her breasts, kissing first one, then the other.

I suck on her hardened nipple, kissing the area around it. A moan slips from Valkyrie’s lips as I continue to tease her in her sleep.

I flick her left nipple, kissing and sucking a bit harder. Then, I lower my mouth and suck on the side of her breast. But I stop when I feel a hand in my hair. Is Valkyrie awake?

I look up and see she’s still asleep. It seems I’m giving her a wet dream. Smirking, I gently blow on her nipple, causing her to shiver. I lower myself and continue.

Maybe I’m crossing a line by doing this, but I want to see more of her reactions. Her small, pale face twists as my lips move down to her stomach.

I don’t remove her dress, but my lips wander there. I chuckle softly, deciding it’s best to stop. I hover over her body, kissing her breast one last time before retying her dress.

Just as I finish, Valkyrie stretches and opens her eyes. One blue eye and one golden one meet mine. She blushes slightly. I lower my gaze, turning away with a smile.

“Did I fall asleep?” Valkyrie asks, stretching again.

“Yes, you should rest some more,” I suggest, grabbing a shirt. “I’ll come get you for dinner.”

I need to leave. I’m struggling to hold back my laughter and hide my arousal. I close the double doors behind me and lean against them, letting out a loud sigh.

“Need a hand with that?” Leo’s voice startles me as I open my eyes and see him standing there.

“What?” I questioned.

“That,” Leo gestured towards my pants. “It’s gotta be uncomfortable, right?”

“Shut up,” I retorted, turning my back to him.

“Hold on, hold on,” Leo insisted, gripping my shoulders. “You gotta tell me why you haven’t slept with Valkyrie. I would’ve been in bed with her by now,” he said, earning a growl from me.

“Watch your mouth! You’re speaking about your queen,” I snapped.

Leo raised his hands in surrender and took a step back. “Sorry, my king,” he apologized, letting out a sigh. “But seriously, why are you holding back?”

“Because she’s a virgin,” I spat out, nodding at an elder who walked past us. Leo stopped dead in his tracks, staring at me in disbelief. His mouth hung open.

“Hold on!” Leo whispered harshly, pulling me closer by my arm. “You’re saying she’s a virgin?”

“Which part didn’t you get?” I asked, trying to shake off his grip. “Can you let go?”

“No way, you gotta explain this. Does Damian know?” Leo questioned.

I grabbed him by his shirt, slamming him against a wall. “What does Damian have to do with this?” I growled.

“He’s your brother?” Leo suggested, shrugging. He glanced around before looking back at me. “You do know virgins are our strength, right? And, well, we can share mates.”

He was right, we could share mates, but I had no intention of doing so, even if she could have more. I’d rather kill the person than let anyone else touch her.

“You keep your mouth shut. Got it? If Damian finds out, I’ll slit your throat,” I warned Leo. “I’m just respecting her. I’ve never been with a virgin,” I added, walking away from him.

“But you’ve slept with plenty of women, humans, elves, dragons, and anything else that walks and has boobs and a butt,” Leo pointed out. “So why not Valkyrie? What makes her different?”

“I’m showing her respect, okay? She’s not experienced in this. And you know we can be beasts in bed. I don’t want that for her,” I explained, irritation creeping into my voice. “Just stop asking.”

“Never thought I’d hear the king say that,” Leo mused, patting my back. “I should give you a gold coin when you and Valkyrie finally do it.”

I growled at him and Leo laughed, darting away. I muttered a curse under my breath. I was truly respecting her. Why couldn’t he understand that?