Page 39 of The Dragon Recruit
“Which also means he isn’t your replacement any longer, aye?”
“No, unfortunately not. Whoever has this position needs to work long hours, move around a lot, and be able to dash away, when the need arises. Even if Jude is bloody brilliant at intelligence gathering and strategy, my superior made the call about stationing him in Inverness, to watch the skies instead.”
Iris tried to imagine being queued up to head an entire secret spy agency and then having it ripped away. It would be devastating. “Surely he knows it wasn’t your decision, right?”
“Yes, but he’s still resentful and thinks I didn’t fight hard enough for him. Part of me thinks he wants to be put back out to die in action. The other part of me thinks he’s still struggling to accept the drastic changes to his life. Either way, I received some intelligence two days ago, which makes me think he’s the leak and that he’s changed sides to help the dragon hunters.”
Antony explained how one of his team discovered Jude’s online username for a secret forum, one most people could never find, and had learned of his vitriol about the British government, and especially the Department of Dragon Affairs. He believed they ruined his life on purpose by not taking care of the Dragon Knights sooner.
Further digging had revealed Jude offering information to the right buyer. While Antony’s team was still trying to confirm if Jude had sold anything, it was definitely worth a look.
When Antony finished, Iris studied his profile. “It must feel as if he’s betrayed you, aye? Even if he doesn’t end up being the leak.”
Antony’s lips firmed a few beats before he said, “I’m more disappointed. Most of us suffer tragedy and set back at one time or another, especially in this line of work. And whilst I understand the frustration of not being able to walk very long and often relying on a cane considering he could run marathons before the incident, betraying us, me, and the country is extreme. I keep thinking I missed something when I first recruited him.”
Iris laid a hand on Antony’s shoulder and squeezed. “As much as you don’t want to admit it, you’re not perfect, Antony Holbrook. No one is. And sometimes, you’ll be wrong, aye?”
He sighed dramatically. “I suppose.”
She poked his side, and he chuckled as she said, “Be serious and don’t deflect. Do you really blame yourself for Jude’s actions?”
“Sometimes. And yes, I know that’s irrational. It’s not as if I put a mind-control chip in his brain and can control him like in a video game.”
“Wait, do you have mind-control chips?”
His lips twitched. “That’s classified.”
“Ugh, you’re awful, aye? Teasing me like that.”
He winked. “Once your clearance comes through, ask me again. I’ll just have to find something else to tease you about.”
“As long as you don’t start practicing any stand-up routines, that’s fine.”
“Well, youaretrapped in this car with me for hours. Maybe I should try a few. I’m a bit rusty, but I bet I can make you laugh.”
“Whilst I’m tempted to see you try, I’d rather you tell me more about the operations in Inverness, Jude, and anything else that could help us once we get there.”
“You’re overly focused, but I like it. Makes me wonder what you’ll be like, with such focus, when naked.”
Her dragon tried to flash images of Antony’s cock in their mouth, but she pushed it aside.Stop it, or I’ll put you in a mental maze.
You’re no fun.
Save your fantasies for later. Maybe you can try some of them, aye?
You’d better keep your word.
I didn’t give my word.
I’m going to pretend you did.
She growled out loud, and Antony said, “Now I want to know what your dragon said to you.”
“It’s rude to ask a dragon-shifter that, aye?”
“Perhaps. But I’d like to think we’re past the façade of formality, given how I promised to eventually make you scream with my mouth.”
Her dragon laughed.Between him and me, you don’t stand a chance.
