Page 17 of Purple Scales & Coffee Tales

“They? Who?”

“Frostfire, Carson, the bloody mayor of Kirkmuir.” Taran’s voice had taken on a faintly panicked note. “I can’t do this, Maeve.” Smoke started to curl from his nostrils, and he looked close to hyperventilating.

“Hey,” I murmured, taking a tentative step closer and reaching out to put a hand on his forearm. He trembled and, throwing all my stupid rules to the wind, I slung my arms around his waist.

Taran tensed for a moment, then heaved a deep sigh and let himself be hugged.

God, he smells amazing.

Spicy and ancient, but not in a mouldy cave sort of way. More like how I imagined the temple of a pagan god to smell.

“You’ll be okay, Taran. If I had anything to wear to such a party, I’d totally go with you and be your shield. Shield Maiden Maeve, guarding you from being eaten alive by Kirkmuir’s upper class.”

A chuckle vibrated the broad chest under my cheek, the movement momentarily rubbing his corset’s bones over my nipples. My breath hitched in my throat as a flash of arousal shot through my body.

Yeah, thank fuck I’m not attracted to him.

I was about to laugh it off as a joke, when Taran freed himself from my embrace and took me by the shoulders. His sharp-fanged mouth opened, but he paused in the act of speaking and cocked his head briefly at me as if he had just spotted something odd. Then he shook his head.

“I would be beyond thankful if you were there with me, Maeve. Getting you something suitable to wear is the easiest task—although I think the clothes you own would suffice perfectly.” He swallowed and briefly glanced down at my body. I wore a Conall White merch shirt knottedat the side, paired with high-waisted jeans and the black Beacons I’d treated myself to after a gruelling year-long savings challenge.

Yeah, not happening, Scales.

“We can go shopping now, or I’ll have Stuart pick you up whenever it’s suitable for you.”

“Are you serious?”

“By my horns, I swear I’m serious.” He swallowed again when my eyes darted involuntarily up to the golden rings the way his had inspected my tits, but gave me a small smile. “You are saving me. This invitation’s been hanging over my head for the past few days, but now I’m glad I didn’t deny it. Who knows, perhaps you’ll even enjoy it. The food should be amazing. Apparently they hired one of Kirkmuir’s most popular restaurants for the catering. Hosier’s? Have you ever heard of it?”

“Wow, you’ve got to be kidding. Hosier’s? That’s supposed to be the best restaurant in the city.”

“You’ve never been to it?” He cocked his head.

“Me? Nah,” I chuckled. “I never eat out.”

“Why not?”

“Because I spend too much time at work and still can’t afford it.” With a wink, I freed myself and turned away to further survey the new interior of the cafe.

The craftspeoplehadexecuted my DreamBoard to a T.

The bar with the new high-end coffee machine was sleek and sexy in black and white without being too chic for the rest of the place. They’d done an amazing job preserving the charm of it while still giving it a brand-new feel. The rickety tables and sagging armchairs were gone,replaced by mismatched wooden furniture and cosy wingback chairs. Even though they looked old, everything was brand new and great quality.

Taran had told me not to hold back and given me free rein over his non-existent budget. I’d still tried not to go overboard, but shit, it had cost a buttload of money to redo it.

Running my hand along the impeccably painted matte black surface, I imagined how it would feel to serve the first customer.

“Good afternoon, Miss.” Looking up, I met Taran’s gaze, boyish mischief dancing in his bottomless pupils.

“Hey, welcome and congratulations, you are our first customer!” He perked up, raising himself to his full height, and rested his claws on the counter.

“What are the chances? I happened to be in the area and felt drawn in here.”

“That’s lovely to hear.” I pretended to blush a little and fiddled with the coffee machine. It wasn’t hooked up yet, but it was fun to play pretend with him. “What can I get you?”

“I don’t know,” he said with a wink, repeating the first words he had ever said to me. “I’ve never been here before. Surprise me?”

“You look like someone who would enjoy the Brewce Lee. It’s my own creation, actually.” I batted my eyelashes at him, pretending to flirt. “Maybe a slice of the red velvet? The frosting is amazing.”

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