Page 52 of Dragon in Boots

“My apologies,” he said, “but can someone else give you a ride to get your truck? I have to go. Heebie is calling.”

She turned to face Dash. “You can hear him?”

“From anywhere in the world. Until he releases me.”

Her anger percolated. “You tell that dragon I want to talk to him about our…thing.” She couldn’t say the wordegg. “Tonight. Here.”

“I’ll tell him,” he said, sounding annoyed.

“No, Dash. I mean it. He’d better come or—”

“Or what? He might look like a sweet little animal, but he’s a fierce, deadly predator who should be feared. This, coming from a demon. A cold, attention-sucking demon.”

Dash wasn’t cold. In fact, he seemed levelheaded, articulate, and calm. He also had incredible hip-thrust moves. “You’ve really never been with a woman?”

“No.”

“Why not?” she asked.

“Because I never wanted to.” He stepped closer and put his hand on her cheek. “Not until you.”

“Why me?” she asked.

“When you looked at me the first time, you saw right through my façade. You sawme. Behaving badly, yes, but you saw the real me.” He leaned down and kissed her softly.

The world stopped.

Jac’s entire body dissolved into a current of sensations—desire, heat, and something possibly more. Most of all, she wanted him for herself. He did not belong with Heebie.

“Thank you.” He gently pulled away and stared with an intensity that touched her heart.

“For what?”

“For giving me a delicious taste of something real.”

Had she just fed him with her kiss? That was…kind of sexy. “We’re going to fix this, Dash. He doesn’t own you, and I certainly won’t let him eat you.”

“I gave my word I would follow dragon tradition.” He looked down at his boots, his brows furrowed. “Last night was the cleansing ritual for my kind. We only perform it when it’s our time to go.”

“What?” she snapped.

“Heebie knows I am attracted to you, so he’s decided to end our arrangement. He sees a future with you.”

What!“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I didn’t want you to feel guilty.”

“Well, I don’t agree!” She stomped her foot.

“Do not get upset, Jac. Frankly, I’m tired of spending my life looking after a dragon.”

“Well, I’m not taking your place looking after him. As for you, Dash, you have to fight.” If not for her, then at least for himself.

“I am not afraid to die, but this does seem like a sick joke. I found you because of Heebie, and now he’ll end my life because he wants you for himself.” He looked over his shoulder. “I have to go.”

She watched him walk away, feeling completely floored. The absurdity of this situation just kept getting worse. It needed to end!

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

---