Page 22 of Dragon's Code

He gives me a knowing smirk. “I pride myself on being able to accommodate the needs of those around me.”

“I appreciate it, but I do find it a little unnerving.”

He chuckles. “I will be sure to ask you instead of assuming, Miss Athena.”

“Don’t. It’s good for me to be a little predictable and not be in control of everything,” I say.

He seats me near the window with excellent views for people watching or just enjoying the Fountains of Bellagio. Coffee magically appears mere seconds later.

“Jonathan, I know that I’m not your type, but keep treating me this way, especially bringing me coffee and I’m going to become devoted to you.”

He chuckles. “Miss Athena, I would consider myself blessed, but I feel like there are bigger and better things out there for you.”

“Do you have someone at home waiting on you hand and foot?”

Jonathan gives me a smile, but the sadness haunts his gray eyes. “I did. He was the mate a man could ask for. He was taken from me too soon.”

There are few certainties in this world, but for the most part I’m able to tell the predators from the good. It took me years and years to even consider letting a man touch me, talk to me, come near me, aside from Kashton. Not until I learned to tell the good from the bad. Trauma gives you a new set of tools to work with, things you’ve learned about people, about yourself, about life. Not all humans are evil, but the bad ones look just like the good ones.

I keep myself safe and I don’t get hurt.

How Raphael slipped through my defenses, how he made me feel like it was all in my head, that he wasn’t a monster…I don’t know how he did it, but I won’t let it happen again.

Of course, easy enough to say when I’m sitting in a restaurant over halfway across the country from my home because a monster somehow snuck into my life and then didn’t leave when I told him to.

What is it about me that makes me seem like optimal prey?

Breakfast is placed in front of me a moment before Kashton drops into the seat across from me.

“Good morning, my goddess. How did you sleep?” He beams at me with a glowing adoration.

It used to make me uncomfortable. I didn’t understand why he liked me so much, even though I liked him just as much. It was even before I got kidnapped and decided to shut out the world. I wasn’t overly friendly to anyone, but Kashton made it easy. As we grew close over the years, I realized the guy is just a person who loves those he allows in his life unconditionally and becomes a ride-or-die. I know he doesn’t have a lot of friends, but he’s devoted to his family. And he’s always been devoted to me.

I’m a lucky, lucky woman.

“I’m doing well since Jonathan has been taking care of me.” My fingers automatically go to the necklace around my neck. I rarely take it off and it’s become a habit to toy with it when I’m feeling uneasy or just thinking about Kashton.

“I trust him, and all of the staff here. You’re in good hands with him. That’s why I asked him to take care of you when I can’t. He was happy to oblige.”

“You’re sweet to take care of me, Kash. Aside from fleeing New York because my ex became a stalker and somehow got past all my defenses, I am capable of taking care of myself.”

He holds his hands up in a sign of surrender. “I’m more than aware that you can take care of yourself, Athena. That doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve to be taken care of.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes in a teasing gesture. “You’re so gooey.”

He chuckles. “You’ve had enough shit in your life.”

“This time it’s my fault. I allowed that shit into my life. I don’t know why I even try. My therapist was so proud that I was opening my heart and all that sentimental shit. And only to ignore my instincts and get exactly what I deserve.”

“Fuck that. You don’t deserve bad things, Athena. You’re one of the best people in this world. You deserved so many things better in your life.”

I stare at my plate setting as I say, “Life gave me you. You’ve been the best thing in my life.”

A server brings a second plate of breakfast for Kashton right at that moment. I glance up to find Kash still staring at me. It’s not unusual to find him staring at me. I always like it. It makes me feel protected and safe.

I’ve been asked by more than one person in my life if there is anything going on between Kash and I, and while I’ve considered it a few times in my life, ruining the best relationship I’ve ever had, it’s a risk I’ve never measured for too long. Being without Kashton is a non-option.

“What do you need today, my goddess?”

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