Page 8 of Taming
Yes, he’s fucking adorable.
“I’ve been raising these three for a few weeks now, and I think they’ll be ready for battle training in another two weeks when they’re a bit larger.”
Linden strokes the trimmed hair of his perfectly groomed beard.
He’s handsome in that purchased kind of way. He isn’t rugged or sexy. He’s just … alluring I suppose. He’s so clean and polished it makes me want to cringe away from him for fear of tarnishing his pretty nails.
I don’t though. I take an intentional step closer. My arm and hip brush against his smooth navy uniform. His royal and expensive beauty isn’t lost on me.
He’s not my type at all but did I mention royal and expensive? Yes, he has money and that is what I really need more than any love or affection. Please just give me the coins, and I’ll be on my way.
“They’d be impressive assets. When was the last time you’ve seen a dragon?” They weren’t typical along the coast where I lived when I was a girl, but I don’t bring up my long-forgotten childhood. Not to Linden. Not to anyone.
“They’re rare.” He nods.
Rare. Rare is what I always like to hear. Rare like a beautiful and loyal woman. Rare like a strong and fearless man. Rare like everlasting love. Rare like that money you’re going to give me that I don’t have.
“Indeed.”
He’s debating with himself in his mind it seems. Why wouldn’t he want them? The only downfall is they might accidentally eat him. Or they could make this Kingdom untouchable.
The positives greatly outweigh the negatives here.
“Are any of them female? Female animals are calmer normally. Easier to handle.” His curious gaze turns to me and my lips part with a lie before my mind even fully processes his question.
“Of course.” I peer down at the glistening scales of the restless creatures. “The black one, without the horns. Only male dragons have horns.” Chaos jerks his hornless head up to me. His snout is clenched tightly closed, and I have to force myself to turn away from his oddly scowling look.
I have no idea if any of them are female. They act like brooding beasts, so I guess I just assume they’re male, but the Prince wants a female…
Dragons have never been in high supply, but they’re nearly unheard of now. Which means their value is going to be amazing.
“The black one definitely calms the other two. The black one and the white one are affectionately playful to one another. They’re all very well-mannered, but the black one is such a sweetheart.” I run my palm over his smooth scales and, at the last second, Chaos nips at my fingertips.
My hand jerks back from him as I glare daggers at the little reptile.
A real fucking sweetheart, I tell you.
“What do you want for them?” The Prince tilts his head just slightly as Rime begins to pace a slow and stalking circle that makes his shoulders hunch with every step.
“Five hundred parchels.Each.” And I’ll never have to worry about where my next meal will come from. I might hide the rest of my life, but I’ll hide in luxury.
The Prince shifts until his chest is skimming my bare arm, his warm breath tangling in my hair.
“What if you give me the dragons today, we make it an even million, and I’ll buy you dinner?” Long fingertips skim the inside of my arm and the sound of his rasping tone seems to make all three of the dragons rumble with low and intimidating growls.
I feel the same way, my loves.
A million. What a low-balling asshole.
My palm pushes slowly up his chest, trailing over the shining badges of honor pinned like décor all over his uniform. The way my chin tilts up to his towering height is intentional. Every single thing I do is intentional.
“What if,” the smooth tone of my voice has him watching my lips with intensity, “what if you paid me the full one point five, and I’ll buy my own fucking dinner?” Long lashes flutter with each innocent blink I give him.
A slow smirk crosses his lips.
“You’re impossible, do you know that?”
“I do.” There’s no sarcasm in my voice. I’m entirely serious about this money.
