Page 77 of Bully Billionaire Dragon

“What is going on?” Giselle asks.

“Who is in the backyard?” Anton adds.

“I’m paying for the backyard to be relandscaped,” I explain. “You had some poisonous moss, so they had to dig it up as soon as possible.”

The lie spills out of my mouth easily, but they seem to buy it.

“Are you two holding hands?” Shane asks as he comes down into the living room.

I look at my friend and see a small smile on his face.

I guess that means this doesn’t bother him.

“We are together now,” Taylor explains.

“Well, welcome to the family,” Anton says, bringing me into his embrace.

“Hurt my daughter, and I will end you,” Anton whispers into my ear. “Make her happy, and you will be like a son to me.”

I nod in understanding into his shoulder. He was never scary growing up, but part of me is terrified of this man now.

We pull away and he beams over my shoulder at Taylor.

I know they were close growing up, so it is good to see they still are.

“Can I talk to you?” Shane sets a hand on my arm.

“Of course, buddy, I’ll be right back.” I give Taylor a peck on the lips and follow Shane to the backyard.

It is louder outside, and I can see what a mess we left behind.

“My parents were pissed this morning,” Shane explains. “The backyard is destroyed.”

“The moss had to be dug up, man.”

“Be honest, what happened? It looks like a tornado ripped through our backyard.”

I want to share the truth with Shane, but I can’t. He is just a civilian and can’t know about dragons or shifters.

“I’m serious.”

I can tell Shane doesn’t believe me, so I try and change the subject. “How do you feel about Taylor and I?”

“Well, I am pissed you didn’t tell me, but Taylor and you look happy so who am I to stand in the way.

I beam at Shane. He may not be my best friend, but he has been a true friend to me for most of my life.

“You just keep her heart intact, and she will be alright. She can handle herself.”

That she can.

Knowing that Taylor has her family on her side warms me to the core. I have my own family, and now Taylor is a part of it.

“We better go, TJ,” Taylor calls from the patio doors.

“The missus is calling, I gotta jet.”

Shane finally looks at me. “See you around.”

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