Page 4 of To Match A Dragon's Fire

I hummed my agreement as I finished the last of my specialized burger—one of the perks of standing up for April when the old manager tried to grope her. Sofia found out I’d kneed Garcia’s crotch after he’d cornered April one night and she’d taken me under her wing and fed me well.

Marco hadn’t wanted Garcia to get fired, but somehow the owner of the bar got involved. I was pretty sure Sofia had a hand in that.

Word to the wise:

Don’t ever piss off the kitchen mafia.

This wasn’t my dream job or anything, just a means to an end, but I knew I was replaceable and walking a thin line. Work was scarce when the economy was crashing.

There were rumors the government was shutting down local business that wasn’t deemed essential. I was lucky to have a job at all. And I liked the people I worked with.

Most of them at least.

“I’m not that bad, am I?” I teased.

Brendon snuffed the butt of his cigarette on the asphalt. “Sure, you’re great. But hotheaded waitresses are a dime a dozen and you’re getting past the age where it’s cute.”

Stomp the brakes.

He did not just say…

My eyes bulged as I snatched my lighter out of his hand. “How old do you think I am?”

“Forty.” He shrugged.

I took it back. Brendon was a dickhead.

“I’m thirty-four,” I cried.

“Close enough.” He smirked.

I about had it with this kid. “And what are you? Twelve? Can you even grow facial hair?”

I can’t believe I’d given sleeping with him a brief thought. I wasn’tthatdesperate.

“Hey now.” Brendon rubbed his chin. “The ladies like it smooth.”

“Sure they do.” I rolled my eyes as I pulled out my phone to check the time.

My heart leapt to my throat when I saw the missed text message.

Riley:Can you come get me?

It’d been sent a minute ago, and I silently begged for the one bar of cell service to be enough as I hurried to respond.

Ember:Where are you?

Three dots hovered while she typed a reply. I threw my trash in the dumpster, ignoring Brendon when he asked if everything was all right.

I rushed back into the bar, heading straight for Marco’s office with Brendon hot on my heels.

“What is—”

“Shh,” I cut him off with my finger raised as the next message came through.

Riley:Home. It’s over. Don’t tell Willow yet. I just need a ride.

I let out a little cry of joy.

---