Page 40 of Red Captive

I sigh, happy to be back on solid ground – relatively speaking. Even if it is only for a few hours.

Steel starts to shift into his human form. Bones crack, and muscles rope. It doesn’t take more than a few seconds for skin to replace scales and legs to replace claws. For his wings to retract and fold away. The rest of the dragons follow suit.

I keep my eyes on his when I hand him his bag, looking over at the massive glass doors that lead to what looks like a moderninterior while he dresses. I’m not going to inflate his ego even more by looking at him any more than I have already. I need to stop my ogling of this man. I don’t look at the others, who don’t seem to make any move to get dressed. Happy days! You would think after my time on the island, I would be used to naked people by now, but I’m not. It is still weird.

The doors open, and a tall man walks out. He’s smiling broadly. “You must be Jennifer.” He has short blond and blue eyes that glint with what I can only describe as mischief.

“I’m Jen,” I say, walking toward him.

He puts his hand out, and we shake. His grip is warm. His hands are surprisingly soft.

“A handshake seems silly.” He laughs, pulling me into a hug. It doesn’t last more than a few seconds before he lets me go. “I’m Duke Huntington, but my friends call me Hunt. It would seem like all the rumors are true; you are a beauty.” He looks me up and down. “In fact, I would go so far as to say that you have been underrated as being merely beautiful. You are ravishing.”

There is a soft snort from behind me. I recognize it as Steel’s, instantly.

“What was that? Were you saying something, guard?” The duke’s demeanor changes. His eyes narrow and he stands taller as he looks over at Steel, who is now fully dressed and facing us.

“I cleared my throat, Your Grace.” He inclines his head slightly while maintaining eye contact with the duke. “My apologies for the intrusion.” There is no glint of mischief. No softness whatsoever. He radiates strength and brooding tension.

For a second, the duke looks like he wants to argue but then thinks better of it. “Very well. Shall we go inside? I hope you don’t mind us meeting at the castle. I had some business to attend to here. Otherwise, my country manor house is quite lovely, too. It’s more homely than this. You’ll have to see it sometime.”

“Sounds wonderful. I have to say that this is impressive.”

“Thank you. It’s been in the family for generations. But enough about my stuffy castle. I want to know more about you. Your life, your family, do you have any hobbies? All of it.”

“Okay…sure.” I giggle. I’m not sure where it comes from. I’m not the type to giggle. I guess I’m nervous. I’m also a little shocked that he isn’t blabbering on about himself. So far, the duke seems really nice, but he isn’t my type. Too good-looking, too chiseled, and too well dressed. Too… I’m not sure what. Maybe I’ll change my mind when I get to know him better.

“Are you hungry? Or shall we start with a drink on the patio?” he asks.

“A drink on the patio sounds great.”

“Good. Come this way.”

“Move, or I’ll be forced to—” Steel snarls from behind us.

I turn and note that the duke’s guards are blocking Steel at the entrance.

“You can wait outside, guard,” the duke says, his eyes narrowed.

“He’s with me,” I say.

“I assure you that you are quite safe with me, Jen.” He winks at me. Yep, the duke is too smooth. He looks and acts like a player. I need to give him the benefit of the doubt. I need to give him a chance.

“It’s fine,” I tell Steel. “I think I’m good.” I nod a few times.

“It’s not fine, Miss Harris. I have my orders. I have my orders, Your Grace. They came directly from the general himself. I will face punishment if I go against those very specific orders, namely, to keep Miss Harris in my sight at all times. I’m sure you understand,” he talks over the guards who are still blocking his way. He towers over them.

Hunt – I’m not sure if I’m allowed to call him that – rolls his eyes. He groans like it’s the biggest effort. Then he pullsa cell phone from his pocket and dials. He puts the device on speakerphone, rolling his eyes again.

“Huntington, how are you? Is the human late?” Ice says in a no-nonsense tone.

“She’s standing right in front of me.”

“What did I tell you? She’s—”

“I have you on speakerphone,” the duke quickly interjects. “I just want to clear up a small misunderstanding. I’ve asked your guard to stay outside, but he insists on following at our heels like an untrained puppy dog.”

Steel’s jaw tightens for half a second, and his nostrils flare ever so slightly.

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