Page 65 of Draco's Defiance

“Stop it.” Eden scowled at him lightheartedly. “Balthazar’s trying to open up.”

“He’s real.”

Hearing Balthazar’s wistful tone, Cherie reached for his hand.

“Wow.” Sebastian inhaled. “I did not see this coming. How long have you been seeing Dad?”

“A few months. When this is all over, perhaps we should fly to the mountaintops together.” Balthazar’s dark eyes scanned the room. “You guys can see for yourself.”

“I’d like that.” Cole nodded.

“Yes,” Sebastian agreed. “Once we’ve dealt with Monroe.”

“For once...” Reaching for his wine, Draco lifted his glass for an impromptu toast. “I think we all agree.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Moira

MOIRA WAS FAST ASLEEP when the muffled noises began. Puncturing her dreams, the dull throbbing sound escalated until it fractured them and woke her from her slumber.

“What’s that noise?” Heart pounding, she sat bolt upright. She was abruptly conscious that Draco was already out of bed, and appeared to be pulling on clothes in the half-light of the moon.

“It’s Monroe.”

She shivered at Draco’s deep tone. Monroe. Oh, fuck!

“Don’t worry,” he instructed as he flicked on the light by his bedside. “Get dressed and follow me. I’m taking you to the panic room.”

“What about the others?” Stumbling from the bed, she searched for her clothes, wishing she’d had the chance to bring more with her than only one suit, but how could she have done? Moira hadn’t even known she’d be staying somewhere else when she dressed that morning. She thought she’d be going back to her place, or at least, waking up in Draco’s swanky apartment. She’d had no idea she’d actually wake up in a random Vaughn property on the other side of the city. Will the others be okay?

“My brothers will take care of them.” Draco ran his hands through his hair as he strode around the bed in her direction. “Don’t worry about the others. Come on, little girl, we need to go.”

“Okay.” Buttoning her shirt, she tugged on her jacket before taking his outstretched hand. Another loud thud reverberated from somewhere outside, making her jump and sending her pulse racing. I’m scared, Draco.

There was something to be said for this telepathy. She didn’t even have to open her mouth to relay how she was feeling anymore. It was an exceptionally useful skill when she was suddenly so terrified.

“It will be okay.” Kissing her crown, Draco pulled her in for an embrace. “There are four of us and only one of him. We’ve got this.”

“But I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

There, she’d told him the truth, but even saying it aloud was painful. She couldn’t bear the thought of Draco being hurt, but the thought of losing him after discovering their chemistry was too cruel.

Moira had spent years on her own, woefully unimpressed with the selection of alleged suitors. Draco was the first man who’d turned her head in that time, but he also had the incredible advantage of being a half-dragon lover who could make her come harder than she’d ever known was possible. He was more than she’d ever counted on.

“Nothing will happen.” His hand rose to her chin and compelled her to meet his blue gaze. She didn’t resist, enjoying the tingle of submission as it ran down her spine, easing her growing anxiety. “Understand me?”

“You can’t know that.” Why was she arguing? Moira wanted nothing more than to believe every word he said.

He had to be right. Everything would be fine.

“I’m one hundred percent sure of it.” Brushing his mouth over hers, he growled the words. They resonated through her body, thrilling and comforting in equal measure. “Once I know you’re safe, I’ll do what needs to be done.”

“And kill him?” Her brow furrowed, the words echoing in her head.

Kill him. Kill him. He’s going to kill him.

Monroe was an asshole. He needed help, and possibly locking up, but she couldn’t advocate for his death. She didn’t even believe in the death penalty.

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