Page 7 of Destiny of the Dragons

“Sure.” That was an easy demand. He went up to the counter and gestured at Mia. “What does she usually drink?”

“Caramel apple cider,” the barista said. “With cinnamon.”

Mia smiled and shook her head. He was winning her over, despite her suspicion. Jace got himself a Frappuccino with red pepper flakes, and Smoke his usual boring black coffee.

He didn’t blame her caution. It was sex appeal, sure, but his fire had never responded to someone like that. Not since he met Smoke.

“So, you’re a Caravaggio.” Jace handed over her drink. “Do you work a few streets over at the Caravaggio shop?”

“You must be a detective.” The small amount of warmth on her face was gone. So her family was a sore spot.

Well, it was for him, too.

“I like old stuff,” Jace leaned back in his chair, and gave her a sexy grin.

He let himself breathe. He didn’t want to rush her. He wouldn’t push or pry, just trust his instincts. His dragon was certain she was a missing piece to his Treasure with Smoke. Lovers came and went, but someone you could form a Treasure with was rare.

The bond was faint, but there. He just had to trust in the bond, and he would show Mia they were worthy.

“So do lots of people. Especially when it’s valuable.” Mia blew on her cider. Her red lips pursed together and he lost a moment staring at them.

She caught him staring, and her cheeks turned pink. “Do you two belong to a clan?” She darted a glance at Smoke.

“Nope,” Jace said. “Tossed out.”

Smoke shook his head no. He might want Mia, but that story wasn’t coming out any time soon.

A sharp dressed man wearing entirely too much cologne came into the shop, and Jace frowned. He forgot about their contact. Again.

Smoke tracked the man, then stiffened up.

“What’s wrong?” Mia tensed, eying the man.

“Nothing.” Jace frowned. “I just remembered we were here to go meet that guy about a job.”

“Oh.” Mia pushed her chair back. “I’ll leave you to it then.”

Smoke looked up at her, and for a moment, yearning flashed over his face. Mia blinked, and Smoke went back to staring at his coffee. “It won’t take long.”

Mia pasted a fake smile on her face. “Some other time. You’re clearly busy.”

“So, right, we’ll see you tomorrow.” He couldn’t let her leave without opening the door for more.

Mia frowned. “Where?”

“Your shop. Unless you want to go on a date with us?” Jace gave her his best winsome smile.

“Both?” Her voice squeaked a bit, and her cheeks turned pink.

“Sure. Unless you can’t handle both of us at once.” Jace winked. “We can take turns.”

Mia inhaled sharply. She liked the idea, oh she did. His dragon curled up, pleased, but he didn’t let the expression hit his face. Mia would think he was being smug.

“You’re presumptuous.” Her voice was still too high. She turned on her heel and left the café. She wasn’t quite running, but her pace was fast.

Smoke watched her leave, like he was considering chasing her down, and then gave him a disgusted look. “You’re supposed to be charming.”

“I am.” Jace pretended to be wounded. “Both of us at once is a lot to handle. We’ll stop by to see her tomorrow.”

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