Page 12 of To Spark a Dragon's Love
I let the hot water scald my skin as the rain-head showers—two of them—washed away my tears. The water eased the pain a bit too. I was a full-grown woman. Not some love-drunk little girl. I knew this arrangement had a purpose. It wasn’t the first time I’d been in an unromantic marriage-type situation.
So why was my body aching like it’d been rejected?
Malachy clearly saw this as a means to an end.
I could do the same.
By the time I’d scrubbed every inch of my skin, I had no more tears left. I turned the water to cold and stood under it as long as I could to reduce the puffiness of my eyes.
Harper didn’t need to see me crying over some guy. I didn’t want her picking up my mistakes and repeating them. All this was for her. That meant I could do anything.
I dressed quickly, hurrying out of Kieran’s house before my hair was fully dry like some thief in the night despite the afternoon shining down on the beautiful fall day.
The wind rustled the leaves, seeming to hum and sing on the breeze. A soft, shushing, mothering sound filled my ears. I ignored it like I ignored the sense of something watching that seemed to pinprick the skin on the back of my neck.
I needed to get my daughter. It was already late in the day and she’d probably missed lunch and—
“Tell me everything.” Ember swung open the door to the cabin before my hand touched the handle.
“Everything.” I smiled, stepping back, but not quick enough. My best friend grabbed my face.
She wrenched my head to the side, exposing the tattoo and claiming mark.
A low whistle pursed through her lips. “Oh my God or Goddess or Mother Earth. Whoever we’re praying to now. This is real.”
Ember released me and clapped a hand over her mouth.
“Andmeshowing up with a magical tattoo on my neck didn’t make it feel real enough for you?” Riley called from her spot on the floor.
Tension I didn’t realize I was carrying eased at seeing Harper painting Riley’s toenails… and toes.
“Do you want to come to the salon next, Mommy?” Harper bit down on the tip of her tongue, closing one eye, as she swiped the pink paint.
“Maybe later,” I said.
The guilt at leaving her faded, but I somehow felt worse by knowing she didn’t even miss me.
“Where’s Malachy?” Ember frowned as she looked over the yard beyond the open door.
“Oh… You know… Probably off with the guys somewhere.” I waved my hand dismissively, hoping she would drop it as I made my way to the kitchen to make sure Harper had gotten something to eat.
“How long am I supposed to leave these in?”
I almost screamed as I came face to face with Lucan who’d rounded the corner way too quietly for his giant size.
“Didn’t mean to scare you.” He grinned.
“Until they’re dry,” Harper said.
We both looked down at the cotton balls between Lucan’s cherry red toes.
“Great color choice.” I smirked.
“Thanks.” He wiggled his pinky toes. “I think it makes my feet look slimmer.”
“You’re going to ruin my work.” Harper groaned with frustration.
“Calm down, Picasso. He’s getting you a snack,” Riley stood up for her mate.
