Page 26 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

“No one,” Riley said as she put her phone in her back pocket again. “So, shopping… I don’t have any cash.”

“Your money is no good here. My bank account is at your disposal.” I’d assumed that was obvious.

“Is that right?” Riley’s look of disbelief had my beast wanting to unfurl his wings. But her pulse slowed and the small hint of a smile ghosted her lips. “I guess I can let you pay. Only if you insist.”

I insisted.

After a few slight protests upon entering the department store and her measurements were taken, Riley stood at the base of a mannequin running her fingers over its silk dress.

“Who can afford to shop here?” She shook her head.

“I can and so can the casino owners who kept this store open.” I nodded to the attendant. She gave me a knowing smile before hurrying to get one of the black silk dresses in the correct size.

“It’s too much.” Riley’s cheeks were a pretty pink shade of embarrassed.

“I have centuries of unspent funds,” I reassured her. Not to brag, just stating fact. “This will hardly make a dent.”

She chewed her bottom lip, stopping in front of the shelf with folded leggings in soft gray. “I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to be modest, or at least not encourage you.”

Encourage me?

My dragon bristled as I stood waiting for Riley to come to terms with the reality of her situation. She was getting clothes. This wasn’t up for debate.

“But you did kidnap me and I’m getting tired of pretending I don’t want nice things.” She winked.

My beast relaxed as Riley leaned forward, calling to the attendant, “Can I get a pair of these in black, please?”

Two glasses of champagne later, Riley stood waiting outside the doors while I paid Vanessa and her team to deliver the shopping bags to my house. When I was done, I met her in the open walkway that led through the center of the old mall.

“Is that what it’s like?” Riley tossed a piece of popcorn into her mouth.

“What’s what like?” I asked.

“Having money. People just bend over backwards and make food when you ask.” She held out the bag of popcorn to me.

I smiled as I grabbed a handful, feeling my dragon sigh at the gesture. I’d made sure she had something to eat along with the champagne they poured while she was trying on her wardrobe.

Now my mate was feeding me.

“It’s common decency to feed paying customers,” I teased, offering my arm. “It doesn’t take money to be kind.”

“Touche,” she said.

When she slid her arm through the crook in my elbow, I felt ten feet tall.

We strolled casually through the darkened walkway past the closed shutters and old ‘Going Out of Business’ signs. Dust gathered in the corners and our steps echoed through the grand space.

“I don’t know when I’ll ever wear that gown.” Riley smiled wistfully. The softness of the champagne was wearing off and logic tried to return.

“There doesn’t need to be a reason.” I realized I was walking extra slowly, trying to enjoy the feeling of having her beside me. “But if you need an excuse, I’ll set a time and date.”

“You’d do that for me?” She giggled, then clapped her hand over her mouth.

I took her wrist and tugged it back down. “That and more.”

Riley blinked as she stared into my eyes. “Is this all because you think I’m your mate?”

“Maybe.” I couldn’t lie, but I didn’t want to scare her again. “Or maybe it’s because you deserve it.”

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