Page 54 of Tempting Her Dragons

“I missed you,” he says.

“Of course you did,” she says and leans back. “You aren’t holding your lighter.”

“No.” I remember Mav with a lighter in his hand when we went to the club, but not since.

“Uh-huh,” she mumbles, moving to Kingston. She rubs the rope around his wrist, her eyes sad. “My little King.” I blink rapidly.

“Mom. Missed you,” King says, wrapping his arms around her. I’m curious about both personal items their mom pointed out. I see King running his fingers over his bracelet all the time and Maverick’s need to hold his lighter that no longer works.

“So,” Roxanne starts, stepping back. “We have an asshole hoping to kill you.”

“Apparently,” King answers.

“Well, it’s not the first time,” she snorts.

“Probably won’t be the last,” Mav adds.

“They told you?” she asks.

“Yes, I know.” She nods.

“Good. Are you going to join the family business?” she asks.

“Mom, she has a mission,” King says.

“Really? That’s interesting,” she says. “I want to hear more.”

“Only if she wants to share,” Mav says.

“Why wouldn’t she want to share with her mom?” Roxanne says, glaring at him.

“It’s personal, and she doesn’t tell everyone,” he says.

“It’s alright,” I say quickly. “I don’t mind sharing.” I take a deep breath. “I kill abusers,” I say on my exhale.

“Fuck, that makes me proud as shit,” Roxanne grins, and warmth expands in my chest.

“I don’t mind sharing either,” Sally says from the front of the house. Her head pops around the corner. “I came as fast as I could. I had to meet the rabbit who raised two dragons.” She walks fast toward us. “Damn, girl. You are smokin’ hot.”

“Thanks,” Roxanne smirks. “You look good, too, rabbit.”

Sally fluffs her hair. “I try. I offered to take you home with me so these three can have sexy times,” she says as she stops in front of us.

“Sally,” I gasp.

“What? It’s true,” she says.

“Good. They need privacy.” Roxanne wiggles her eyebrows at her sons. “Don’t waste any time,” she says.

“Fuck, Mom,” King says.

“Sally,” she says, ignoring him. “Do you know a good place to get a drink?”

“Shit, of course,” Sally says.

“Saphy, do you mind if I talk to my boys for a moment? I will be quick.”

“Sure.” I rush to Sally’s side. “Take your time. We’ll go in the house and start making supper.”

---