Page 56 of Draco's Defiance

He’d need to introduce the concept of his new lover to Cole and the others, which wasn’t ideal. He would rather have had more time to enjoy her and to see how things bloomed between them, but Monroe’s actions had backed him into a corner. He refused to leave Moira alone and unprotected. It wouldn’t take a cretin like Monroe long to figure out where she was, and then she’d be the next one tied up in his basement.

“I think he’s right.” Cole’s tone was contemplative. “I mean, I know you’re single, Draco, but the three of us have people we care about now. This is about more than just dragons and egos.”

“I might understand more than you realize.” Once more, Draco’s gaze darted to Moira. Refusing to meet his eyes, she inhaled, fiddling with her purse on her lap. Her briefcase had stayed at his apartment for the time being. Better that it was out of the way of Balthazar and Sebastian, who surely would struggle to comprehend Draco’s reasoning for seeking out of the late Michael Vaughn’s contract.

“What does that mean?” Cole’s surprised tone echoed through the speaker.

“I mean, there’s someone special in my life, too, and she’s already had a run in with Monroe.” Draco glanced back to the road, easing his foot down on the gas. The sooner he got to Sebastian’s and could explain in person, the better.

“Erm, what?” Cole sniggered. “You? The professional bachelor?”

The corners of Moira’s mouth hooked up at Cole’s description of him. “Professional bachelor?” she mouthed the words as Cole went on.

“What the fuck, Draco? Since when do you have someone special?”

“Since last week.” Draco disliked how defensive his tone had become. If he couldn’t even make Cole understand, then how were Balthazar and Sebastian going to react? He’d spent weeks mocking them all for how easily they’d succumbed to feelings of love and now, it seemed, he had fallen himself... “She’s actually in the car with me now.”

Maybe that would insist Cole curb his profanity.

“Oh, okay...” Cole hesitated, pushed to the back foot. “Great. So, what’s her name?”

“Moira.”

Draco couldn’t help but smile as he said it aloud. Moira. There was something infinitely moreish about Moira, as though she was a banquet laid out before a starving man. Draco had never been famished before, but there was little doubt; meeting her had changed things. He saw the world differently because for the first time he had somebody else to give a shit about.

“Well, hi, Moira!” Cole was almost cute as he struggled to regain his composure.

Moira, for her part, sent Draco a concerned look as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Hi, there.”

“Proper introductions soon,” Draco promised. “For now, tell me, is everyone together?”

“We are,” Cole confirmed, apparently grateful to steer the conversation away from Moira. “The six of us are here and we’ve increased the security provision.”

“Good.” Draco wasn’t sure what difference a few extra men would make to a monster like Oliver Monroe, but the additional support couldn’t hurt their effort. “What happened, exactly?”

“With Rebecca?” Cole’s tone was clipped and for the first time, Draco wondered who might be listening to his conversation.

“Yes.” Slowing down, Draco brought the car to a halt at a red light. Sebastian’s haunt was less than ten minutes away.

“He came here and tried to snatch her!”

Draco had the distinct impression that Cole had moved to another room, or perhaps even outside. There was more echo to his voice when he replied.

“He got past the security?” Draco shook his head.

“Told them he was delivering a parcel,” Cole snarled. “Rebecca let him in without checking.”

“Sounds like we all need to do better.” Draco frowned as he steered the car onto the main road out of the city.

“That’s one way of putting it,” Cole agreed. “But she was pretty shaken up.”

“I bet,” Moira murmured from his side.

“How does Moira know Monroe?” Cole inquired.

“She’s a lawyer, and he was one of her clients.” Reaching for her knee, he squeezed her gently. “The asshole asked her out and wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“Sounds familiar...” Cole growled. “So, she’s a lawyer?” The sound of his chuckle reverberated down the line.

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