Heart of the Dragon Read online

  An M/F Fantasy Romance

  Amanda Kay

  Copyright ©

  Amanda Kay, Author

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events or persons, living or dead are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or featured names are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or in part, mechanically or electronically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  Published in the United States of America in the year 2016; Copyright 2016 by Amanda Kay.

  The right of the Authors Name to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by them in accordance with The Copyright, Designs and Patent Act of 1988.

  Published by Kingsnake Publishing

  Cover Art by: Cover Me, Darling

  Interior formatting and design by Amanda Kay/Brenda Wright

  Copyright 2016 © Kingsnake Publishing & Amanda Kay

  Language: English

  This book is intended for a mature audience of eighteen and older

  ISBN:13: 978-1-942394-58-7

  Dedication

  To everyone who has supported me in this journey. This book is dedicated to you, the readers.

  Book Note:

  This book started out as strictly a book about a DRAGON WORLD and the love within. However, during a release party, I met Tank, a Bearded Dragon, and the story gained new life.

  I approached the blog: Books and Boys Book Blog and asked if Tank could star in this book. Tank accepted!

  https://www.facebook.com/BooksAndBoysBookBlog

  The admins of the blog asked if I would support the charity that Tank did in the book and I gladly agreed.

  St. Joseph's Indian School: http://www.stjo.org/

  Tank, thank you for letting me use you as a muse for Heart of the Dragon. I hope you approve of the story. To the ladies of Books and Boys, I appreciate all of your support in this journey.

  Contents

  Life had never been easy for me, but now, things were just getting out of control.

  My best friend wanted more and I couldn't give her that. She was everything. She was my life. My problem was that I wasn't who she thought I was.

  "Tank, get your ass over here." I rolled my eyes and walked toward Sniper. Those were our nicknames. They were our cover. The Underground Bearded Dragon Movement was finally starting to take shape. Taking down the powers above us was key.

  "This is fire, Sniper," I growled.

  Changing into his Lizard form, he waited for me to do the same. It was a good thing we weren't full Dragons yet because it allowed us to sneak around and find the holes in the organization we were trying to take down.

  I knew this was dangerous, but the organization we were a part of and now fighting to destroy was pushing things too far. Anytime I listened to plans, my stomach twisted and my heart broke. What they wanted to do was to destroy the world I loved. Destroy the people I loved. They wanted to destroy my heart, Kiana.

  "Kiana, did you hear anything I just said?" my sister Carri asked.

  "Huh?" I said, turning away from the window I was staring at.

  She chuckled and shook her head. "You're hopeless."

  "I'm sorry, I'm distracted."

  She nodded, "Kelvin's late. Again."

  I dropped my eyes away from her and turned back toward the window. I didn't have to say anything, my actions had already spelled it out. Other than Kelvin, Carri knew me best.

  "Why the fuck do you put up with his shit?" she hissed.

  I sighed, "He's my best friend."

  "He's leading you on," she said and I rolled my eyes imagining her hands on her hips.

  "I want more. He doesn't. We've agreed to be friends." Did he have feelings for me? I was pretty sure he did. Did it bother me he wasn't ready to take the next step? Sure, I couldn't lie to myself, it hurt. It hurt badly, but I needed him in my life, so I took what he gave me.

  My door opened and he walked into my apartment, walking straight to me and kissing my cheek. "Sorry," he muttered in my ear.

  "Oh fucking hell!" my sister snapped and I glared her way. Kelvin looked surprised and angry all mixed together. "You want her, Kelvin. Stop fucking leading her on," she hissed, storming out of my apartment, slamming the door.

  "Sorry," I muttered, distracted still from the scene she just caused.

  He shrugged, "She has a point." My eyes widened as I turned my gaze back to him. He swallowed hard, "You know what you mean to me." I shook my head. I really didn't. Maybe I did. I was lost.

