Not just because it meant she probably never wanted to sleep with him again. No, the irritation was also at how he'd been a fool to think maybe they could work together from now on instead of against each other.
When her dragon had finally let him sleep, he'd often dreamed of the pair of them hacking through some undergrowth, or forest, or even taking a boat to a sunken site worth studying. The way she'd smile as they found what they were looking for, the anticipation as they dug up their latest treasure, and how she'd grin at their discovery before kissing him.
In all the years he'd been unearthing and studying the past, he'd never really felt lonely. Being alone, even sometimes for weeks or months, had never bothered him.
And yet, just the thought of having someone as passionate about archeology as him at his side, both helping andquestioning him along the way, had given Max another dream to aim for.
Because, yes, he was going to find Dragon's Court. But he was also going to win Lavinia. No matter what she thought, he knew they'd fit together. Would they sometimes drive each other mad? Of course. They were both competitive, after all.
However, he'd admired her mind and cleverness from afar for years. And now, after also tasting, and touching, and exploring her body? Max was addicted and wanted her as his life partner.
Something had obviously made her not want to trust him. He suspected she didn't trust anyone, given that she'd always worked alone on previous assignments.
But his research into her had revealed little concerning her past beyond the fact she'd joined Clan RiverRock in Victoria, Australia as a teenager.
Whatever had happened to her before that, which had probably made her wary, he would find out, no matter what it took.
His mobile phone vibrated, and he saw it was his older brother, Antony, who must’ve received his texts during the frenzy. He answered. "Yes?"
"Is your fuckfest over yet?"
He sighed. Antony loved to provoke him. "The frenzy, yes. But I'm tired, hungry, and a bit bothered, so what the bloody hell do you want?"
"Went that well, did it? Did the book I gave you at fifteen about how to please a woman in bed not help?"
"Antony," he growled.
His brother chuckled. "Fine. I wanted to let you know that the area for your solstice project will be clear of anyone else. You'll have it to yourself for twenty-four hours." He paused and then added smoothly, "And I went ahead and included yourdragon lady on the list of who can also enter during that period. Maybe if this bloody goose chase pans out, she'll thank you properly and make you less surly."
Not wanting to prolong the call with his brother—as much as Max loved him, Antony only allowed emotions with him and tended to chat forever, as if starving—he grunted. "Okay, thanks. Now, I have shite to do, so bugger off."
"Next time, remind me not to do you any favors."
"Bye, Antony."
He hung up before his brother could prod him some more. While Max cared for his brother and didn't brush him off lightly, the man desperately needed to either retire from his secret spy career or find a woman to fuck regularly. Something, anything, to relax Antony.
Rubbing his hands over his face, he jumped a little at Lavinia's voice. "Are you going to let me go?"
Opening his eyes, he took in her wet hair, damp skin, and how the towel wrapped around her body and pressed up her breasts.
Despite just completing the frenzy, he wanted her at his mercy. Slow, hard, and in such a way she wouldn't doubt how much he desired her.
Although, given her pinched brow, he didn't think she'd be up for it. "How about a twenty-four-hour truce? That way, we can both rest, eat, and be less cranky when we sit down and talk seriously."
She eyed him skeptically. "How do I know you won't chain me up again and laugh as you leave me behind?"
Bloody hell.She really thought so little of him?
Max stood and walked over to her, loving how she didn't back down as he approached. No, she raised her chin to meet his gaze, and the steeliness there made his cock stir. Ignoring the bugger,he replied, "You're carrying my child, Lavinia. Do you really think I'm going to potentially harm you?"
She hesitated before she said, "You only said you’d never abandon the child, not that we’d have a permanent truce.”
"Sorry if I didn't think rationally while you and your dragon wrung one orgasm after the other from me. It may surprise you, but men don't think of anything when they come but how bloody fantastic it feels." He leaned down and whispered into her ear, loving how she shivered. "Well, that's not entirely true. They might be thinking of doing it again."
For a second, Lavinia stood still, her breathing harsh. Then she took a step back, and Max barely resisted pulling her back. Shaking her head, she answered, "Don't do that, Max."
"Do what, pet?"