Page 16 of Dragon, Actually
She sits up, sipping the coffee. Then she samples the omelet, humming with appreciation. “This is dangerous. I could get used to this.”
Good. Because you’re mine.The thought burns like a flame in my throat, the words almost slipping out. This is it—time to tell her about the alokoi bond. Time to tell her everything.
But before I can start, her phone buzzes on the nightstand. She reaches for it and groans, reading the screen. “Nooo. They need me to cover the morning shift.”
I bite back my disappointment that we don’t get to spend the day together. “That’s okay. I can come by this evening when you’re free.”
Her face falls, and she shakes her head. “I just have an hour break and then my scheduled shift afterward. I won’t be home until really late.”
The thought of going a whole day without seeing her makes my stomach churn. “Then come to the restaurant between your shifts,” I say, trying not to sound as desperate as I feel. “I’ll make you dinner. It’ll blow this breakfast out of the water, I promise.”
She hesitates, then smiles, a blush rising on her cheeks. “That sounds… great.”
I lean down, brushing my lips against hers. “I can’t wait.”
Chapter 13
Jewel
All I can think about all day is seeing Myrran again. I feel like a string of lights that someone just plugged in for the first time, beaming at everyone for no reason. I arrive at the restaurant with way too much anticipation for someone meeting a guy she barely knows.
The sign above the door, gilded and shaped like a dragon’s curling tail, reads Ember & Ash. Through the plate-glass window, I catch a glimpse of the charming, comfortable interior. It’s obviously a high-end place, but it’s been designed with a rustic comfort that makes it welcoming to anyone.
A dragon hostess with glimmering silver scales and a sleek braid down her back greets me the moment I step inside. “Hey, you’re Myrran’s friend, right?”
I blink. Friend? Sure, that’s what we are. Friends who have mind-blowing sex. Nothing is official, so that’s close enough. “Uh, yeah. Jewel.”
“Welcome!” She flashes a bright smile, leading me to a cozy table near the open kitchen, where I have a view of Myrran and the other flame-grillers working in the open kitchen. It’s so cool to see him in his element, graceful and focused, the occasional flicker of fire from his mouth stoking the grill or finishing plates. There’s clearly a lot of skill and timing involved to make the flames lick the food with such precision. It’s mesmerizing and nothing like I expected.
When he catches sight of me, he stops everything, his entire face glowing just like mine has been all day. My heart stutters, and I wave at him. He motions to let me know he’ll come see me in a minute.
A human server appears at my table almost instantly. “No menu for you. You’re getting the VIP treatment,” he says, raising his brows. A series of dishes follows—colorful, spicy, and completely over the top. Each course is more stunning than the last, like something out of a TV show.
As I eat, savoring every bite, I watch Myrran cook. He’s incredible, a natural in every way, his movements an intricate rhythm of fork and flame. But I can’t help noticing his rapport with the other dragons in the kitchen and dining room. They call out to him, teasing him, leaning in close to talk. The broadsmiles and cheeky banter they exchange remind me a lot of what he and I have shared.
His cheesy jokes aren’t just for me, apparently. I stab at my food, trying to make sense of why that’s bothering me.
I tell myself I’ll feel better once he comes over to say hi, but then I see him make the hostess a special plate for her dinner. Shrimp skewers, just like he made for me. Sweet and considerate, like I’ve come to expect from him in the short time I’ve known him. I swallow hard and put down my fork.
After she eats at the end of the bar, she brings him a glass of ice water, offers him a towel to wipe the sweat off his forehead. He accepts both, and they laugh about something I can’t hear. I’m not jealous. It’s obvious they’re just being friendly, co-worker supporting co-worker. So why is it making me want to evaporate?
I stare at my fork. The food is amazing, but my appetite has disappeared.
Have I completely misread him? The way he smiles at me, the thoughtful actions—is that just how he treats everyone?
The idea burns worse than the spiciest dish on the table.
“Hey.” His voice startles me, and I glance up to find him standing by the table, wiping his hands on the towel. “How’s everything?”
“Incredible,” I say quickly, forcing a smile. “You’re so talented.”
He frowns slightly, tilting his head like he’s picked up on my discomfort. “You okay? You seem—”
“Myrran!” The silver-scaled dragon waves from the bar. “I need you for a tableside!”
He hesitates, glancing between me and her. “I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Sure,” I lie.
