Page 44 of Hot for the Dragon

Archer's knuckles whitened on the Corvette's steering wheel as he sped through the darkened streets. His dragon still roared beneath his skin. The urge to shift and hunt down Ned was nearly overwhelming. The memory of finding Ned in his dragon form cornering Daphne replayed in his mind. His dragon blood had never burned hotter. The primal rage that coursed through him had been unlike anything he'd experienced in all his years of fighting. The mere thought of Ned's claws anywhere near Daphne made his vision blur red.

His enhanced hearing picked up Daphne's steady heartbeat in the passenger seat, the sound anchoring him to the present. When he'd swooped down and seen her backed against that wall, something fundamental had shifted inside him. The realization that she'd become essential to his world hit him like a physical blow.

"You're sure you weren't hurt?" He glanced at her for the tenth time since they'd started driving.

"I'm fine." Daphne's voice was steady, though her hands twisted in her lap. "Thanks to you."

The streetlights cast alternating shadows across her face. His enhanced vision caught every detail - the slight tremor in her fingers, the way she kept checking the side mirrors. His protective instincts surged.

"Pack whatever you need quickly." He pulled up to her house, scanning the area for threats. "I don't want us exposed any longer than necessary."

"Archer, are you sure about this? I don't want to impose-"

"This isn't up for discussion." The words came out harsher than intended. He softened his tone. "Please. I need to keep you safe."

The admission cost him, but the relief in her eyes made it worth it. She nodded and slipped out of the car.

Archer followed close behind with every sense alert for danger. His dragon prowled beneath his skin, ready to emerge at the first signs of trouble. The night air carried only normal scents - cut grass, car exhaust, the lingering sweetness of Daphne's floral magic. But he couldn't relax.

Inside her small house, he positioned himself by the window while she packed, watching the street. The sound of drawers opening and closing and hangers sliding across metal rods filled the silence. His mind kept replaying Ned's attack, imagining worse outcomes. If he'd been a minute later...

"Ready." Daphne appeared with a small suitcase and overnight bag.

Archer took both bags before she could protest. "Let's go."

The drive to his mansion was tense, neither speaking as he took evasive routes to ensure they weren't being followed. Only when they passed through his gates did some of the tension ease from his shoulders. Daphne was under his protection now. And he'd tear apart anyone who tried to harm her.

Archer shouldered open the heavy oak door to his best guest suite, depositing Daphne's bags inside. Moonlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting silver patterns across the plush carpet. His enhanced senses caught the lingering scent of wood polish and fresh linens - his housekeeper had been thorough, even though he never had visitors.

"Bathroom's through there." He gestured to a door on the right. "Kitchen's downstairs if you get hungry."

Daphne wandered to the center of the room, her fingers trailing along the carved bedpost. "This is beautiful."

Pride swelled within him - he'd carved those bedposts himself, though he wasn't about to admit it. The dragon in him preened at providing such luxurious shelter for her.

He turned to leave, his boots silent on the thick carpet. His protective instincts screamed to stay close, but she probably needed space after everything that happened.

"Archer?" Her voice was soft, uncertain. "Would you mind staying? Just for a little while?"

He froze, one hand on the doorframe. The request caught him completely off guard. People didn't ask him to stay - they usually couldn't wait for him to leave. But there was something in her tone that made his chest ache.

The memory of her pressed against him after the attack, trembling but trying so hard to be brave, flashed through his mind. His dragon rumbled with the need to comfort and to protect.

He turned back slowly and studied her face. The usual sparkle in her green eyes was dimmed, though she managed a small smile. She'd put on a brave face during the drive, but now he could see the evening's events had shaken her more than she'd let on.

Archer settled on the edge of the four-poster bed. The moonlight streaming through the windows cast shadows from his wood carvings across Daphne's face. His dragon instincts still bristled at the night's events, but her presence next to him had an oddly calming effect.

"Tell me more about your plans for the shop on Belladonna Boulevard," he said, keeping his voice low and gentle. "The one you mentioned before."

Her eyes lit up, pushing away some of the fear from earlier. "Well, the front window is perfect for displays. I could showcase seasonal arrangements, maybe even some of your wood carvings mixed in."

His dragon preened at the thought of his work displayed alongside her creations. She shifted closer as she spoke, her shoulder brushing against his arm.

"And there's this amazing space in the back that would make the perfect greenhouse," she continued. "I could grow rare specimens, maybe even some magical varieties."

Her enthusiasm was infectious. Archer found himself leaning in, drawn by her animated gestures and the way her eyes sparkled when she described her vision. The scent of roses and earth that always clung to her filled his senses.

Without thinking, he placed his hand on her thigh. The touch sent electricity through his palm. His dragon roared to claim her, mark her, make her his. But he held back.

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