The Billionaire Dragon's Secret Son (Howls Romance) Read online

  “I want you,” he whispered in her ear, his teeth nipping her earlobe and then sucking it in.

  She wanted him too, but the words were stuck in her throat. Losing his hard length, she began to undo her jeans, her fingers unable to cooperative because her brain was a jumbled mess of need. All she could think about was George being inside her, of reliving that night in its entirety.

  He gave a sigh of exasperation, and pushed her hands aside, making short work of her clothes. Once she was naked before him, he lifted her so her head was on the pillow, and then he drank her body in, stroking her soft skin, watching her reaction to his trust with wonder.

  “I want to kiss every part of you. I want to lick every inch of you, and I want to suck...”

  She got his meaning, but right now, she wanted him to fuck a part of her. “Shut up, and fuck me.”

  His eyes flared green, and he moved, deliberate and slow, his hands brushing her skin, inflaming her desire, his chest rubbing against her nipples, as he nestled his body between her thighs. Poppy eased her legs apart, opening for him, and he drew two fingers along the length of her sex, and then teased her clit, until she squirmed beneath him.

  “I don’t know if I like my woman giving me orders,” he said silkily as he stroked her, pushing his fingers just deep enough to tease her to the point of insanity.

  “Do you want me to beg?” she asked, pushing her body down so his fingers pushed deeper.

  “Maybe,” he replied.

  “Fuck me, you big bad dragon,” she said, pouting.

  He threw his head back and laughed. At the same time, he guided his shaft inside her, thrusting hard and deep, impaling her completely.

  She groaned as he stretched her, the muscles of her sex not used to such an invasion. This spurred George on, and he ground into her, his hips circling as he stretched her further. He took her, slowly and forcefully, to the edge of her orgasm, his mouth nursing on her breasts, then whispering in her ear, telling her everything he was going to do to her before this night ended.

  As her orgasm crashed into her, and George filled her with his seed, she had no doubt he would live up to his promise, and she could not wait. She would no longer need to dream about her dragon; he was here inside her, and she was where she belonged.

  Chapter Twelve – George

  He felt the loss of her, and opened his eyes, reaching for her. She wasn’t there.

  George sat up, his senses roaming the room. Maybe she had gone to the bathroom, but the door stood slightly ajar, and there was no hint of movement.

  His heart thumped in his chest as he swung his legs off the side of the bed, grabbed a pair of sweatpants, and pulled them on as he headed out of the door. Moving silently to the top of the stairs, he stood and listened: was she downstairs? Maybe she couldn't sleep and needed some tea.

  “Shh, it’s OK, sweetheart.”

  His head snapped around. He had overreacted, she was in Charlie’s bedroom. His blood chilled, had she got what she wanted, sex with a dragon? Did she hope to conceive his child in one coupling just as she had before, and was preparing to leave?

  “I’ll get you some water.”

  He heard the creak of the bed as she got up, and moved to intercept her. As she left Charlie’s room, her face was pale. “He’s got a fever.” Poppy’s big blue eyes looked up at him.

  “What can I do?” George asked quickly.

  “He needs medicine to calm the fever.”

  “I’ll see what’s in the medicine cabinet,” George said, although he hardly ever got sick, so the supplies were going to be scant.

  “I need medicine for a child,” she said gently, then dragged her hand through her tangled hair. “We had a first-aid kit with everything we needed in an emergency back at the cabin.”

  “But it’s all still there,” George said gently.

  Poppy brushed a tear away, and then her finger went to the ring on her finger, which she twisted back and forth. “I don’t have anything.”

  Poppy didn’t just mean medicine. “I’ll fly to this cabin of yours when Charlie is better and get everything you need.”

  She looked up at him, her eyes widening, then her breath quickening. “You mean as a dragon?”

  “Yes.” He nodded.

  “Thank you, but right now... can I borrow some money? I can run out to the drugstore if you watch Charlie.”

