His true mate was strong and stubborn, with a hidden sense of humor he wanted to coax out more often. Not to mention, she was also vulnerable and even fragile at times. The contrast stirred something inside him. He never wanted to let her go.
He loved her.
Not that he would say so anytime soon. For the moment, he was content to hold her against his body and fall asleep with her scent in his nose.
Chapter Eleven
Layla was usually the sort of person to jump out of bed the second she was awake. Partly because of her profession, but also because mornings were her favorite time of day.
However, as she slowly opened her eyes and blinked against the faint daylight streaming in through the window, warm and toasty under the covers, she had no desire to spring from bed just yet.
Then someone nuzzled her neck and tightened his hold around her middle, and she smiled, remembering Chase had stayed the night with her.
He murmured, "Don't you dare leave me yet."
She was about to tease him when his hand stroked her lower belly. Each pass of his fingers sent more heat surging through her body, making her heart pound harder.
Her dragon sounded sleepy as she said, Move his hand lower. After so long without a male's touch, it won't take long to come.
Grateful Chase couldn't see her cheeks turn red, she replied, Why would you think of something like that right now? While I know someone would've alerted me to any changes for Yasmin, which means she should be the same or better, I don't have time for selfish things like orgasms. We should get up and go back to check on her.
Her beast growled. You're stressed, I haven't had sex for years, and we're both ticking time bombs. Encourage him. A half hour to ourselves will benefit everyone in the long run.
At the rebuke in her dragon's voice, Layla paused to consider the words. For dragon-shifters, sex was an essential part of maintaining their overall mental health. If any of her staff had been as strung tight or overworked as she was, Layla would've advised them to find a willing partner and relax a wee while.
She hated when her beast was not only rational but correct.
Maybe, just maybe, she could spend a little time on herself for once, provided there wasn't some sort of emergency waiting for her on her mobile phone. It wouldn't even be entirely selfish, either. If she were more relaxed, her sister and everyone else would benefit, too.
Her dragon spoke again. Then encourage him. He's been patient, and probably will remain so unless he knows you want his touch, too.
As she debated what to do—Layla was bold and straightforward as a doctor but less so when it came to being a lover—Chase's hand went an inch lower. He murmured, "As your future mate, it's my job to take care of you in all ways. And before you say it's not important, just know that you were moaning my name in your sleep, lass."
Her cheeks heated even more. "Don't say that."
His fingers moved even closer to the now throbbing bundle of nerves between her thighs. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about, love. But it did mean I couldn't sleep well, and instead, I lay awake thinking of a hundred ways to make you moan in reality." His fingers stilled and Layla nearly cried out no. He added, "Let me try one of them, aye?"
Layla wanted to scream yes. She'd been ready to do so a minute ago.
And yet, with him asking permission, it made reality come crashing back. There was someone waiting for her to make an appearance at the surgery, after all. So she shook her head. "Dr. Keith will want to go home."
Chase nibbled her earlobe before licking it once, twice, three times. The throbbing between her thighs pounded harder.
He murmured, "You're to have the morning off, on both Finn and Dr. Sid's orders."
"Dr. Sid?" she echoed.
"Aye, she's come up from Stonefire. Something about everyone wanting to coo over her and Gregor's son, and how she wouldn't turn down willing babysitters. Finn texted me during the night, as did Dr. Sid. They told me I was to enforce the order, too. And not to worry, your sister and her mate are doing better."
"But—"
He licked her neck before his hot breath caressed her skin, making her shiver. "If you try to set foot in the surgery before 2:00 p.m. today, Dr. Sid said she'd toss you out on your arse as many times as it takes." He smiled against her skin. "Although I admit, that would be a sight to see."
She gently elbowed his ribs behind her. "Not funny, Chase."
His hand stroked her abdomen again. "The serious, proper doctor being tossed out repeatedly? Aye, it would be. Although I'll admit, it would be hard not to kiss away the adorable frown you'd no doubt have between your brows." He bit her neck before soothing the slight sting with his tongue, and she barely contained a groan in her throat. He murmured, "However, I'm willing to sacrifice seeing that sight if it means I can have you naked and squirming at my touch."
His fingers finally reached her clitoris, and as he rubbed gently through her trouse