I give her a silent nod.
“That’s all right. I have plenty enough for the both of us.” She whirls on Xavier. “This isbarelya favor. I wanted a new renter anyway.” Esme crosses her arms and contemplates the dragon, who leans against her counter, totally at ease in her space.
“He’ll need some time to find work,” Xavier explains. “Won’t be able to cover rent to start off.”
Shame coats my insides. There was a time in my life when money meant nothing to me because I had an abundance. Now, my pockets are empty, and I’m a burden.
Esme shrugs with a glance my way. “No problem. You pay when you can.” She tilts her head, eyes to the ceiling, as if in thought.
“A quarter,” her sweet voice declares. “This only covers a quarter of the favor. I still owe you three-fourths.”
The dragon snorts, his mouth curling in amusement. “You’re shit at bargaining. But fine. If you want to still owe me, that’s on you.”
Curiosity twists in my gut. Why does Esme owe him anything? Did she get into trouble and need his help out of it?
Why wasn’t I here to keep her safe?
That last question is pointless. I know why, and I couldn’t have stopped it. But now, I’m back, and while I’m in Folk Haven, I will make sure nothing harms Esmerelda Sharpwing.
“Let’s go check out your new digs.” Esme slips behind the counter again, coming up with a set of keys. “Entrance is around the side.”
She strolls to the front door, and I follow in her wake. When she reaches to flip a sign toClosed, Xavier stops her.
“You two go. I’ll watch the shop. Let people know you’re coming back soon.”
Esme offers a grin over her shoulder that has my heart stuttering. “Thanks, bud.”
We walk around the side of the brick building to find a set of exposed metal stairs. They’re sturdy, barely making a sound when both of us climb them. As hard as I try to be a gentleman, my baser urges have me studying the way her round ass shifts under her tight black pants. Leggings, Xavier told me they’re called. He’s been giving me a crash course in the changes in the world since I’ve been gone. Just the advancements in phone technology are hard to grasp.
But this style choice? I can get on board.
“The lock sticks sometimes. You need to press down on the key as you turn it.” Esme pushes the door inward and ushers me into an open space.
The room has furnishings—a table, an overstuffed couch—and through an open doorway, I spot a bare mattress on a bed frame.
“There’re two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, a view of Main Street …” She strolls past the couch to tug open a set of curtains. “Pretty nice place, if I do say so myself. Feel free to make it yours. Just try not to damage anything.” She tosses her honey curls over a shoulder as her eyes trace down my body again. “Are you in anI’ve only got the clothes on my back to my namekinda situation?”
I can’t stifle a grimace. Even the clothes on my back aren’t mine.
“Xavier”—his name is gravel in my throat, but so are most words—“gave me some … things.” Never thought I’d be so grateful for a toothbrush. The man offered plenty more, butthisis all I really wanted. An introduction to the woman I used to know so well.
“Okey dokey. Well, I’ve got plenty of extra things too. When I get a Bed, Bath, and Bargains coupon, Ihaveto use it. And they send me one, like, every week. It’s a problem, but today, it’s a solution!”
I think I remember what that store is, though I never used to have to buy those items for myself. My parents had staff for that.
“I’ll drop off some bed linens and towels. I don’t know if you use loofahs, but I’ve got at least six, so you’re getting one. And I’ll see what else I’ve got around my place.”
“You don’t?—”
“Don’t tell me I don’t have to because I’m already doing it in my brain, which means the action is unstoppable.” Esme reaches out and gives my chest a gentle pat.
Every part of me tenses, wanting to lean into the affectionate caress. Esme misinterprets my reaction, backing up a step and folding her hands behind her back.
“Sorry. I’m a touchy person. Half the time, I don’t realize I’m doing it.”
“You … can touch me.”Please do. Run your fingers over my body, like you used to.
“Noted.” Esme’s smile is softer this time as she gazes at me. “Any questions about the place?”
