Page 22 of Hot for the Dragon

The footsteps retreated, but Daphne maintained their cover for several more minutes. Finally, she let out a relieved breath and the vines began to recede.

"That was too close," she whispered, wiping sweat from her brow.

Archer bumped her shoulder with his snout in silent thanks. He'd never admit it out loud, but her quick thinking had saved them from a potentially messy situation. Though he could have handled it himself, of course. Probably.

She scratched under his chin, making his scales tingle. "You're welcome."

He pulled his head back with an indignant snort. He was a fearsome dragon, not some household pet to be coddled. Even if her fingers had felt nice. Which they hadn't. At all.

Archer soon felt Daphne's hands resume securing the last of the supplies to his scaled back. Her touch was quick but careful, making sure everything was firmly fastened.

"Done," she whispered, patting his flank. "Let's get out of here before he comes back."

Archer crouched low, allowing her to climb onto his back between the secured boxes. Her weight settled against him, warm and surprisingly comfortable. With one powerful thrust of his wings, they shot into the darkening sky.

The wind rushed past them as he soared over the town, his powerful wings carrying them effortlessly through the cooling evening air. The thrill of their narrow escape coursed through him, making his blood sing with an excitement he hadn't felt in years.

Landing in the sprawling backyard of his mansion, he waited until Daphne dismounted before shifting back to his human form. The rush of adrenaline followed him through the transformation, and before he could stop himself, a deep laugh bubbled up from his chest.

"Did you see that guard's face?" Daphne's eyes sparkled with mischief as she joined in his laughter. "He was so confused by all those plants!"

"Quick thinking with that vegetation shield." Archer ran a hand through his windswept hair, still grinning. "I haven't had that much fun in..." He paused, realizing he couldn't remember the last time he'd actually enjoyed himself this much.

"See? Not all of us need brute strength to get the job done." Daphne's smile was infectious as she helped him carry the supplies to his garage.

"You're not such a bad partner to have after all," he admitted, surprising himself with how much he meant it.

"And you're not as terrifying as everyone says." She bumped his shoulder playfully.

Their eyes met, and Archer felt something shift inside him. The evening air crackled with possibility, making him suddenly very aware of how close they were standing.

"We should probably finish getting these inside," he said, gesturing to the supplies, not ready to examine why his heart was racing faster than during their escape.

Archer helped Daphne stack the last of their stolen evidence in his garage when headlights swept across the driveway. Her brother's sedan pulled up, right on time to collect her.

"That's my ride." Daphne brushed dirt from her hands. "Thanks for not getting us arrested tonight."

"Pretty sure I did most of the heavy lifting." He crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe with practiced nonchalance.

"Oh please, you were useless until you went all scaly." Her eyes danced with amusement. "I'm the one who saved us from that guard."

"By growing flowers. Very intimidating."

"Those were very aggressive flowers." She paused at the door. "Same time tomorrow?"

His heart tightened at the thought of her leaving. The sensation was foreign, unwelcome. He'd spent years cultivating his solitude, perfecting the art of keeping others at arm's length. Yet here was this stubborn witch, slipping past his defenses with her quick wit and fearless spirit.

"If you think you can keep up," he said, fighting a smile.

"Please." She waved as she headed to her brother's car. "Try not to brood too much while I'm gone!"

Archer watched until the taillights disappeared down his winding driveway. The garage felt emptier somehow, quieter without her presence filling the space. He told himself it was just the lingering adrenaline from their heist making him feel off-balance. Nothing more.

But as he shifted and took to the sky to retrieve his Corvette from town, her laugh echoed in his mind, bright and genuine. The memory of her pressed tightly against his side as they hid from the guard sent an unexpected warmth through him.

"Get it together," he muttered to himself as he landed near the side street where he'd left his car. "She's just a temporary ally. Nothing more."

But even as he slid behind the wheel of his Corvette, he couldn't quite convince himself it was true.

---