Page 73 of Fire Dragon
“You’re a lifesaver.”
Emma showered quickly and found that Jane had brought her a simple, loose black dress that ran down to mid-calf. As usual, Jane had called it just right. Anything skimpier would have made her feel uncomfortable with all the famous men gathered in the next room.
By the time she left the shower, and wrapped herself in a towel, Liam was waiting for her. He looked fantastic like he'd been on holiday. His silver-rimmed blue eyes sparkled, and he was smiling. Oh, that smile.
“What's going on?” She worked another towel through her hair to get as much of the moisture out as possible.
“I'm on a high.” At first, she wondered if he'd smoked something, but none of the warriors indulged. Ever.
She finished drying off, lost the towel then went to him. His gaze swept her from head to toe and his eyes flared. So, she did what she always did. She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips.
He relaxed and slid his arms around her waist. As he held her tight, he returned her kiss for a long moment. When he drew back, he said, “Welcome back to the living.”
She smiled and stroked his cheek with her hand. “I don't know what happened. But I fell sound asleep on your horned head. Jane said no one could wake me up.”
“I knew you weren't in any danger. You were just used up from channeling all that energy.” He frowned slightly. “Which was what exactly? At the time, I wanted to ask, but I could sense you couldn’t talk.”
“You were right. As for the nature of it, I was focusing on Dusane.”
His brows rose. “Our planet? The energy came from Dusane?”
“Maybe. Honestly, I don't know. Maybe it was just my love for Dusane. But I settled my thoughts on our world and how much I wanted to protect it from the Magi. The rest followed.”
He kissed her. “It was an amazing experience. Whatever you did, thank you.” He released her. “I'll let you get dressed.”
“Liam, please stay with me. I don't want to go out there alone. Jane said all seven of you are in the same room.”
“Santos is here as well.”
She put her hand to her chest. “Oh, God. Eight of you.”
“Breathe. I'll hold your hand.” He paused then a familiar frown tightened his brow. “What we accomplished earlier? Do you think Santos knew that’s what we could do together?”
Emma shook her head. “I don’t think so. He only spoke of the tests we’d all taken and possibilities. Nothing more.”
His gaze traveled over her bare breasts and a devilish glint entered his blue eyes. “Right now, you’ve got a choice. You either put something on fast or I’m taking you to bed.”
Emma chuckled, grabbed the dress and other necessaries Jane had given her then moved back into the bathroom. She wisely closed the door.
She made quick work of her hair and a touch of make-up, then got dressed.
By the time Liam led her out to the gathering, her heart thudded in her ears. As Jane had said, there were a dozen riders present as well, which gave her courage. Charlotte and Beth both came up to her and embraced her.
But the men were almost too much to take, all that masculine beauty.
Worse followed, however, when a round of applause started. Then shouts, and a lot of whooping. She knew her cheeks were red, yet tears touched her eyes. She'd always wanted to serve, but she never thought she'd actually make a difference, not like this.
When the applause faded, she said, “Thanks, everyone. Um, sorry I passed out.” Laughter moved around the room.
Jane brought her a virgin mojito and kissed her on the cheek. Liam then took his time taking her from one warrior to the next. She knew them all if not well personally, then by name and definitely by reputation. She’d read each of their dossiers: Logan, of course, Noah, Mason, Rone, Elijah and Aidan.
They reached Logan last. As one of her best friends, he gathered her up in his arms and held her tight. “You did us proud, Em.” When he pulled back, he continued, “You showed us something as well. I want to do better because of what you did today. Better on all fronts.”
Emma’s brows rose once more. “How can you, or any of the warriors present, do better? Seriously. I mean it.”
Logan laughed. “Maybe it's time we each pushed a little harder for what's really important.” His gaze shifted to Charlotte then right back to her, but Emma understood his meaning.
She leaned up and kissed Logan. “Good luck,” she said quietly.
