Page 106 of Love Bites Extra Hard

“She’s in. Kai’s out.”

Talon’s jaw set, but he nodded. “It’s a good call.”

“She’s going to convince him. We’re going to talk about it after her birthday party.” I’d told him about it already.

“Right. I need to fly you there tomorrow, don’t I?”

“Yes. You’re going too, aren’t you?” I asked.

His gaze shuttered, slightly.

He didn’t want me to know what he was thinking. Or feeling.

“I have some work to do at Dragon Manor. I can pick you up afterward.”

Oh.

“Okay.” I bit my lip, trying not to let myself feel upset.

He didn’t want to go.

That was fine.

We didn’t have to do everything together. We weren’t even really mated, so… yeah.

It was okay.

I didn’t need him there.

His phone rang again, and he sighed in exasperation as he checked the Caller ID. “Damn Stella for leaving.”

I gave him a small smile and padded back to my desk. He squeezed my hip before I left, and it comforted me a little.

He didn’t want to go to the party, but we were still friends. He was still himself.

It was okay. Wasn’t it?

We finally headeddown to the prison after dinner with a bunch of dragons who introduced themselves to me. I slipped my hands into my pockets when we left, just to avoid holding Talon’s hand.

I knew it was silly, but I didn’t want to touch him at the moment.

Everyone had been friendly, and I had enjoyed dinner, but I really wasn’t okay with how the conversation about the party had gone. Trying to convince myself otherwise hadn’t worked.

When Talon tried to drape an arm over my shoulders, I eased away from him immediately. It didn’t go as smoothly as I wanted it to. He definitely realized I was trying to avoid touching him.

“What’s going on?” he asked. “You’re being distant again.”

“I’m fine.”

“You clearly aren’t.” He stopped in the hall, his eyes narrowed. “Talk to me, Ave.”

I huffed. “I don’t want to talk to you in the middle of the hallway.”

He captured my elbow gently and led me down a few more halls until we reached our room.

We stepped inside, and he closed the door behind us. “How about here?”

He didn’t look angry. Some part of me expected anger.

---