Page 30 of Her Dragon Outlaw

What is wrong with me? I’m getting exactly what I want.

So why doesn't it feel that way?

Her distance is eating at me in a way I couldn’t have predicted. It tears at my senses, robbing me of vision and taste. I know I went overboard. I made her doubt herself, probably making her question opening up to me in the first place. I’m an ass.

I need to be. It’s for the best.

It's better if it hurts now when we barely know each other.

When we reach the lakehouse, Lori slips off and heads into the house without a word. I shift, quickly dawning a pair of sweatpants, and follow her. The smell of coffee beans fills the space and I make my way to the kitchen, taking a seat at the table.

“What’s the game plan from here?” she asks, her focus still on the coffee.

“Now that we know Stella’s got a target on your back, my first priority is keeping you safe.”

“And just how do you plan to do that?” she bit out.

“Well, for now, I’ll keep you here. Stella won’t be able to get near you without alerting me,” I respond tightly.

“What happens when she comes?” She whips around, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “Because you know she will, what then?”

“Then I’ll protect you. And arrest her.”

“Aren’t you forgetting about her demonic partner?”

“No, I’m not. I think you’re forgetting I’m trained for situations like these.”

“Maybe you’re forgetting that this is my life they’re after, not yours. So, excuse me if I want to make sure you’re thinking through things thoroughly.”

Sharp pricks of pain seared my palm, I clenched my fist tighter trying to control the irrational anger. What the fuck was she trying to imply?

It’s your own damn fault! His dragon growled.

Oh, so you're speaking to me now?

Silence.

As expected.

Lori places a mug in front of me, the playfulness in her eyes, reduced to tolerance. I nod my thanks and take a sip.

Her voice breaks through the silence and she takes the seat opposite me.“As good as the coffee house?”

Immediately, the numbness of shame makes my fingers heavy, forcing me to put down the mug before I drop it. I school my features, feigning ease.

“Probably better,” I say lightly.

“I doubt it,” she says cooly. “Next time we go, we can try a different brew and see what you think then.”

Lori’s playing games. And it’s working. Causing me to want to turn a blind eye to my responsibility. I can still taste her on my tongue. My pulse spikes. It would be easy to fall into her again. To seek the alluring spark that makes me burn hotter than my dragon fire.

But I have a job to do

And part of that Job is keeping Lori safe.

Being distracted by her would get her killed.

What would being without her do? No. I can’t afford to go down that road. Not again. I shove the thought down, ignoring the revolt in my gut. This is the only way I can protect us both from getting hurt.

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