  “No.” He brushed her hair back from her face, and felt her skin, she felt hot too. Maybe it was from her worry. “I’ll go.”

  “Thank you,” she said, and placed her head on his chest. “He’s never been this sick before.”

  George stepped back from her, and ran down the stairs two at a time, calling, “I’ll be back in half an hour.”

  ***

  It took longer. He had never had to do a run to a drugstore in the middle of the night before. The two stores he knew of were closed, and so he’d had to drive further, relying on Google to guide him there.

  As he waited for the gates of the mansion to open, he cursed their slowness, but didn’t forget to check his rearview mirror as he drove inside. His head of security was going to come over tomorrow and make some adjustments to the security system. George was going to ask Poppy to meet with him, but not if Charlie was ill.

  He parked the car, and let himself in, walking quickly along the hallway, up the stairs and then into Charlie's room, where Poppy was sitting on her side of the bed, holding his hand. Charlie had a cold towel pressed to his forehead, and his face was flushed red.

  “Here.” He passed her the medicine and watched anxiously as she read the instructions.

  “Thanks, this should work.” Poppy opened the bottle and measured out the correct dose. “Here, Charlie bear, open wide.”

  “Does it taste bad?” he asked.

  “No, it’s strawberry flavor,” she reassured him. “And it will make you feel better.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  “Yes, honey. It will, I promise.”

  Charlie opened his mouth and took the medicine, pulling a face, and saying, “It’s all sugary.”

  “It is, it’s as sweet as my Charlie bear,” Poppy said.

  “I love you, Mommy.”

  “I love you too,” Poppy said, taking the towel off his forehead and replacing it with a kiss. “I’ll go wet this for you.”

  “I’ll do it,” George said, taking it from her.

  “Thanks.” Poppy smiled, but looked scared.

  George went to the bathroom and wet the towel, wringing it out before taking it back to Charlie. He handed it to Poppy, and as she turned to him, he put his hand to her forehead. “You are burning up too.”

  Poppy put the cold towel on Charlie’s forehead and then put her hands on her cheeks. “I’ll be OK, it’s just the worry.”

  “Poppy. I’m going to get you some water, and I want you to take some medicine too.” He knelt down by her side. “And then you need to get some rest. You will be no good to Charlie if you exhaust yourself.”

  She nodded, and he went downstairs to fetch some ice-cold water and medicine. By the time he came back upstairs, she looked worse.

  “Lie down next to Charlie,” he ordered.

  Poppy obediently got up, and moved around to the other side of the double bed, and climbed in wearily. He lifted the covers and she slid under them, but George did not pull them right up to her chin. Handing her the water, he watched while she sipped it and then swallowed the pills he offered her.

  “Thank you,” she croaked.

  “Your throat sore?” he asked.

  “A little. But mainly dry,” she said, sipping all of the water before handing the glass back to him. “We must have picked up some kind of virus.”

  “Do you need me to call the doctor?” he asked worriedly.

  Poppy shook her head. “Fluids and controlling our temperatures should be enough.” She reached out and took his hand, a tear running down her cheek. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault
,” he replied.

  “Not about that,” she said so quietly he had to lean forward to hear her voice. “I mean about everything.”

  “It’s OK, that is in the past.”

  “No, it’s not. It never will be. Not until the Heartsfire Blade is back here.”

  “I’ll deal with that,” he said. “And anyway, the most important thing is that you are here.”

  “But the Heartsfire Blade...”

  “It doesn't matter, Poppy.”

  “I can tell you who I stole it for.”

  “Not now,” he frowned. “When you are stronger.”

  “But it’s close.”

  “I know,” he said.

  “You do?” she frowned.

  “Yes. I know about your brother,” he ventured.

  “Brax.” She shook her head wearily. “I was such a fool.”

  “It’s what you do for family,” George said, his understanding of why Poppy had acted the way she did deeper than she could ever know.

  “I’ll get it back to you,” Poppy said. “I promise.”

  “I’ll handle it,” George said firmly.