  He rubbed the back of his neck nervously and I decided to relieve his stress even if it broke another piece of my heart to do so. "It's okay, Kelvin. Friends. I'm okay with that." I put on my best smile and he gave me a smile of his own, the unease rolling off of him.

  Carri was right, but the risk to Kiana was already high enough. If I gave into my feelings for her, she would only be in more danger. I studied her, relieved she had given me an out, but I felt unsettled still. "Kelvin?" she questioned me.

  "Yes," I answered, clearly distracted.

  "What's wrong?" she asked innocently, far too innocent for me.

  I couldn't speak. I pulled her to me and hung on tight, waiting for the words to come to me. "I don't deserve your understanding."

  She looked up at me, her hands linked behind my neck. "Kelvin..." she sighed and I couldn't resist myself. I leaned in and kissed her hard.

  She kissed me back and I lifted her into my arms. It wouldn't be our first time doing this, but I knew I'd have to make it our last. I pulled back from our kiss, "I want to fuck you," I breathed heavily. Okay, so I knew it wasn't just fucking, but I couldn't make things official. Kiana was mine, but for now, I had to keep my distance.

  "Fuck me hard, Kelvin," she whispered into my ear, nibbling it in the process. I laid her out on the bed and she sat up stripping off her clothes. My heart raced. My breathing sped up. After all I was putting her through, she still allowed me this. She gave herself to me often. The guilt seized me and I closed my eyes. "Kelvin?" Her voice was angelic. My angel.

  "I have to go," I muttered, quickly racing out of her bedroom, her apartment, and if I was smart, her life. It would be the only way to protect her.

  I cried as the door slammed shut. My heart shattered. From the moment we started having sex, I knew I'd be setting myself up, but I couldn't resist him. I picked up the phone and stared for a while at his name. I needed answers. I was sure he wouldn't fucking give them to me, but he wouldn't get off that easy.

  KIANA: WHY?

  KELVIN: I WISH I COULD EXPLAIN.

  KIANA: AM I A GAME TO YOU?

  KELVIN: FUCK NO!

  KIANA: DO YOU LOVE ME?

  KELVIN: KIANA...

  KIANA: YES OR NO.

  KELVIN: I CAN'T.

  KIANA: CAN'T OR WON'T?

  KELVIN: KIANA PLEASE...

  I shook my head and tossed my phone onto my bed. Tonight didn't go as planned and I wasn't going to sit around and wait for him any longer. Lennon was the newest employee at the bookstore and coffee shop I managed and he was cute.

  "Hello?"

  "Lennon? It's Kiana." God, this was embarrassing.

  "Hey there, Kiana." He perked up and I could hear his smile.

  "Want to grab dinner?"

  "I thought you had plans t
onight?" he questioned amused.

  "Plans change."

  "An hour, at The Fiery Grove?"

  "See you then, Lennon," I smiled, quickly hanging up so I could get ready. Screw Kelvin, I wouldn't be his pawn anymore.

  I watched her leave her apartment and followed her to The Fiery Grove. A dark haired guy greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and I saw red.

  "Hi, Lennon," she smiled at him. Lennon? Lennon? Why was that name so familiar?

  "Hey, Kiana," he smirked and at his voice, I remembered him. Lennon Vanlith. Oh God! No Kiana!

  Lennon Vanlith was second in command to Jaco Syrreth also known as my boss. The very people I was fighting to take down. I tried calling her. I needed her away from him for more than one reason. I was jealous as hell, but right now, I feared for her life.

  She looked at her phone and sent me to voicemail. I called again and she just let it ring. "Someone really wants to get a hold of you," Lennon chuckled.

  "He can wait," she said flatly.

  "A boyfriend?" he questioned, clearly, from my standpoint, enjoying himself. I was witnessing the beginning of a cat and mouse game and I couldn't do anything about it. It would blow my cover. It would put Kiana at more risk.

  She shook her head, "No." The short answer crushed me. God, I wanted that so much with her. If only I could sweep her into my arms and tell her how much she really meant to me.

