Page 48 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

Riley’s laughter soothed my beast. “Where was Kieran in all of this?”

“I still think he was the one who stole the pie and left the trap for me to fall into,” I grumbled.

Malachy smiled as he shook his head. “That lucky bastard grew up with his nose stuck in a book, but we had some fond memories—the three of us—when I was a fresh, young guardian.”

I’d rather talk about those memories instead of our darkened hatchling days, but Riley let out a big yawn.

“It’s getting late.” I scooted my chair backward, draping my arm over the back of her chair.

She smiled at me sheepishly before resting her head against my shoulder. “I’ll be all right. We can keep talking like this.”

Perfect.

She fit against me snugly and my beast soared with the knowledge that I was providing her comfort. Little by little, she’d trusted me.

I was the luckiest dragon in the world.

“Come on, now.” Malachy stood suddenly. I swear I saw the hint of jealousy in his eyes, but it was gone in the next second as he blinked. “Don’t you dare fall asleep on me yet. I have a gift for you two.”

19

Riley

Two Left Feet

Amber bulb lights were strung around the garden. A gentle breeze drifted through the jasmine vines on the trellis wall. The vast expanse of the universe shimmered with stars in the clear night sky overhead. Soft music played from the hidden outdoor speakers, making it the most romantic scene I’d ever experienced in my life.

“It’s beautiful,” I said. “You did all this?”

Malachy looked at his feet. “It’s not much. I just hung up some lights.”

“This is…” I blew out a slow breath as I spun in a circle, feeling like I’d stepped into some sort of fairy tale world. “Incredible.”

“I hope you enjoy it,” Malachy said.

“You’re not staying?” Lucan’s rough voice called out to his brother as he headed off into the dark night.

“I’m taking a walk.” Malachy raised the half-empty bottle of wine above his head. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

Lucan stared after his brother until the shadows swallowed him.

I stood there in companionable silence before nudging his side. “You can go with him if you want.”

“Hell no.” Lucan’s smile lit up my whole night as he returned his attention to me. “I’ve been waiting to get you alone for weeks.”

“Is that so?” I teased, taking a step back.

My heart was beating faster for all the right reasons, but I still felt my nerves like livewires, sparking off in wild directions.

Be bold. Take what you want. This is your life.

I reached for his hand. “Come on then, big guy. Dance with me.”

It’d been forever since I last danced with a man—forever since I wanted to.

I should’ve known he’d be a great dancer. Lucan was light and limber on his feet.

I bet he fucks like he fights and dances.

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