Page 9 of Hot for the Dragon

"This isn't negotiable."

"Anyone from City Hall would be a liability." Archer's lips curled into a smirk. "Or did you forget Carmen's trying to take all of you down?"

"That's why I volunteered."

Archer's head snapped toward Daphne, his dragon suddenly alert. She stood with her shoulders back, chin raised.

"You?" He arched an eyebrow. "And what makes you qualified to tag along while I hunt down the most dangerous dragon shifter in the territory?"

"I've already faced her once," Daphne said.

"No." Hugo's voice cut through the chamber. "Absolutely not."

"You already agreed," Daphne reminded her brother.

Archer's eyes narrowed. Now this was interesting. She wasn't part of City Hall, yet here she was, volunteering for what could be a suicide mission. His dragon's curiosity peaked.

"I don't need a babysitter," Archer growled, but his protest lacked its usual bite. Something about her quiet confidence intrigued him.

"The Council has spoken," Hugo said firmly. "Either accept our terms or the deal's off."

Archer studied Daphne, noting how she met his gaze without flinching. His dragon approved, even as Archer maintained his scowl.

"Fine," he bit out. "But when things get dangerous - and they will - don't expect me to play bodyguard."

"I don't need a bodyguard," Daphne snapped.

Archer locked eyes with Daphne across the Council chambers. His dragon noted how the morning light caught her golden-brown face, highlighting a determination that made his dragon hum with interest. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out, his boots echoing against the marble floor.

As Archer headed for the exit of the building, the security guard practically dove out of his way. The morning air soon hit his face, bringing with it the scent of fresh-cut grass and-

"Wait up!"

Quick footsteps approached from behind. His dragon's senses had already picked up her floral scent before she called out. He kept walking.

"Has anyone ever told you it's rude to walk away from people?" Daphne fell into step beside him, matching his long strides.

"Has anyone ever told you it's dangerous to chase after dragons?"

"Only about five times this morning." She flashed him a smile that made his dragon stir. "Look, if we're going to be working together, we should at least get to know each other. Come have coffee with me at Cauldron & Cup."

Archer stopped short, turning to face her. "Is this you asking me out?"

"This is me trying to figure out if I can trust the dragon I'm supposed to work with." She crossed her arms, meeting his gaze steadily. "Unless you're afraid of a little conversation?"

His dragon bristled at the challenge in her voice. "I don't do coffee dates."

"Good thing this isn't a date then." Her green eyes sparkled with amusement. "Think of it as... strategic planning."

Archer studied her for a moment. Most people couldn't maintain eye contact with him for more than a few seconds, yet here she was, practically daring him to say no. His dragon found her lack of fear... intriguing.

"Fine," he growled, though it came out less threatening than he'd intended. "One coffee."

"That's all I'm asking." She smiled again, and this time his dragon purred in response. "Though you might change your mind when you try their Dragon's Breath Hot Chocolate."

"Doubtful." But his lips twitched despite himself.

Archer glanced sideways at Daphne as they walked down Main Street. The morning crowd parted before them like water around a boulder - though he noticed several people nodding hello to his companion.

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