  My phone buzzed and I saw it was Sniper calling. I moved away from where I was watching my girl on a date with one of my worst enemies. "Tank," I snapped.

  "Yo, Tank, I got a lead."

  "What kind of lead?" I answered, still distracted.

  "Lennon had a date tonight." He sounded proud.

  I swallowed hard, "Yeah, I know."

  "Oh, you fucker, you're already on the trail. Hell, dude, you couldn't have called me?"

  "I'm not on the trail. I'm watching my heart slip away from me."

  "What the fuck, Tank?" he hissed.

  I had to tell him. I knew I had to, but saying it out loud was only going to crush me further. "He's with Kiana."

  "Tank, are you fucking kidding me?"

  "Sniper, does it sound like I'm fucking kidding around?" I snapped at him.

  "But...I thought you were with Kiana tonight?"

  "Don't want to fucking talk about it, Sniper. I'll meet you back at base." I didn't give him time to respond. I quickly hung up and glanced, one last time, toward The Fiery Grove. It was further away now, but I could still see her in the window. Lennon better not harm her or he'd be on the top of my kill list when we brought this fucking organization down.

  I stared out the window. He was there, I could feel him. "Are you all right?" Lennon asked, bringing me back to our date.

  I smiled, "Fine. I just...oh never mind," I chuckled, trying to sweep it under the rug.

  "This have anything to do with the person who had been trying to call you?" His eyebrows raised up. Okay. Shit. Not getting anything passed this guy.

  "Sort of," I shrugged.

  "He's important." I just nodded. "Well, he must be a damn idiot."

  "Why do you say that?" I asked alarmed.

  "Because you're here with me, and not with him." I smiled again as he reached his hand across the table.

  "You're absolutely right," I agreed. "Let's not talk about him anymore."

  "Well, Kiana, what would you like to talk about then." He purred my name and my heart skipped a small beat.

  "You," I sighed, melting into his charcoal eyes.

  He squeezed my hand and began telling me about his childhood and on up. One minute into his story, I felt Kelvin fading away. I was completely captivated with Lennon. The distraction he was providing me felt good. Dangerously good.

  I was pacing the base for about fifteen minutes before Sniper finally showed his fucking face. I hissed his direction and he threw his hands up in the air in surrender.

  "Sorry, but I had to make sure Liz was safe."

  I threw a punch into the wall. I hated him. I hated this situation. I fucking hated that she was out with Lennon Vanlith. "She's with him," I growled in a low voice.

  "Yes because you're a fucking moron," he snapped and I lost my remaining restraint, throwing him against the wall.

  "I can't. It's dangerous."

  "Oh fucking hell, Tank. It's dangerous no matter what."

  I shook my head, "I can't risk her. She's not just a fuck buddy."

  He glared at me, and I knew I crossed the line. He loved Liz, I was sure he did, but she hadn't been a part of his life nearly as long as Kiana had been a part of mine. Kiana was my whole world. My heart. My soul. "Except, that's exactly what she is," he snapped and I shoved him against the wall again.

  "Take that back!"

  "What, Tank? The truth fucking hurts, doesn't it?" I glared and released him. He was right, I couldn't argue with him. Like Carri had said, I was playing with Kiana's heart. I was leading her on and tonight, my actions alone drove her to a date with Lennon.

  "You two sissies all done fighting each other?" Maniac said as he entered the room. Okay, yes, Tank, Sniper, Maniac were not the most ideal names, but they were ours.

  "Tank, here, has his panties in a wad."

  "You know what, Sniper, how would you feel if Liz was out with Lennon, or hell, Jaco?" I growled.

  "I wouldn't like it," he admitted, "but it wouldn't happen because I'm not a pussy. My girl is mine and she knows it."

