Page 61 of Dragon Rivals of New York

And what I need right now is exactly what my men want to offer. Rest. And love.

Out in the hall, I lean against Kyro’s front door and dial the school. It rings twice before someone picks up.

“Hello, Hope Elementary. How can I help you?”

I take another deep breath and quickly explain that I hurt my foot and won’t be in for the rest of the week.

“Oh no. Your foot? What happened, dear?”

“Um… I fell.” A sick feeling settles in my stomach. I hate lying, but what am I supposed to say?

“Of course we want you to take care of yourself, but are you sure you can’t come in? Maybe you could just sit most of the day? You know how much we need you.”

My throat constricts and my stomach feels like it’s full of hot rocks, but I press through. “I’m sure you’ll get by without me for a few days. I’ll be back on Monday. I’ll see you then.”

Breathing heavily, I hang up before she can say anything else, feeling like I just ran a marathon. My back slides down the wall as my legs go out from under me, but I feel lighter than when I woke up. It feels good to know I advocated for myself in this small way.

Once that’s done, I consider crawling back into bed, but I’m starving. I bet my guys will be too when they wake up. What I really want—no need—is to bake something. My grandma taught me to bake, and it always helps me relax. There’s just something about being in the kitchen surrounded by sugar and flour that makes me feel better about the world.

Manny hated when I baked. He said it was because I made a mess of the kitchen, but the subtle comments he’d make about how bad baked goods are for you made it clear he was more concerned about the calories and my waistline. He was always making comments about my weight. Little cuts that dug deep.

Oh, I should make cranberry scones. It’s the first recipe I ever made with my grandma. Manny refused to eat them when I made them, saying they were too fatty. But I love them. It’s a comfort food that tops everything else.

I wonder if Kyro and Jethro would like them. I want to take care of my men in some small way, like they’ve taken care of me. Not because I feel like I have to in order to earn their care, but because I want to show my gratitude and… well… my love.

A quick search on my phone shows a grocery store at the end of the block, but I probably shouldn’t go alone. We don’t know what the Ruby Diamond Horde is capable of after last night.

Guess I’ll have to wait until they wake up.

Just as I’m about to get up and go back inside, Otto comes out of the apartment across the hall. He was at Finley’s transformation, so I know he’s a dragon, but we haven't spoken much.

He gives me a double take and asks if I’m alright while looking at the door behind me like he’s wondering if he should get Kyro.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I stand, tugging at Kyro’s shirt. It’s long enough to reach my knees, so it’s not exactly immodest, but it still feels a little scandalous. My mother would throw a fit if she saw me wearing this in front of someone else. She’d probably throw a fit if she saw me wearing it in my own home. She’s of the opinion that a woman should always be dressed and put together in case company stops by.

“I’m Otto, by the way. In case you don’t remember.” He holds out his hand like he’s going for a handshake, but immediately pulls it back like he thought better of it. “Are they doing okay? Are you? I mean, after last night?”

“Yeah. My foot hurts a bit, but I’m fine.” I laugh awkwardly. “I’ll be glad once I’m a dragon and can heal faster.”

His smile is a little sad. “Adrianna and Midas are planning an attack for tonight.”

“Really?” That’s news to me. Although, I guess I should have expected it. “Are you… I mean, will you…”

“I’ll be there, yeah.” He looks proud about it, but my heart plummets.

He’s so young. Or at least helooksyoung. I know dragons age differently, but if I had to guess, I’d say this guy isn't even twenty yet. And tonight he’s going to risk his life. For what? So I can have hot sex with two dragon men for the next century? So the possibility of some unknown consequence doesn’t happen to the hordes?

“Aren’t you too young?” I ask.

“Yeah, Midas wasn’t happy about it. I’m guessing Kyro will be pretty pissed, too, considering… Well, you know. But they need all the help they can get, and I’m trained. I can take care of myself.”

I try to give him a reassuring smile. “I’m sure you can.” He still looks upset that I commented on his age, so I add, “Could you come with me to the grocery store? I don’t think I should go alone right now, and I need a few things. I could use the protection.”

His chest puffs up, and he grins. “Absolutely. I was on my way to class, but it won’t start for a while. I just like getting there early.”

“I always give myself extra time to get places, too.” We walk to the stairs since there’s no elevator in the building. For a moment, I consider going back to change, but there's something freeing about going out just like this, without caring that I'm not perfectly put together.

Just as we reach the stairs, I look back and see Otto’s door opening again. Damian steps out. I don’t know him well, but he’s Cyrus and Finley’s friend, so we’ve hung out a few times.

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