His wicked reputation

Instead he replied smoothly, "All I want is to be a proper host. I would be very remiss in my duties if I paid attention only to my future wife and ignored my highly esteemed guest. I wouldn't want for the three of us to continue to be the subject of malicious gossip here at Thornwyck wouldn't you agree especially after such a splendid welcome."

"Well when you put it that way," conceded Torque, knowing that he had lost this round and could only act in the befitting manner of a gracious loser.

As much as Fiona didn't like being the wedge used to air out their differences she found a new sense of admiration for the unannounced guest.

Now that the little chit chat was over Fiona felt the Black Flame watching her again.

His eyes were uncut crimson, a smoldering purple, elegant lashes that were curved and thick for a dragon lord.

Fiona's heart started to race and her flesh tingled from his appreciative gaze.

"How have you been Fiona," he whispered softly, for only her ears to hear with a hesitant smile that made her resistance melt under his charm.

Her name on his lips sounded like a caress of his tongue, the thought was all it took to make her breathing even more labored.

"I'm hanging in there," she said after a few minutes of overthinking, she was feeling every bit the tongue tied green girl the maids had implied about her so callously earlier.

She looked up at him, in his amethyst eyes she saw that he fully understood the impact of his wreaking havoc on her senses.

"Wonderful, my lady." Tiamat reached for his goblet and his skin grazed hers, so warm and gentle despite the strength and violence it was capable of, his eyes locked with hers as he brought the goblet up to his lips for a sip.

Just watching him swallow made her own mouth feel partially dry as she unconsciously wet her lips.

It was as if a switch flipped in her mind, she had an awareness of him like she had never felt the like before and was tempted to name it desire.

Fiona wanted to taste his lips and felt like her curiosity would be her undoing.

Feeling forgotten, Torque cleared his throat loudly. "Have you given any thought to the king's summons?"

As much as both of them wanted to ignore him at that moment, Tiamat remained solemn while he took a hold of her hand before turning to answer Torque.

It was a seductive move at best boldly marking his territory as his thumb began to move slowly across the back of her palm.

This was news to her; it was the first time she heard that Tiamat's presence had been requested by the Dragon king.

It was hard for Fiona to concentrate on what could possibly be a serious conversation between the men with Tiamat caressing her hand.

Finally Tiamat replied to Torque's question, "I have already taken action and sent a notice to the king that we will be delayed due to the fact that I have only just arrived and taken control of Thornwyck. I figure we should arrive at court sometime within the month."

His fingers began to playfully trail a path up and down her arms and Fiona was aware of their close proximity to her breasts.

Over a hundred gazes from the surrounding tables followed the discourse of the main table but she paid them no mind.

She would ignore Tiamat too and show that she was unbothered by his flirting but still there was just something about being pursued by a dangerous dragon lord that excited her.

Even as she ate, she was careful not dribble any soup on herself lest that be round table talk the following day.

She knew she was being observed by Thornwyck's women who were jealous of her supposed marital ambitions and would do anything to ridicule her and have her lose her standing in their master's eyes.

"Just ignore them and enjoy your meal," said the Black Flame.

He stopped teasing her with his hands when he noticed how stiff she sat with her back straight as a blade under the weight and scrutiny of several eyes.

She was starting to slowly change her mind and think him the most dim witted man she had yet to meet.

The reason why others were taking notice of her was as a result of his actions.

She snapped, "Easier for you to say since you have a infamous reputation for getting your own way through pillaging and violence."

He asked conspiratorially, "fancy that. Is that what the rumors are inferring about my escapades now?"

Fiona nodded, "only that and much worse."

She swallowed her last bite of bread and beef stew, the food was delicious but she was quite full.

Normally when Fiona was attracted to a guy she lost her appetite and found it hard to eat in his presence but this time around that feeling was absent.

"Tell me what else you heard about me?"

"Why?" she questioned as she cast him a rebellious glance.

"So that I can alleviate any worries or misplace truths behind such bold declarations," he said with sincerity though his eyes glowed with intent.

She nonchalantly set her empty plates to the side so it would be easier for the servers to clear the table.

Then she took a sip of ginger ale from her thick wooden cup before she answered him.

"You could easily ask a more willing Thornwyck maiden to sate your vanity about your own wicked reputation."

There it was again that intriguing smile that made his features look less harsh.

"I guess I can surmise that you have no qualms about attending the Dragon King's Court by my side?"

"It's not everyday one's presence is requested by the king of a foreign land," she had shot him an answering glance so excitable she need not have spoken.

In the flickering light of the torches he laughed as he was delighted by her response.

It brought more attention to his lips and Fiona wondered how would such a dragon lord kiss?