Page 60 of Hot for the Dragon

"Thanks to the combined efforts of Daphne Throne and Archer Hawke, our town stands united and stronger than ever," Hugo announced, his voice carrying through the large chamber.

Daphne watched Archer's jaw clench slightly as the crowd erupted in applause. He maintained his usual stoic expression, but she caught the slight softening around his eyes.

Nina approached them first, her apron shimmering with constellations. "You two were incredible. Though I must say, Archer, seeing you fight for our town instead of against it was quite the change."

"Times change," Archer replied, his deep voice carrying that familiar gruff edge, though Daphne noticed his posture relax slightly at Nina's genuine smile.

Terry stepped forward next, followed by several other dragon shifters who had helped turn the tide against Carmen’s attack. "We wouldn't have had the courage to stand up to her without you both," Terry said with a smile. "Especially you, Daphne. Your words gave us strength."

"The strength was always there within you," Daphne responded. "You just needed to believe in it."

More townspeople approached them, each with their own story of gratitude. Daphne noticed how Archer's responses grew less clipped with each person, though he maintained his intimidating stance. When Mrs. Chen hugged him impulsively, Daphne had to bite back a laugh at his startled expression.

"Thank you for protecting our home," a young girl said, offering Archer a slightly wilted daisy.

Daphne's heart melted as Archer knelt down and accepted the flower with surprising gentleness, even as he kept his expression stern. She caught the flash of emotion in his dark eyes - the same look he'd given her the first time she had praised his woodcarvings.

"You are going soft," she whispered to him between the well-wishers.

"Don't tell anyone," he replied with a smile, as his hand found hers and squeezed gently.

The autumn breeze rustled through the trees lining City Hall's steps as Daphne and Archer emerged into the late afternoon sun. Dried leaves skittered across their path, and Daphne pulled her light jacket closer against the chill.

"We need to make a quick stop before heading back," Archer said, his voice low.

"Oh?" Daphne glanced up at him, noting the determined set of his jaw. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see." His lips quirked in that half-smile that never failed to make her heart skip.

As they approached Belladonna Boulevard, anticipation tingled through her body. The street looked different now - the damage from Carmen's attacks mostly repaired, though some scorch marks still marked a few buildings.

Archer stopped abruptly. "Close your eyes."

"What? Why?"

He gave her that intense stare that made her feel like she was the only person in the world. "Trust me?"

"Always," she replied, closing her eyes. Her other senses heightened immediately - the crisp autumn air, the distant chatter of townspeople, the warmth of Archer's hand as it enveloped hers.

"No peeking," he commanded, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he guided her forward.

"I wouldn't dare," she laughed. "Though I have to say, this mysterious side of you is intriguing."

"Careful," he rumbled near her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "You might make me reconsider this whole 'being nice' thing."

"Please, you love it."

His only response was a low grunt, but she could hear the smile in it. They walked a few more steps, leaves crunching beneath their feet. The familiar scents of Belladonna Boulevard washed over her - fresh bread from the bakery, coffee from Nina’s shop around the corner, and the floral arrangements in flower boxes nearby.

"Just a few more steps," Archer murmured, his hand steady on her lower back as he positioned her. "Stay right there."

He paused, and they stood there for what felt like an eternity.

"Open your eyes," Archer said, his deep voice sending pleasant shivers through her body.

Daphne's eyes fluttered open and her breath caught in her throat. There it stood - the old café on Belladonna Boulevard. The weathered brick facade was bathed in the late afternoon sunlight. But something was different. The windows gleamed, freshly washed, and a prominent "SOLD" sign stood in the front window. Her heart stuttered as she took in the spacious storefront that had haunted her dreams for months.

"I don't understand," she whispered, her fingers trembling as she reached out to touch the cool brick.

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