  “No, it’s my mess,” Poppy said, as she slipped away from him into a world of sleep.

  “No, not anymore. I’m going to destroy them, Poppy. I’m going to make sure they never come after you or Charlie again.”

  He had all the information he needed in his briefcase; all he had to do was form a plan. Then he would act. He would get his hands on Braxton Madison and make him tell George where the blade was, and who he was working for. And then he would make him pay!

  Chapter Thirteen – Poppy

  “Here, good old porridge will make you feel better,” Alfie said.

  Poppy looked down at the bowl in front of her. “Yum.”

  “I can get you something else?” Alfie said.

  “No, I mean it, it’s just what I need.” She looked across to Charlie who was already eating his. “Slow down, Charlie bear, your stomach hasn't had any proper food for couple of days.”

  “I know, that’s why I’m starving,” Charlie said.

  “Take it steady like your mom says,” George said coming into the room and helping himself to coffee. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay home?”

  “No, thanks. Your office is going to be wondering where you are,” Poppy said.

  “I’m sure they are gossiping like mad,” Alfie said. “George has been working seven days a week since he started that company.”

  “All work and no play makes for a dull boy,” Poppy teased, spooning her porridge into her mouth and savoring the creamy taste.

  “They already know how dull I am,” George said.

  “Well, tonight you need to put your socializing face on,” Alfie warned George.

  “Why?” Poppy asked.“Are you having guests over?”

  Poppy had only seen delivery drivers and a couple of security guards in all the days she and Charlie had been here. George was so protective, she could not see him suddenly throwing a party, even when he looked so happy that she and Charlie were well again.

  “No guests here. But Tim Hucknall is having his annual charity gala, and I am expected to attend.”

  “If you don't he’ll take it as a personal snub,” Alfie said.

  “Why?” Poppy asked.

  “Because Tim Hucknall is the leader of the Fireclaw Clan. George needs to go or it will look bad, and we don't need any more bad feeling between the clans.”

  George shrugged. “I’ll go over there, make sure I’m seen, and then slip away.”

  “Or...” Poppy said, getting up off her chair, and refilling her bowl with porridge. “I’ll come with you.”

  “You?” George asked.

  She looked down at her clothes. “I think I’d fit right in.” She sat back down and played with the porridge in her bowl. “You’re right, terrible idea.”

  “No,” George said. “It’s a great idea, but I’m worried you aren't going to be strong enough. You and Charlie have been ill.”

  “And now we are better.” Poppy didn’t know why she was pushing to go; parties were not her thing. Was it jealousy? Was she scared George would go off with another woman, one who hadn’t stolen from him? Or was it because she wanted it to be a symbol of his acceptance of her. If he took her out and introduced her as his what? Girlfriend. Mate. Then it would mean he meant to keep her around.

  “OK,” George said, grabbing a piece of toast and heading out the door. “I’ll send over a dress, and we need to do something with your hair.”

  “I can wear it up. Or I can go out to a salon,” she suggested.

  “Not yet,” George said, and she didn’t ask him why. She could still recall their conversation from when she was ill. He was trying to track down who stole the blade, and who was responsible for threatening her and Charlie. He hadn't mentioned it again, and neither had she. Whether he had made the connection between her and her brother before she said his name, or whether she had fed him the information, she didn't want to know. She simply wanted it over with.

  As far as Poppy was concerned, she had chosen her side, and that side was not Brax’s.

  “I’ll walk you out,” Poppy said, getting up from her chair and following George out of the kitchen. “How much do you know?”

  “About what?” he asked.

  “About my brother?”

  “Enough to know that is why you stole the blade.” He stopped and turned to face her, taking her hands. “I understand. I really do. I have done things for the sake of family before. I still do.”

  She pressed her lips together. “I’d like a chance to tell you everything.”

  “Later. Maybe after this damn gala, we can go somewhere. Alfie can babysit, and we can talk.”

  “I’d like that,” Poppy said.

