Chapter Thirteen
Hone stood in the doorway, watching Cassie. So engrossed in her painting, she hadn’t noticed his presence. His taniwha hummed and a surge of lust bolted straight to his dick. Kissing her had been awesome. He’d enjoyed the hell out of himself. He’d craved more, but he’d forced himself to go slow.
No reason he couldn’t do more kissing and groping tonight though. He grinned and pushed away from the doorjamb. “You’ve been painting for three hours.”
She squeaked before turning around to glare at him. She patted her left breast. “There’s no need to sneak.”
“Wasn’t,” he said cheerfully.
She rolled her shoulders and winced.
“I knew you shouldn’t overdo it after yesterday.”
“You never said anything.”
“Figured you’re an adult and you’d stop if you hurt.”
“My mother would have ordered me.”
He folded beefy arms across his chest. “I’m not your mother.”
“Lucky for me. Yeah, I’m sore. I’ve overdone things. Pleased with the progress though.”
“You should take a break tomorrow. You want to be fighting fit for your show.”
“You’re right. I don’t like to sit around doing nothing though.”
“We can find something to do.” He winked and laughed at himself because his mind zapped straight to sex. He burned with the desire to touch her. “Let’s go. You can soak away your aches in the spa pool.”
Less than an hour later, they were back in Papakura. Manu was waiting for them and pushed away from the porch when they pulled up in the driveway. His expression…something wasn’t right.
“What’s up?” Hone opened the window, battling his urge to find privacy to know Cassie better, work out the tangle of emotions buzzing through his head, overshadowing even his dragon’s determination to keep Cassie. With foreboding, he climbed from his vehicle.
“My mother’s temper. She’s poised for battle because in her mind you stole Cassie from me. Wanted to give you a heads-up.”
“Who told her?”
“No idea, but she’s eager for a confrontation.”
The slam of the passenger door indicated Cassie was listening. They’d have to be careful of what they said in her presence.
“That makes me sound like a toy. We’re adults.” She frowned at Manu, before turning her scowl on him. “Surely June isn’t that angry? A few days’ acquaintance doesn’t make a relationship. I should talk to her.” Cassie grimaced at Hone’s low growl. “Stop rumbling. It’s not cool. What do you think? Should I talk to June?”
“No,” Hone snapped.
“No way,” Manu echoed. “I’m going to my lab and not coming out until Dad tells me the smoke has cleared.”
“Auntie June is angry at you, too. You heard of fire-breathing dragons? That is Auntie June when she gets riled.” The truth as much as he could warn her. He pulled a face at his cousin. “How do you feel about a couple of days up north? We can go to Goat Island, check out the vineyards and relax on the beach. Do some snorkeling, and it would be nearer to…” He trailed off as he glanced at Manu. Not his secret to tell, confidentiality and all that. “It might give Auntie time to calm down.”
“I don’t understand why you’re tiptoeing around June. Is her temper really that bad?”
“Yes,” Manu said bluntly. “The cops didn’t catch the prowler. You should leave town.”
“I suppose a few days away might be nice,” Cassie said. “Emma and I visited the Goat Island marine reserve when we were kids, and I haven’t been since.”
“Excellent. We can leave tomorrow.”
“Head off tonight,” Manu prompted. “Ma is irate because your father gloated about your new lady. She connected the dots, even though Uncle George didn’t mention names. She’s angry enough to visit and voice her displeasure.”
