The fog of the dream realm rolled gently around Tatiana in billowy gray and lavender clouds flickering with light. She had dream-walked many times over the years, though most of them had been spent avoiding Dominic—but not tonight.
Tonight she would face him head on.
There was no denying she was attracted to him. She rolled her eyes at the enormous understatement. Attracted. Right. That didn’t cover the half of it. It was like her body was genetically programmed to respond to his, and Dominic had become an itch she had to scratch. So she would—but only if he agreed that’s all it would be.
Just sex.
Sex with no strings attached.
It was possible. Layla told her about the binding rite. Amoveo weren’t really mated until those words were spoken. So why not go ahead and scratch the itch, as long as neither of them said those words?
That was her plan. Find him in the dream realm and offer him a new deal. Based on the way the two of them couldn’t keep their hands off each other, they needed one quick.
Tatiana steeled her resolve, closed her eyes, and reached out to him. She followed the path of their merged energy signatures, and moments later a humming sound blanketed the realm. Light flashed behind her eyes as a low, rumbling growl filled her mind, growing louder with each passing second, until it sounded as though it came from right in front of her.
Dominic. She said his name on a whisper, and when she opened her eyes, the clouds were gone and Dominic stood before her in his tiger form. Whoa.
He was big and gorgeous, and his striped, furry body hummed with pure power. His amber eyes glowed brightly, and a low growl continued to rumble in his throat.
For all his strength, his fur looked silky soft, and before she could stop herself, she ran one quivering hand along the top of his head. Her suspicions were correct. The fur whispered soft and warm beneath her flesh as she trailed one finger down his snout before abruptly dropping her hand.
It took a second to realize his growl had turned into a purr. She folded her arms over her chest quickly worried she might rub him behind his ears.
I wasn’t sure if you would come. Her voice echoed around them, giving Tatiana the sense that they were the only two people who existed in the universe. I have a new deal to propose. So thank you for meeting me here.
Static filled the air, and he shimmered as though he were underwater as he shifted into his human form. Dominic towered over her now, wearing the same black T-shirt and camo pants she’d seen him in earlier. He looked more sexy—and dangerous—than ever before.
Sharp, dark eyes fixed on her with that familiar predatory look, and she suddenly became self-conscious as Dominic looked her up and down. She tugged the edge of her nightshirt down with one hand, but it didn’t do much good. The summery T-shirt she wore was barely long enough to cover her backside and left little to the imagination.
Actually, Doc, you came to me. He gave her a lopsided grin and waved one hand out. This is one of my favorite places in the world.
Tatiana gave him a puzzled look. What are you talking about? I didn’t—She gasped, covering her mouth with both hands, when she saw where they were.
It was stunning. They were standing on top of a volcano looking out over one of the most spectacular views she’d ever laid eyes on. Lush, thick foliage rolled down the mountain until it met a sparkling, azure ocean. It was rich green and blue for as far as the eye could see. She’d been so captivated by him that she didn’t notice where they were.
Dominic. She dropped her hands and gave him a wide smile. This place is gorgeous. Where are we?
It’s a volcano in Hawaii. I was stationed here for a while when I was in the military, and it was the most beautiful place I’d ever been. So I come back in the dream realm whenever I can. He took her hand in his. Warm and strong, it curled easily around hers, sending every coherent thought out of her head. His thumb brushed the top of her hand, sending shivers up her back. I’d love to visit again in person, especially if I had a traveling companion.
Military. That made sense, Tatiana thought as she gave him a sidelong glance. Dominic was stealthy, attuned to everything and poised for battle at a moment’s notice. He was ruggedly handsome and had an ever-present five o’clock shadow.
The scar that ran down the side of his face made him even sexier, probably because he seemed blissfully unaware of it. His self-possessed confidence was as much of a turn-on as his smile. It was wicked and edged with promises of lust-filled nights.
To be honest, until you showed up today, I hadn’t been able to visit here in a long time.
I see. Tatiana swallowed the lump in her throat and fought the inevitable wave of panic. Your powers were fading because we hadn’t connected?
That’s part of it, yes. Dominic turned those gorgeous, fiery eyes to her. The real reason is because I’ve spent most nights looking for you. He smirked and wagged a finger at her playfully. You were there too, weren’t you? But you were hiding from me.
Maybe. She lifted one shoulder and looked back out at the ocean, but her hand remained linked with his. I’m not hiding anymore, Dominic.
Hey. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her to face him. I’m not going to force you into anything, and believe it or not, I’d like to get to know you. He trailed his index finger along her jawline and tilted her chin, making her look him in the eye. His brow furrowed, and his mouth set in a firm line. I would never hurt you.
Eyes wide, her skin on fire, all she could do was nod as her body took on a life of its own. He ran the back of his fingers down the sensitive skin of her throat, along the curve of her shoulder.
On the contrary, I want to give you pleasure, he murmured. He cradled one hand around the back of her neck and kissed her cheek before blazing a trail down her throat. In fact, all I can think about is pleasuring you.
Tatiana moaned, closed her eyes, and sank into the delicious sensation of his lips, moist and hot against her skin. She linked her arms around his waist and held him to her, wanting him closer. His hard, distinctly male body pressed against hers, hot and needy. It would be so easy to just…
Wait! She grabbed his head with both hands and pulled him back. Breathless, they remained like that. Eyes glowing, bodies locked in an embrace that held promise of more to come, she wrestled to find the right words in her lust-muddled brain.
What’s wrong? Dominic’s fingers dug into her hips, and his erection pressed against her belly, daring her to make a move, but she held her ground.