Page 4 of Dragon Prince of New York

“Sorry,” Jess apologizes. “This trip is really important to Midas.”

“It’s fine. But do you really have to go for a month?”

“Yes,” Midas and Cyrus say at the same time.

Jess gives both the men a sharp look I don’t understand. “Alright. It’s time to make the rounds.”

Before I know what’s happening, Jess is dragging me off into the crowd gathered in their living room. Midas’s best friend and personal valet—because yeah, he’s got one of those—finds us first and gives me a big hug. His wife follows, asking me all about my flight and setting me at ease after the awkward conversation with Cyrus.

Lennox and Yeva are the closest thing I have to family apart from Jess and Midas. When my sister eloped, she left me with them for almost a month. They've been at every holiday and family gathering since. I've probably spent as much time with them as with Jess and Midas over the past few years.

“How long are you staying this time, filly?” Lennox started calling me filly after he took me horseback riding for the first time. He says my smile was so wide I looked ten years younger, which inspired the nickname.

“Permanently,” Jess beams. “She’s gonna stay with us to help with the baby.”

“For a little while,” I correct.

I love my sister, and I’m excited to be an aunt, but being around her and Midas can be a lot. Even after five years, they’re still like horny teenagers. I thought it would be better now that she’s pregnant, but apparently not. After I got in last night, I heard some serious pounding and sex noises. There’s only so much of that I’ll be able to take.

Out of the corner of my eye a movement catches my attention. Cyrus has shifted closer, not exactly following us or joining our conversation, but close enough I’m sure he can hear what we're saying. A woman is talking to him, but it’s clear he’s only giving her half of his attention. When she touches his chest, his gaze snaps down to her hand, and something raw and sharp scrapes across my insides.

This feeling is ridiculous. He means nothing to me. I have no claim on him. But a memory of catching Tim with our professor flashes behind my eyes.

“Excuse me,” I say to no one in particular, already crossingthe room toward the kitchen. I need a breather and maybe something to eat to ease my rolling stomach.

“Ah, you must be Finley,” a man says, blocking my path. He’s broad shouldered and muscular, like a football player, but the thing that draws my attention most is the wide, bright smile splitting his light, well-groomed beard. “I’m Jethro. I’ve been begging Midas to introduce us for years, and now I finally see why he’s kept you hidden away.” His gaze is appreciative. “You’re just as beautiful as your sister.”

He takes my hand and bends over it, planting a light kiss on my knuckles.

“Thanks, but not interested.” I yank my hand away.

His smile widens, eyes dancing. “I want nothing more than your friendship, Ra’ia.”

“Yeah, well, only my friends can give me nicknames, and we’re not there yet.” I put my hands on my hips.

His laugh is warm and inviting, and I find myself cracking a smile in response. Something about Jethro is too light for me to take him seriously. And I’m kind of impressed by how he handled my snarky bluntness. I might need to make him my new bestie.

“What’s Ra-i-a mean, anyway?”

“Like you said, we’re not there yet.” He winks, then leans forward, a playful gleam in his eyes. “I have a feeling we’re going to be good friends, though. And I think you have someone else you need to set straight about your relationship status.” His head jerks to the side, and I follow the movement to find Cyrus staring again.

“What’s his deal?” I force myself to look back at Jethro so I don’t get trapped in those dark eyes.

“I’ve known Cyrus a long time and I’ve never seen him pay anyone so much attention.” Jethro gives me a mischievous smile. “If our Ra’i gives you too much trouble, come see me, and I’ll slap him upside the head.”

I give him a genuine grin. “I just might take you up on that.”

Chapter 3

Cyrus

Isqueeze the champagneglass so hard it shatters in my hand. Thankfully, most of the people here won’t think anything of the show of strength, or concern themselves with the minor cuts.

When Jethro makes her laugh a second time, I dig my nails into my already bleeding hands and grind my teeth. Finding a server, I let them know about the glass on the floor, before making a straight path toward the person who has tormented my thoughts and dreams for six years.

“Jethro.” My hand lands heavy on my friend’s shoulder. Ex-friend if he doesn’t stop flirting with my mate.

“Ah, Ra’i, just the man we were discussing.” Jethro looks at me as if he’s completely oblivious to the tension coiling every muscle in my body, but I know he isn’t. He’s one of my oldest friends. We grew up together, fought in the arctic wartogether. He knows exactly how tense I am right now.

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