Page 65 of Never Feed a Dragon

The ride wasn’t short.

It was slightly awkward, though.

I think Eli could tell I was trying to put distance between us.

But I just turned my usual music up louder, drowning out the tension that may or may not have existed between us.

There wasn’t a spare bed in any of Eli’s extra rooms. He got on the phone and set up a delivery while I unpacked what I could without furniture in the one furthest from his.

The last thing I needed was to go to bed on the mattress we’d hooked up on before our trip.

More reminders of how much I liked having sex with Eli wouldn’t do me an ounce of good.

August and Elodie showed up after the mattress was delivered, and she tugged me into my room before demanding the story like Brynn had.

We sat on the floor while I gave her the same quick rundown. The longer I spoke, the more her forehead creased like Brynn’s had.

“I don’t think you can be mates without developing feelings for each other. It’s forever, Vi.”

“I’m aware. I just don’t think romantic relationships can last forever. Even permanent friendship seems like a stretch,” I explained.

The creases deepened. “They don’t just last forever. We put in the work we have to in order to make them last forever. Even when we get busy, August and I chat through our bond multiple times a day. We always have breakfast just the two of us, and we watch the sun rise or set together as often as possible. Our relationship will last forever because we won’t let it fade.”

We were never going to be on the same page when it came to that, so I didn’t bother trying to argue my point.

They’d only been together for two years. Time was hard on people; it changed them, and their relationship. If Elodie and August didn’t change with it, they’d fall apart, but they’d still be mated.

It could be a massive mess.

“I’m glad that works for you two,” I said honestly. “But Eli and I agreed to be roommates, and just roommates.”

“There’s no way that’s what he wants,” Elodie protested.

“Our relationship, or lack of one, isn’t your business,” I shot back. “I haven’t tried to talk you into leaving August, so don’t try to convince me to give Eli more than we both want.”

“Alright, fine. Just?—”

“Just nothing,” I said firmly.

She grimaced, but agreed.

When she and August finally left, I dropped onto the couch. Eli was sprawled out on the other side, his head tilted back and his eyes mostly closed.

“Everyone keeps trying to convince me to change my mind,” I said, too frustrated to stay quiet.

“About what?” His murmur was soft. He was definitely falling asleep.

“Being roommates.”

“Mm. Not their relationship, not their problem,” he said.

“Exactly!” I tossed a hand toward him. “You get it. This is why we’re friends.”

His lips curved upward slightly. “I’m going to nap. Long flight, and short night.”

“Me too. After that, I’ve got to work on my next cupcake recipe.”

Eli made a sound of agreement, and his eyes closed completely. His breath leveled out, his chest falling rhythmically.

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