Page 33 of Hot for the Dragon

"More than okay. We have an idea." She glanced at Archer, who sat with his arms crossed. "We need to call an emergency town meeting."

"We?" Hugo asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

"Yes, we." Archer's deep voice cut in. "Your sister and I think-"

"Oh, you're there." Hugo's interruption made Daphne wince. "In my sister's house. How... cozy."

A small succulent on the windowsill sprouted tiny flowers in response to Daphne's irritation. "Hugo, focus. The town needs organization. Structure. We can't just keep running and hiding every time Carmen attacks."

"And what exactly do you propose?"

"Defense groups," Daphne said, watching Archer nod in approval. "Getting everyone to work together instead of scrambling separately."

Silence stretched across the line. Daphne's fingers twisted in her lap until one of her vines reached down to still them. Finally, Hugo sighed.

"I suppose you're right." A pause. "But I'm not too thrilled about working with him."

"Noted," Archer drawled.

"Can you set up the meeting for this afternoon?" Daphne asked quickly before they could start bickering with each other again.

"Fine. City Hall at noon." Hugo's voice softened. "Be careful, Daph."

After hanging up, Daphne slumped back in her chair. "Well, that went better than expected."

"Your brother really doesn't like me." Archer sounded almost amused.

"Hugo just doesn't know you like I do."

"And how exactly do you know me?" Archer's voice dropped lower, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

"I just meant- well, how you're helping the town with Carmen and everything..." She stumbled over her words, practically fleeing into her kitchen. The morning sunlight streaming through the window made the copper pots hanging on her wall gleam as she busied herself reorganizing already neat counters.

Heavy footsteps followed her, and she could feel Archer's presence filling the small space. Her potted herbs on the windowsill stretched toward him as if curious about this new visitor.

"Daphne." His warm fingers wrapped around her arm, turning her to face him. Her breath caught at their proximity. "Thank you for standing up for me these past few days. Especially to your brother. You don't have to do that."

She looked up into those coal-black eyes, finding them softer than usual. "Well, someone should."

He suddenly blurted out, "Want to walk down to the harbor? We've got time before the meeting, and I could use some fresh air after being cooped up in that mansion."

"Yes!" She winced at her over-eager response. "I mean, that would be nice."

He chuckled, a rich sound that made her stomach flip. "Grab your jacket. It's chilly out there."

As she retrieved her coat from the hook by the door, she caught him examining her wall of hanging plants with what looked suspiciously like interest. When he noticed her watching, he quickly switched to his usual stern expression.

"Ready?" He held the door open.

Daphne slipped past him, trying not to notice how good he smelled - like cedar and something uniquely him. "Ready."

The salt-tinged breeze ruffled Daphne's hair as she walked alongside Archer at the harbor. The late morning sun sparkled off the water, making the boats' white hulls gleam. A few seagulls swooped overhead. Their calls mixed with the gentle lapping of waves against the dock.

Daphne snuck glances at Archer's profile. His jaw was strong and set, but his usual scowl had softened into something almost peaceful. His presence beside her felt solid and reassuring.

"You're staring again," he said.

Heat rushed to her face. "I was just thinking how different you look when you're not scowling at everyone."

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