Page 30 of Destiny of the Dragons

Mia’s tests proved Jace right. The following day, she stopped by his condo to give them back. Her eyes were tired, and she seemed off.

Something was wrong.

Mia sat down on his couch. She’d brought Tikka with her, who roamed his condo like she owned the place. Smoke sat at the desk, doing some business on the computer.

Tikka sat on the laptop.

Mia hid her smirk. “They were painted with enchanted ink. It’s not going to have any sort of magical effect anymore, but it dates the painting.”

“Did you sleep well?” Jace sat next to her. Being close made the heat in his chest better—and so much worse.

Mia shrugged.

“I didn’t mean to offend you yesterday.”

“It’s fine.” Mia shook her head. “Some spell ingredients don’t smell that great, and with your sensitivity, I’m sure it was worse.”

“What spell ingredients do you have that smell like death?” Jace frowned. Mia had to be in some sort of trouble. Between shady dealings with Cross, and the death smells in her apartment, something was wrong.

Mia’s face closed down. He didn’t even realize how open she’d been with him until she went back to her polite mask. “It’s family business.”

Her tone was final, but he wanted to pry. She was part his Treasure now, so her business was his. But her expression was closed down, so he left it alone. For now.

“I should have the painting appraised?”

Mia nodded. “I know someone who can do enchanted ink if you don’t.”

“Please. Ask them.”

“Alright.” Mia stood up. Tikka looked up at Mia, still purring on Smoke’s laptop.

“Do you want something to eat?” Jace looked at his kitchen. “Smoke is an excellent cook.”

Mia shook her head. “I’m tired. I’m going to send your samples off, and then go to sleep early.”

“Alright, my jewel.” Jace followed her to the door with Smoke on his heels. He took her hand. Magic flared, sharp inside him, and he couldn’t hide his wince.

Mia slowly took her hand out of his. “It’s okay, Jace. I’m not upset with you.”

“I miss you.” Jace touched her cheek softly. “I want you.”

Mia’s blue, blue eyes filled up with hunger. “I want you too.”

He trailed his fingertips down her cheek. His internal fire burned brighter, bright enough that he was lost in her eyes, in the feel of the texture of her skin.

He hungered. He wanted. He would bend her over and fuck her senseless, send her into orgasm after orgasm, and then spin her around so Smoke could take his turn with her.

Red scales appearing over his skin like a mirage.

“I don’t want to hurt you.” He dropped his hand. He wanted her so badly, and he could barely concentrate. The night he spent with Smoke was like a fugue state, a fever dream he could barely recall.

Mia deserved better from him. Especially their first time as lovers.

“Alright.” Mia let out a breath. “Later.”

Jace growled after she left, prowling the apartment. His body was a prison, fighting against him. If he was stronger, he could take his place back in his clan. Mia wouldn’t have the haunted look on her face. Smoke wouldn’t have to look over his shoulder all the time.

He could take care of them.

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