Page 18 of Hot for the Dragon

The package to Ned sat heavily in his mind, but Daphne's plan made sense. Better to catch both conspirators rather than spook one into warning the other. Still, letting Adam think he'd gotten away with it grated against every alpha instinct he possessed.

Archer then watched with growing admiration as Daphne slipped effortlessly into her role, her delicate fingers trailing over another ring display.

"I don't know, honey." She turned those expressive green eyes up at him. "That specific design really meant something to me. It reminds me of my grandmother's ring."

The slight quiver in her voice was masterful. If Archer hadn't known better, he'd have believed her himself. His dragon instincts purred with approval at how naturally she played along with his plan.

"We should probably think about it more," Archer added, wrapping an arm around her waist. The contact sent electricity through him, her warmth seeping into his side. "That's a lot of money for something that isn't exactly what we want."

Adam's face fell, and Archer's enhanced senses picked up the jeweler's increased heart rate. "But I have so many other beautiful options! This cushion cut-"

"Thank you, but no." Archer let a hint of his dragon authority slip into his voice. "We'll take some time to consider the special order."

"At least let me show you the princess cuts we do have in stock-" Adam started toward another display case, his desperation to make a sale evident.

Daphne laid a gentle hand on Adam's arm. "You've been so helpful, but my heart is set on that specific design. We'll come back once we've discussed it more."

The bell chimed as they exited the shop, Archer keeping Daphne close until they were out of sight. He found himself reluctant to let go of her even then.

"That was..." He searched for the right word. "Impressive."

She beamed up at him. "You're not the only one who can be sneaky, you know. Though I think my grandmother's ring story might have been a bit much."

"No, it worked perfectly." He guided her around a corner, still maintaining their couple's facade in case anyone was watching. "You're full of surprises, witch."

"Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment." Her eyes sparkled. "So, ready for a stakeout?"

Archer found himself fighting back a smile. When was the last time he had actually enjoyed working with someone?

9

DAPHNE

The Salty Dog Café buzzed with the lunch crowd's chatter as Daphne picked at her sandwich, her attention split between the jewelry store across the street and her companion. Archer sat with his back to the wall, commanding the small corner table they'd chosen with his broad shoulders and watchful presence.

"Ned's got white-blond hair, stands about six-four." Archer's voice dropped so that only she could hear. "Usually wears expensive suits, trying to look important."

"Sounds memorable enough." Daphne stirred her iced tea, sneaking another look at Archer's profile. The sunlight streaming through the window caught the auburn highlights in his hair, and the way his jaw clenched spoke of carefully contained power.

"You're staring again." He didn't even turn his head.

Heat crept up her neck. "I was just wondering what made you so... you."

"Careful." His dark eyes finally met hers, a hint of amusement lurking in their depths. "Curiosity killed the cat."

"Good thing I'm a witch then." She grinned, and for a moment, his stern expression cracked into something almost resembling a smile.

The whispers from nearby tables weren't exactly subtle. Daphne caught fragments about "that dragon" and "dangerous" and "stay away." Yet watching him methodically dissect his burger while maintaining perfect surveillance of their target, she saw someone disciplined rather than dangerous. Well, maybe both.

"You're doing it again."

"Doing what?" She twirled a french fry in ketchup.

"Trying to analyze me." He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. The movement stretched his henley across muscles that definitely hadn't come from woodworking alone.

"Maybe I just think you're interesting." The words slipped out before she knew it.

His eyebrow rose. "Interesting is code for trouble."

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