Page 57 of Destiny of the Dragons

Smoke’s nostrils flared, and he stepped back.

Jace wasn’t the only one who remembered those nights.

A small part of him was pleased Smoke wasn’t as unaffected as he pretended.

“He’ll be here soon. I set myself up as a buyer.”

Jace nodded. Smoke had thick lips, and it was a pretty mouth especially on a man. The things he’d done with that mouth.

Jace cleared his throat. Thankfully, Cross appeared around the same corner Smoke had.

The Troll Market was the perfect meeting place. Dark, discreet, and easy to disappear into the shadows. Around the block was a long strip of shops and stores, with carts lining the street selling their wares.

Just a few blocks away was Mia’s family’s antique shop.

He could take Smoke to the shop, and they could pick up Mia. Maybe this time…

No, his heart was broken once. He wouldn’t survive it again.

Cross came closer, and Jace resisted the urge to breathe fire on the bastard.

Smug Ivy League face. He supposed Cross was attractive, but his eyes were dark and malicious.

“Good evening,” Cross said. “I hope you have my package.”

Jace stepped forward, falling into their own positions. Jace would bluff and bluster, and no one would see Smoke’s knife coming until it was halfway in their kidney.

“We have business to discuss.” A tendril of smoke curled out of his mouth. He was ready to throw this fucker off a mountain and leave his body in the desert for the coyotes to find.

“That is why we’re here.”

“You’re not going to marry Mia,” Jace said. He’d meant to lead into it, but anger was clouding everything. “You’re not going to touch a fucking hair on her head.”

Cross frowned at him and then at Smoke.

Then, he smirked. “Really? Says who?”

“Says me,” Jace growled. “I’m in the Ruby Dragon clan, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay far away.”

“Or what?” Cross crossed his arms over his chest. “I haven’t seen you around so you’re not her boyfriends. Did she hire you?”

“No,” Jace snapped.

“I hardly think the head of the dragon clan cares who I marry.” Cross still looked smug. “She would have dropped by all official.”

Jace slammed Cross against the wall.

Madness lurked in Cross’s eyes. He wasn’t scared, he was eager to see where this lead.

“Are you going to hurt me?” Cross lifted his hands up, unconcerned that Jace had his hands around Cross’s neck.

Some extra pressure and then man would no longer be his problem.

Or Mia’s problem.

Jace growled. “Leave Mia alone.”

“I think not. Our houses will join.” Cross smirked. “She’s going to be mine. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

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