Page 38 of Cole's Command

“You’re reading my thoughts again.” Reaching for her temple, she rubbed the side of her head. “I don’t know how it’s possible, but it’s incredibly intrusive, Cole.”

“I’m sorry for the intrusion.” He shrugged. “It’s not a conscious effort on my part. It just started happening after I bumped into you last night.”

Cole still didn’t really understand how the telepathy worked. As far as he knew, it had only existed between the Vaughns until then. “As for the rest, I told you how it’s possible.” Glancing at her, he sighed. She was so perfect for him. Intelligent, beautiful, and obviously an independent woman who knew what she wanted, Eden was any man’s wet dream, but the best part was, he could talk to her. Cole couldn’t recall ever feeling that way about a woman before. “You’re just not listening to me.”

“Because you’re a dragon?” Her brow rose with cynicism.

“Because I’m a dragon,” he confirmed.

“And how else does this dragon ability demonstrate itself?”

“I’m a shifter, Eden.” Turning to face her, he took her hands in his. “Do you know what that means?”

“Like a werewolf?” Her lips twitched with amusement.

“Yes, except I shift into a dragon, not a wolf.”

Boy, he was going to enjoy spanking that smirk from her face once he got the chance. Eden didn’t realize it yet, but she had inadvertently allowed a beast to wander into her lair, and now she was provoking it. Gods help her once she actually understood the consequences of his admission. Eden had been his from the moment she’d captivated him, but now that she knew about his dragon-shifter status, she was part of the Vaughn empire whether she liked it or not.

Towering over her, the idea of taking and compelling her was more enticing than normal. Suddenly, Cole had an excuse to play out the flawless fantasy he’d been wrestling with. He could snatch the hot little therapist away and demand her obedience, all in the name of protecting the Vaughn family secret.

“So, you change into a dragon?”

There’s not a study in the land that can help me prepare for a client like this. She pressed her lips together as she struggled to contain her unraveling thoughts. Maybe, I can be the first to write one.

“Yes.” Suddenly, he wanted out of her office, out of the expensive tower that housed it and out into the open space. “Care for me to take you somewhere and show you?”

“Cole.” Lifting their hands between them, she squeezed his fingers. “I want to help you, but fueling your delusions isn’t a good idea.”

Delusions? He couldn’t wait to see her face when he morphed into his dragon. It would almost be as sweet as the first time he got a chance to punish her.

“Indulge me a little.” He winked at her. “What harm can it do? After all, you’re off the clock, I’m paying for the additional time, and perhaps the fresh air will do you good.”

Fuck. She stared up at him, her thoughts clearer than ever. What is he playing at? “Is this some misguided attempt at a date?” Her continued cynicism invited punishment even earlier than Cole intended to deliver it.

“I promise it’s not.” Releasing her hands, he crossed his fingertip over his chest. “Cross my heart.”

“Okay.” Glancing behind her, she still sounded unsure, but her feet moved, taking her back to her desk, where she collected her purse and found her car keys. “Where are we headed?”

“I have my car outside,” he told her. “I’ll drive you.”

“I can drive myself,” she insisted, clutching the key as she rejoined him.

“I’m no doctor,” he replied. “But a few minutes ago, you were on your hands and knees with dizziness. I don’t think driving is the best plan.”

Shit. She blinked at him. He might be right.

“So, you think I’m just going to get in a car with you and disappear into the sunset?”

“I think you’ll let me drive because it’s the sensible choice,” he explained. “I won’t let any harm come to you.”

She eyed him intently, although for the first time, her thoughts were eerily silent. Cole didn’t know how to respond to her hushed mind. Had she found a way to block out his intrusion, or was she simply only staring, waiting to speak? “I do trust you,” she answered eventually. “Although I have no idea why.”

“Yes, you do.” He recalled how good she’d felt when he claimed her mouth, how well she’d responded to him and how hungry he’d been for her. If Eden could achieve all of that with one kiss, he could hardly wait to experience the fireworks they would create together. “You just don’t want to say it.”

“Fine.” Her expression was coy as she shoved her car keys into her purse. “I’ll go with you, but don’t push your luck.”

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