  I bit my lip. It wasn't that simple. They would never understand. Kiana wasn't like Liz. I couldn't tell them, not yet. I needed this takedown to go down first. Kiana was mine and I wasn't going to let Jaco have her.

  "Wait, who the hell is out with Vanlith?" Maniac snapped, getting my attention.

  I sighed, "Kiana is."

  His eyes bulged out, "What the fuck?"

  I threw my hand up, "Relax, she doesn't know who he is."

  "And you know that how?"

  "I just do!" I screamed.

  "Damn, Tank, relax," Sniper muttered.

  I closed my eyes. I couldn't relax. My life was out with my enemy. How did anyone relax knowing that fact? My phone started ringing and I didn't even have to look at it. It was Kiana. It was her ringtone. "You fucktards keep your mouths shut."

  "Kiana?" I answered the phone cautiously. Sniper and Maniac quietly moved to the other room of the base.

  "Kelvin..." she swallowed and my heart sank even more.

  "I'm here," I assured.

  "Are you?" I had to bite my lip in order to not scream in frustration.

  Gaining my composure, I threw everything I had been telling myself out the window. "I love you. Kiana, you are my life."

  I heard her choke back a sob, "I love you too. I've only ever wanted you."

  I bit my lip again because I knew my next words would crush her again. "Kiana, we can't be a couple."

  She gasped, "But why? You just said..." She paused and I fought the urge to hit the wall again.

  "I meant what I said Kiana, but I need you to trust me on this."

  "I can't, Kelvin. I can't because I don't understand." She started sobbing and I saw Sniper move back into the room.

  "Kiana, can I come over later?" I asked with hesitation.

  "You can, but I'm not sure it would matter." She hung up before I could reply and I shook my head at Sniper. I needed a minute. I needed an hour. Hell, I needed a whole God damn lifetime and it still wouldn't be enough to get the hurt in her voice out of my head. Out of my heart.

  I left the bathroom stall and quickly wiped my eyes. Coming out tonight was a mistake. Calling Kelvin was a mistake. Perhaps our whole relationship was a mistake. "But he just told you he loves you," I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror.

  My eyes were puffy and I knew Lennon would know I had been crying. I had to face him, so now I just needed an excuse. I slowly walked out of the bathroom in no hurry to get back to him. The dangerous attraction I had felt got the best of me and I needed an escape.

&nb
sp; "There you are. I was just about to send a search party." He kissed my cheek and started pulling out my chair.

  "Lennon, I hate to do this, but my head is pounding." He bit his lip and it reminded me of Kelvin.

  "Okay." He finally offered, throwing money down on the table for our drinks and half-eaten dinner.

  As we walked toward the door, he placed his hand on my lower back and I trembled. Not from attraction, either. A weird feeling came over me and I knew I needed to leave right then.

  "Well, goodnight," I hastily said as we stepped outside, quickly trying to dart into the parking lot.

  He caught my arm and spun me around and my heart sped up. The look in his eyes no longer dangerously attractive. They were now just dangerous. I sucked in a breath and waited...

  Then my phone signaled a text. He let me go and I quickly rushed toward my car, rummaging for my phone, which had naturally fallen to the bottom of my bag. Locking myself into my car, I finally looked at the text.

  KELVIN: I'M SORRY.

  I sighed. It was simple. Short. Yet, sweet. It reminded me of why I loved him so much. Why I'd give up everything for him, even if he didn't want things to go further.

  KIANA: ME TOO.

  I set my phone down and started toward my apartment. Lennon stood on the sidewalk glaring as I drove by. I didn't know what would've happened, but I knew Kelvin's text saved my life.

  I quickly left the base, we could talk strategy later, right now, I needed to get to Kiana. I didn't know what I was going to do just yet, but I needed her to trust me on this. When her car pulled up, I was already waiting on the steps of her apartment building.

  I stood as she slowly walked toward me. She launched herself into my arms and began to sob. My heart only broke more I as held her. "Shhh..." I whispered, running my hand through her hair.