Page 52 of The Baby Dragon Cafe
Sparky nuzzled against Aiden’s side, letting him know all was forgiven. Then he climbed onto Saphira’s lap, rubbing his nose against her face. After a moment, Saphira groaned.
Aiden’s heart started again. Slowly, Saphira opened her eyes.
“What happened?” she asked, trying to sit up. Aiden helped her, holding onto her hand.
“Are you alright?” he asked. “You got struck by dragon fire and fainted.”
“Oh god.” Her eyes widened as she remembered. “I’ve been so tired, and I think I forgot to eat today … and last night …”
“Saphira, you can’t do that,” Aiden scolded, upset. “You have to take care of yourself.”
He was still reeling from seeing her unconscious. He felt as if he was going to be sick himself.
“I know, you’re right.” Saphira looked down at the burn, cringing. Sparky noticed it then, and the baby dragon hissed. Before either of them knew what was happening, Sparky wiped at her arm with his paws, rubbing off the salve.
“Ow!” Saphira cried, as Sparky’s paws scratched against her burned skin.
“Sparky!” Aiden snapped. “Stop!”
He went to pick Sparky up and away, but Saphira said, “Wait a second.”
Having removed the salve, Sparky began licking the burn, and Saphira released a long sigh of relief.
“It’s helping,” she said, looking up at Aiden. “You know dragon saliva heals dragon burns.”
Particularly the saliva of a dragon and its own rider. Aiden vaguely recalled learning this at some point, but he had completely forgotten it in the intensity of the moment.
No wonder Sparky had thrown a tantrum when Aiden told the baby dragon to go away.
As if reading Aiden’s thoughts, Sparky turned around and gave Aiden a seething glance. Aiden returned with a sheepish look.
Saphira sat up fully, still holding onto Aiden’s hand. “Sorry for fainting,” she said.
“Don’t apologize,” he scolded, feeling agitated. Not at her, but the situation. “Now you need rest. That’s enough training for today. I’m taking you home.”
She nodded, and he helped her stand. But then a thought struck her, and she said, “But you wanted to watch the sunset!”
He frowned.
“I’m not worried about the sunset,” he gritted out. “I’m worried about you.”
“Oh.” Her mouth softened, and then she did not protest.
Aiden led her to his car, where he helped her sit, Sparky in the back. He drove her home, his grip on the steering wheel tight. Once they arrived, he parked and helped her inside, Sparky trotting behind them.
“Really, I’m fine,” Saphira insisted, unlocking her front door. “You can go, I’m sure you have things to do.”
Aiden put a finger to his mouth to shush her. She was not fine, and he wasn’t leaving until she was the picture of health once more. Saphira pressed her lips together, biting back a smile.
Upstairs, she let him into her apartment. It was small and cozy, so much like her. He was hit with the scent of roses and took a deep inhale, the dreamlike sensation of being enveloped in her arms overcoming him.
Hand at her elbow, Aiden helped Saphira sit down on the couch, which was a vibrant green color, decorated with floral pillows. Aiden placed one of the pillows behind Saphira’s head, gesturing for her to lie back. He pulled up her legs and slid her shoes off, his hands lingering on the point of contact, the soft and delicate skin of her ankles.
Aiden grabbed a throw blanket and spread it over her body, tucking her in. Saphira settled in, a small smile on her face.
“A girl could get used to this,” she said, pleased.
It was his opinion that sheshouldget used to this treatment. It was very little compared to what he would do for her if she was his.
