Page 62 of Dragon Touched
Fin sent a quick inquiry to Cyan. ‘Have you found her yet?’
Though the young dragon’s mind was too immature for thought-speak, a frustrated sensation flashed in Fin’s brain.
‘It’s okay, keep searching. I’ve found our main problem. He’ll probably lead me right to her. Stay safe and out of sight.’
He broke off contact and refocused.
The three-piece suit was tight and restrictive, unlike his loose, flowing robe. Pulling at the tie, he let out a groan.
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
Sergio, or so the cab driver’s name badge announced, threw a quick glance over his shoulder. “Excuse me.” When Fin’s eyes met his, the man’s gaze slid away. “You, uh, want me to keep following?” His stubbled chin jutted to taillights a couple of cars ahead.
A hula girl danced on the dash every time the car hit a pothole.
“Well.” Fin stared at the man’s short, black hair. “I’m not paying you for enlightening conversation, that’s for sure.”
Eyes now on the road, Sergio scratched his nose and craned his head to peer along the street. “So, is that a yes?”
“Gods, the people in this reality are dumb,” he muttered under his breath and rolled his eyes at the small downtown coming into view. “Yes, follow that car. Nothing about my request has changed in the past five minutes.”
He pulled at the jacket again. The charcoal-colored material covered a dark, plum dress shirt. This was the first time in his life he’d ever worn modern clothing, and he hoped to the Gods it would be the last. He couldn’t understand how the men tolerated it day in, day out—with everything bunched and choked. Adjusting his lap, he crossed an ankle over his knee and tapped his foot.
Sacha, what are you doing?Have you forgotten about me?
He hoped he wasn’t too late to protect—and confess—to her. Would she still give him a chance? Why hadn’t he told her how he felt?
Because I was scared out of my mind, scared she couldn’t love me, scared she would reject me.
She’d so easily accepted his magic, his scars, and his pain—so why hadn’t he been able to lay his beating heart in her hands and trust she’d accept and protect it?
He let out a pent-up breath. It’s a lot less work to push someone away than let them in. Trust involved exposure, the risk of judgement, and the possibility of hate—or love.
“Yo, dude.” Sergio’s high tenor tone broke his concentration. “They stopped. Want me to pull behind?”
“No, drive a few feet farther then let me out.”
Passing the vehicle, Fin tried to peer through the windows, but the tint was too dark.
I could use a spell to see through the glass, but why waste power when I already know he’s inside?
When the cab rolled to a stop, he jumped out, eager to catch his prey.
“Hey. Mr. Weird Eyes.” The cab driver leaned into the front passenger seat with his head lowered to look through the rolled-down window. “Ain’t ya forgettin’ something?”
“Like what?” A corner of Fin’s mouth turned, and his gaze narrowed. “You want a thank you, atta boy, job well done?”
“Ha.” The man held out his hand, palm up. A goofy grin lit his face. “Good one, man.”
Apprehension flooded Fin’s mind. He didn’t want to lose Lorenzo. His head turned in time to see the car’s back door open and a foot touch the pavement.
“For the love of . . .” He dug into a pocket and pulled out a wad of bills. “I can’t believe I have to tip someone for doing his job.” After flipping through the stash, he met Sergio’s green stare. “It seems the smallest I have is a fifty.”
“Oh, sorry, man.” Sergio rubbed his fingers together. “I ain’t got change for that.”
“Of course, you don’t.” Fin flicked the bill into the open window and compressed his lips. He wished he was back on his world. No one there expected a tip. A person’stipwas the pleasure of a job well done. “Now sod off, you bloody leech.”
Sergio, with a lazy smile, flipped the bird and pulled away. “Thanks, asswipe.” His voice floated through the night.
