Page 30 of Always Say Yes to a Dragon

“He was.”

“Well, maybe he’s different behind closed doors.” Though he wasn’t exactly less intense, just more relaxed.

And he literally saw my time as a gift. Even if he was paying me for it. Even if this was a job. The glow of that still hadn’t worn off.

“The whole situation is just kind of weird, alright?” I’d kind of expected sex with Az’zael to be on the mechanical side, since there weren’t any feelings involved, but our brief encounter in front of themirror had been shockingly hot, and I found myself disappointed that I’d gotten distracted talking to him instead of touching his dicks. I was looking forward to seeing him again and figuring out how to blow his mind.

“Are you seeing him tonight? If not, let’s get some drinks and you can tell meeverything.”

When was the last time I’d had a night out? I’d been playing catch-up ever since Adrian, but I was caught up now, and I could even afford to treat Jen as a celebration of my good luck. “Yeah. Yes. I’d love to.”

Jen squealed.

8

Az’zael

Lastnight was a rousing success. She’d come to my home, taken my gifts—themostvaluable piece of jewelry. Not the most expensive, but the one I’d put the greatest combination of time and money into securing. A little flush of pleasure that it was the one I’d kept out of Udar’s grasping hold hit me each time I thought of it.

I’d been in such a good mood this morning, I’d even grabbed that handful of gold doubloons and other decorations for City Hall’s treasure room.

As I hung a few paintings, I cursed myself for my blunder in my embarrassingly small library. How could I not know the contents of my own books? Though they were beautifully illustrated and decorated, I’d never bothered to learn Latin. Instead, I’d been fascinated by the workmanship that went into decorating leather with gold and jewels. It was so precise and detailed that I’d been shocked to learn that humans had come up with such a dragon-like idea.

I erected a pedestal next to Diego’s desk as I replayed the night in my mind.

Elle had let me pleasure her. I hadn’t expected that so soon, or for her to want to touch me in return. With hermouth. I’d heard the rumors about humans, of course, but I hadn’t believed them.

Next time, I’d make sure we weren’t interrupted. Then she’d be too well-pleasured to consider anyone else.

Once I’d improved the reception area’s decor to my satisfaction, I returned to my office and left the door cracked, waiting for Diego to come in so I could see his no-doubt pleased reaction.

He entered the office at five minutes to nine. I frowned. He shouldn’t show upearly. His contract specified his start and end time.

He paused at his desk. “Az’zael?”

“Yes?”

“Why is there a fortune in gold coins next to my desk?” He eyed the doubloons as if they might pop out of their case and bite him.

I stuck my head out of my office. “For decoration. Since you said we ‘couldn’t afford’ other things.”

“Butgold doubloons?”

“It’s a loan from my personal collection.” I frowned. “They’re pretty. They liven the place up.” A nice patina had settled into the fine lines of the Spanish cross stamped in the center.

Diego’s dark eyebrows drew together. “They’re incredibly expensive. What if someone steals them?”

“Only someone with a death wish would steal from me. Don’t you like them?” It had occurred to me, after watching that terrible show with Elle, that I was Diego’s boss. I didn’t wanthimto find that show “relatable.”

Thank goodness Elle would never have to deal with one ofthoseagain. With me around, she had no more need for a job, and definitely no more need for a boss.

Diego glanced between me and the doubloons. “Um, I suppose they’re very nice. Youdidmake them a pedestal. And the paintings?”

“Well, I had some extra at home. So I brought them in as well.” I frowned. Why was he asking so manyquestions? “I told you I planned to bring some things from my personal collection to decorate, didn’t I?”

“You did. But, uh, that man is being decapitated.”

“Yes, it’s very artistic.” It was a reproduction of a famous engraving.

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