Page 34 of Dragon in Boots

She set the bag of meat on his coffee table. “These were only meant to get me in the door. I already figured you weren’t going to change your mind.”

“It’s not about my mind, but why are you here, then?” he asked.

To gain your trust and sympathy. “That is a very good question.”

He gestured for her to sit.

“Thanks.” She plunked down on the couch and rallied her warmest smile. “I came to offer you refuge. Safety. If you ever need it.”

He remained standing, which put her at eye level with the bulge in his shorts. Very distracting.Stick to his eyes. His beautiful eyes. No. Stop thinking about how stunning blue they are.

Okay. Look at his neck or ear.

Dangit.Those were nice, too. She went back to the eyes.

“You locked me in a cage. Why the hell do you think I’d ever want your help?” he asked.

“As you know, I run a sanctuary for exotic, wild animals. And I figure that you might need medical care one day, right?”

He gave her a cold look. “How generous, but no thanks.”

“Okay, then what’s your plan? Because you can’t go to a regular doctor or vet—whichever. At least I’m used to dealing with grumpy old carnivores, and I don’t judge them for acting like impolite, ungrateful beasts.”

“You’re calling me a beast?”

She shrugged. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve my help. Great white sharks, cheetahs, dragons, grizzlies, and even mosquitos are all deadly, all part of nature. Doesn’t really matter if I like them or not. I just have to respect them.”

He shook his head at the floor. “I commend you for caring about all the creatures of the world, but have you ever considered that some species need to end, dragons specifically?”

She blinked. “No. Why?”

“Well, for starters, young dragons prefer eating children. The plumper and juicier, the better. When they get older, they use pheromones to attract large numbers of humans and then gobble them up. That, or they turn them into slaves until such time as the dragon gets the munchies and eats them, too.”

She gasped. “Pheromones? Is that why the women lose their shit at the club?”

“Yes. And I have sex appeal.” He lifted his chin. “It’s part of the package.”

She leaned back in the couch, her mind spinning. “So-so…if there’s a mass spike in dragon births—”

“Thousands of children will disappear. In a few years, entire towns will go missing. Is that really what you want?” he asked.

“Of course not, but there has to be another way to keep the species alive.”

“Or you let nature take its course. Dragons never should’ve made it past the dinosaur era.”

Jac really didn’t know what to say. If Dash fathered a gaggle of new dragons, they’d go after kids.They’ll eat them!She did not want to be responsible for mothers and fathers losing their precious babies. Afterwards, the deaths would fall on the mothers and fathers. Brothers and sisters. People who were loved and needed.I’m going to have to tell Damien I can’t help.

“I should let you get some sleep.” She stood. “Enjoy the steaks.” She headed for the door. “Oh, and I meant what I said about giving you medical care if you ever need it. Not that I’m sure the sanctuary will be around much longer if I don’t find more donors with deeper pockets. But if we’re still here, you have a place to go.”

“Thanks, but my kind doesn’t get sick, and we heal quickly.” He added, “Though, I’m sure you haven’t seen the last of Heebie. He really likes you.”

Yes, she knew. He’d already told her. “Well, you and I still need to have a chat about him. I know he’s your special companion and you have magical healing abilities, but is that loud music really the best for his ears?”

Dash gave her a strange look. Maybe he didn’t like her bringing this up again.

“Okay, well, have a good night,” she said.

“Will I see you back at the club?” he asked. “I can talk to Cimil. I mean Mrs. Peepers. She can make sure Minky behaves.”

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