  George kissed her cheek. “Promise me you will not overexert yourself. Because if you look tired when I come home, I’m not going to this gala.”

  “I’ll take it easy.” She smiled. “You introduced Charlie to the world of cartoons while he was ill, remember? I have a day of Looney Tunes to look forward to.”

  “Enjoy. Rest. And don’t worry.” With that he turned on his heel and left her. Poppy grinned and returned to the kitchen, where she sat eating and drinking coffee, while Alfie bustled around her and Charlie. Then they retired to the sitting room, where they curled up on the sofa together.

  ***

  It was just past lunch when Alfie called her. “Poppy! There are two women to see you.”

  “To see me?” Poppy asked, getting up from the sofa where she had been dozing off. She was not completely well, but she was going to go with George no matter what.

  “Yes,” Alfie said, with a small smile. Whatever was going on, the old man was in on it.

  “What’s going on?” Poppy asked.

  “You go and I’ll sit with Charlie,” Alfie said. “They are in the kitchen waiting for you.”

  She walked out of the sitting room, and back toward the kitchen. Sure enough, there were two women waiting for her.

  “Hello, Miss Madison,” the first one said. “I’m Toni, and I’ve been sent by Mr. Lancaster to do your hair, he said you were going out this evening.”

  “Which is why I have come with some dresses for you to try,” the other woman said.

  “I see, this is a surprise,” Poppy said. “As you can see, I only have jeans and a T-shirt. I lost my luggage.”

  “Then let’s get you fitted out with a new wardrobe. I have lingerie as requested, too. My name is Lucy.”

  “Please call me Poppy,” she said with a smile.

  “OK, Poppy, why don’t we go upstairs and get started?” Toni said.

  ***

  Toni’s idea of getting started consisted of Poppy trying on more clothes than she would ever need. George had guessed her dress size almost perfectly, and the clothes Lucy had brought with her were almost all a perfect fit, but there was no way she could afford them all, and she hated the idea of G
eorge paying for them.

  “There is just one last dress Mr. Lancaster asked me to bring,” Lucy said, and she pulled out a long blue gown. It was an almost exact replica of the dress she had worn the night they had met.

  “It’s perfect,” Poppy said.

  “Mr. Lancaster had me go to his office and pick it up. He asked me to do any alterations you might need.” She walked around Poppy, tugging here and pulling there. “I think it needs to come in at the waist. If you slip it off, I’ll get to it while Toni starts on your … hair.”

  “Sure.” Poppy turned self-consciously to Toni. “It needs a proper cut.”

  “It does, whoever did this should be shot,” Toni said with a cluck of her tongue as she looked at the uneven layers.

  “That would be me,” Poppy said.

  “Oh, well, I’ll fix it in a flash.”

  Toni’s flash was a long one, lasting about two hours, by the time she had washed and cut and blow dried, and then piled Poppy’s hair on top of her head. In between she was asked to try on the blue dress a couple more times; each time Lucy would study her closely, ask her to walk the length of the room and then stick a few more pins in.

  When she was finally done, Lucy went downstairs and returned with coffee, which Poppy was grateful for, since her energy was flagging. What had started off as enjoyable soon turned into a chore, one which made her wish she was back on the sofa cuddling Charlie.

  But at last, both Toni and Lucy were happy, and left with all their paraphernalia, leaving Poppy in a robe, with the need for food. Her stomach rumbled in response and she went to find Alfie and Charlie.

  “There you are,” Alfie said. “We thought you were a lost cause.”

  “Me too,” Poppy said. “But they managed to make me look halfway presentable.”

  “Mommy, where is your hair?” Charlie asked.

  “It is all up here. There are so many pins keeping it up, I think I’ll be taking them out for weeks.”

  “Wow,” George said from behind her. “How did it go?”

  “Fantastic,” Poppy said. “Especially the dress.”

  “I can’t wait to see you in it,” he said, and then as he moved in close to her, he added, “And then I will can’t wait to see you out of it.”