Page 43 of Always Say Yes to a Dragon

I scrambled for the right words, knowing they were more important than a gift. “About the apartment.”

His eyes snapped to mine. “Yes?” Something gleamed in their gold depths.

“It’s not that it isn’t nice, or that I want a different one, but, uh, it’s a bit much?” On top of everything else he’d already given me, it felt like I’d stepped into someone else’s life.

His claws dug into the leather seats. “It’s ‘too soon.’ Yes. I understand.”

“Yes. Too soon.” More likenot enough time. Four months. My stomach tightened.

He glanced at the plushie I’d made for him, then back at me, and his hands relaxed. “I can give you more time.”

I blinked. He was open to a longer arrangement? I was already braced for the shattering crash after four months of this high. I didn’t know if I could handle more.

Once we stepped out of the car at the party, I gave myself a pep talk.No cussing, be on your best behavior, and nod and smile like your life depends on it.

Az had gone through so much trouble to get me a nice dress and jewelry for this event. I didn’t want to reflect badly on him. I’d even spent an hour this morning researching city council members, local executives, and anyone high-profile enough to show up.

Inside, I tried not to gape at the high ceilings, the chandeliers every few feet, and the way everything sparkled, even the people. I’d worried all the jewelry on top of this backless silk dress might be too much, but I blended right in.

Except for the dragon at my side. Though he wasn’t the only nonhuman in attendance—I spotted a werewolf couple along the far wall—Az’zael stood out.

With as much prep as I’d put in, half of me had expected photographers all over the place, but no. Of course not. This was Kilinis. It was just nicely dressed people mingling and eating hors d’oeuvres.

We’d been inside a minute or two at most when a middle-aged Black guy with unnaturally perfect teeth approached us with a nervous,shuffling step. I recognized him as the manager of Accutrust Bank, the host of this shindig. “Az’zael! Welcome!”

He butchered the double Z in Az’zael’s name, and I couldn’t help but feel a little kinship with him. How many times had I had to practice getting it right?

“Max Anderson. Yes.” Az smiled widely.

Max shot me a glance, and I snuggled closer to Az’zael. The bank manager seemed to need the reassurance that Az wouldn’t use those sharp dragon teeth on him.

Oblivious, Az said, “And this is my date, Elle.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Max shook my hand.

“You as well,” I responded automatically.

Az wrapped an arm around my waist. Max flinched at the sudden movement.

With that, all of Max’s courage seemed to flee, his smile becoming strained. “So glad you could make it! Please, enjoy yourselves. I hope to see you at next quarter’s celebration. If you’ll excuse me, an important investor just walked in.” He gave us an awkward little wave and disappeared.

Az sighed. “I see Max is still afraid of me, even if he wants my business.” He placed a hand at the small of my back, his scales rasping over the exposed skin, and nudged me farther into the massive room. Everyone made space for us as if on instinct. “I’m not sure why. I’ve tried very hardnotto scare anyone.”

“It hasn’t even been a year. It’s going to take some time to get used to having a couple dragons around,” I reassured him, then said, “You aren’t already invested in every bank in Kilinis?”

He rubbed his chin. “No. They seem fine without my help, andIdon’t need their services, but lately I’ve been reconsidering.”

We didn’t make it more than a few more steps before a young white couple approached us, smiles plastered in place while nervousness rolled off them.

“You must be Az! We heard you were coming. I’m Oliver, and this is Elizabeth. We’re considering opening a branch of Voyage Games in Kilinis. Perhaps you got our proposal?” Oliver reached out to Az for a handshake. Elizabeth gave me a once-over but otherwise ignored me.

I couldn’t help but notice her minimal makeup and the brunette hair pulled into a sleek knot at the back of her head. Had I gone too heavy with my eyeshadow? Was the “easy” updo I’d chosen already coming undone? I knew I should have used more bobby pins.

Az bared his teeth. “Yes. You wanted tax breaks for the first ten years your branch was open.”

“Well, wewouldbring a lot of jobs to the area.” Elizabeth’s smile was a touch too wide, her eyes darting back to me, as if assuring herself that my presence meant Az wouldn’t attack at a moment’s notice.

I shifted. A video game company like that would pay the big bucks, sotheiremployees could afford whatever insane rent all those new apartment buildings charged.

---