Page 13 of Dance with the Dragon Duke

Tomorrow rubbed the sleep from her copper eyes with her palms. “Would you kindly tell everyone you see that you found me in the duke’s bed? Help us spread our deception about.”

Margot saluted her playfully. “I’ll tell every soul with ears.”

Knowing what he did of Tomorrow’s modesty, Dark sensed she would soon regret asking this of the courtesan.

“Thank you,” Tomorrow said, and she wriggled under the covers, muttering softly, like she’d gotten herself tangled in the bedding.

“Susie and I will be dining at the House of Night this morning. It’s late supper for the nocturnal population, early breakfast for the likes of us. The king and queen won’t be there. I believe they’re traveling, but plenty of diplomats and high-bred sorts love to dine at their home when court hosts. Including,” Margot said pointedly, “the Earl of Westarow and his family.”

“The executor of my father’s estate?” Tomorrow struggled to sit up.

“Right you are. If the pair of you would like to tag along, meet us up in the foyer within the hour. Wear something dashing.” As she left, Margot shut the door behind her.

Tomorrow grappled under the covers once more.

“Everything all right over there?” Dark asked.

“Um, yes,” she said softly, face reddening. “But if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to leave the bed soon so I can attend to my morning ablutions. I think it’s a good idea that we go to dine with them.”

“By all means.” He motioned for her to depart. When she didn’t, he wondered if shyness made her hesitant. Perhaps she needed him to clear out first.

Tomorrow pushed the blankets down in answer, revealing his tail coiled around her waist and hips, holding her in place.

Dark’s eyes went wide. That explained why it felt numb this morning. Without him realizing, he’d wound it around her while they slept. She’d lain on it all night.

At his command, it loosened, parting from her sluggishly.

“I apologize,” he said meekly. His tail stung like pins and needles throughout the scaled shaft as blood flow returned. “It doesn’t usually do that.”

He was a befuddled dragon again. His tail, an intimate part of him, didn’t act of its own accord.

Not unless . . .

Tomorrow’s answering chortle was forgiving as she left the bed. “It’s not a problem. I didn’t mind. In fact, I’m grateful. It brought me comfort in the night when I wanted to jump at my own shadow. Besides, I’m the one who crawled into bed with you, as I’m sure you recall.”

“Mate,” he murmured to himself.

“What was that?” she asked, crossing the room to gather her clothing off the floor.

“No matter,” he added quickly.

He felt it then, felt her. She triggered the tiniest pull in his heart, a movement in his instincts just as soft and gentle as the woman before him.Mate, his soul whispered. This little woman was a match. Compatible.

He’d met many matches over the years. They’d all been Unseelie like himself. In the mountains, tradition mattered most. A relationship with them required him to constantly prove his strength, as was the way between dragons. Growing a bond into a true mate connection would be an uphill battle for dominance, so he’d avoided them from the onset. Dark didn’t want battle, had never wanted it. When he’d left the Unseelie provinces, he’d put war behind him for good.

Now all he craved was peace. Peace and sweetness.

Tomorrow combed her fingers through her untamed hair, trying to flatten it. “You’re certain you’re all right with dining now?” she asked, misinterpreting his troubled expression.

“Positive,” he said gruffly.

“Is it too soon? A lot happened last night. We could wait for the next occasion to flash our false romance. I’m certain there will be ample opportunity. Susan and Margot are popular. They’re constantly invited to things.”

“I’m fine,” he insisted. “I’ve been to the House of Night before as a guest of the king and queen. The food will be wonderful, and the company I plan to keep better still.”

Sunshine burned in her easy smile, so bright, so warm, it stole his breath.

Mate, his instincts whispered a little louder this time.

---