Page 17 of Charming the Dragon
“Not as much as I’d like. And whilst we were busy dismantling the Dragon Knights, the hate groups not only grew in size, but the dragon hunters got far more clever and cautious. That makes our jobs even harder.”
“Perhaps. But the British government also wants to find and destroy the dragon hunters, so at least you’re both on the same team. For now.”
His pupils flashed a few times before returning to round. She blurted, “What is your dragon saying?”
Tilting his head, Nathan studied her. “Why do you want to know?”
She lifted her menu and pretended to read it. “Well, your dragon half is an essential piece of you, of every dragon-shifter. And if I don’t get to know both halves, I don’t really understand the whole person. If that makes sense?”
Hayley snuck a peek, and Nathan’s pupils flashed again. Had she upset his inner beast?
“Not many humans think about that, in my experience.”
Whew.So he wasn’t angry. “It’s not like you’ve met every human in the UK. Some of us want to educate ourselves but don’t know how to ask more about it. Or if it’s even okay to ask questions about it. I figured since we have to work together, I have some leeway with you.”
The corners of his mouth twitched, but he never fully smiled. He replied, “You do. Although it doesn’t mean I have toanswer everything. However, when it comes to dragon-shifters in general, ask me anything and I’ll try my best to answer.”
“Truly?”
“Yes.”
She dropped the menu and grabbed one of his hands. “Thank you! I have so many questions, and now that I don’t have to pretend I don’t want to ask them? It’s freeing. I’ll probably be able to concentrate better. Oh, and better understand previous dragon-related cases and rulings. Who knows what we’ll find buried in the records. It’ll be like a treasure hunt.”
“Er, dusty, faded records aren’t really treasure.”
“But they can be. After all, something we find in them could allow one of your clan members to achieve the future they truly want.”
“Perhaps.” He cleared his throat and gestured at the menu. “You should probably decide what to order now. The rush will start soon, and then we’ll have to wait longer.”
Nathan removed his hand from hers, took out his phone, and tapped on it.
Normally, Hayley hated it when people did that. And yet, it allowed her to steal glances at the dragonman as she pretended to read the menu. There was so much more to him than she’d gleaned at first.
Maybe by the time she finished her law database project, she’d finally have a deeper understanding of dragon-shifters. That way, she could become an even bigger advocate.
The fact she’d be spending time with a sexy dragonman was just a bonus.
And you can only look.Hayley had grown tired of dating and games and men pretending to accept her intelligence only to later want her to ask and accept their opinion on everything. Mansplaining made her want to punch someone, and she usually wasn’t a violent person.
So, right, she’d collect the information they needed, complete her project, and then go back to her life in London with no strings attached.
Sounds like a plan.Provided she could avoid any disasters, Hayley should be able to finish this project in no time.
Chapter Five
The next morning, Hayley yawned as she finished her breakfast in the kitchen and accidentally knocked her mug over. “Damn it.”
She quickly mopped up the tea, grateful that Denise had already rushed off for a meeting about an upcoming children’s event.
When tired, Hayley became all thumbs and slightly more clumsy. The night before, everyone had come over and introduced themselves at the Dragon’s Nest. It’d been great to meet so many new people, and yet trying to keep everyone’s name and face straight had drained her. She hated not being able to place someone later, even if nobody expected her to memorize the entire clan in a day or two.
Yawning again, she brought her dishes to the sink and washed them. When done, she checked her phone and read a few messages. Even when delegating her cases, she’d offered to advise and consult when needed.
Noticing the time, she squealed, grabbed her coat, and raced out the front door. She’d only taken a few steps when Nathancame into view. He raised his brows in question, and she said, “Sorry. I got caught up with work and lost track of time.”
“Let’s just hurry up and head toward the great hall.”
She studied him for a second, trying to judge his mood. “Are you still angry about last night?”
