“Even pit fighters need coaches.”
She grinned at him. “You want to hire me as a coach? You do know you’d be the only fighter with a female in that particular role.”
“I don’t even think it’s allowed,” Brantley chimed in. “Too dangerous.”
“It’s allowed. Queen Raven and King Gabriel removed all gender restrictions on the games recently. It may not have happened yet, but it isn’t illegal anymore.” Marius shook his head. “Besides, why would it be dangerous?”
Brantley snorted. “Have you forgotten that there’re three males to every female in this kingdom?” The ale in his mug splashed across his fingers as he lifted the glass and pointed at Marius. “Can you imagine the sort of sexual frenzy she’d cause, showing up, looking like she does, among a group of males itching for a fight? One glimpse of her wings, and they’d all but kill one another for a chance with her. Might even try to force themselves on her if they had the opportunity.”
The growl that ripped through Marius’s throat made Harlow sit up straighter. He’d leaped to his feet and was baring his teeth at Brantley like he might rip his throat out. The bar sank into silence. All the other patrons turned to stare at them.
It took her a minute to understand what was going on. Gently, she placed her hand on Marius’s arm. “He was just telling you the truth. He’s not threatening me.”
His gaze locked with hers, silver and intense and filled with that protective and possessive glint she’d only ever seen among mated pairs. Warmth spread from the center of her chest to the tips of her wings, tucked away inside her. Whoa.
She’d been attracted to Marius from the start, but was this something more? Even the possibility both scared her and invigorated her. She wanted him physically, but a dragon male’s affections could be a dangerous thing. She brushed aside the thought. It was far too presumptuous to call this affection. More likely, it was the product of drinking and fighting and the natural urges of males and females.
Brantley lowered his drink to the table and took on an air of contriteness. “Sorry, bro. I think the ale’s gone to my head.” He stood. “I’d better call it a night. Aiden will hand me my ass if I’m out too late again. Congratulations, Marius. Best of luck to you if you decide to give the pits another go.” He bowed.
Harlow gave him a hug and said her goodbyes and then watched him leave. Thankfully, she’d sobered up enough to walk home. It was probably best if she did. Things were getting… weird. She turned back to Marius. There was one thing she needed to say before they parted ways.
“I should go too. But I wanted to tell you thank you for taking a chance on me and letting me train you. The money kept my family going, and it’s an experience I’ll always cherish.” Her eyes started to burn, and she focused on a spot on the floor. “Not many dragons would have suffered being coached by a female. You’ve always treated me with respect, and I appreciate that.”
He stood, the weight of his stare penetrating her skin. “I’ll see you home.”
“You don’t have to. It’s close.”
“My driver is waiting. It’s late. You’ve been drinking.” His expression left no room for argument. That inner part of herself keyed into his voice would have done anything he said anyway. Her gaze locked with his, and the flock of butterflies was back, tumbling through her lower abdomen and leaving her feeling restless and wanting.
“Okay,” she said softly. It was out of her mouth before she consciously decided to say it. Weirdly, all her muscles seemed to have gone slack too, as if the most they could be asked to do was hold her up.
He stepped forward and pressed his hand into the small of her back, guiding her toward the door. She noticed halfway there that she was the only female left in the bar, and every male had turned to watch her. Marius’s left wing rose to arch above her head. Those masculine gazes snapped back to their drinks at the sight. It was a powerful, possessive message, and no one was going to challenge a dragon of Marius’s size and position.
A deep part of herself stretched and preened at Marius’s attention. She valued her independence, but unlike Adradys who’d wanted a slave, Marius’s presence felt more like a partner’s. After weeks of working together, she knew for sure that he respected her as an equal. If he didn’t, he would have never allowed her to coach him.
He opened the door for her and ushered her through. The scent of deep woods and dark spice filled her. Mountain, he smelled good. Her inner dragon coiled and flipped, chuffing for a lick. Heat blossomed between her legs.
The door to the carriage appeared in front of her, and he lifted her inside. So close. So warm. She slid onto the bench and was both pleased and surprised when he sat, not across from her but beside her.
“Oh…” Desire thrummed within her. Brazenly, she splayed her fingers over the hard expanse of his thigh. The door closed, plunging them into darkness.
Dragons could see in the dark, but there was a sense of intimacy to it, as if the darkness had wrapped them both in velvet. It softly teased her skin, urging her closer to him. Goddess, he seemed to fill the carriage. Was there any air left? Her next breath trembled, heavy with promise as it brushed over her tongue. His silver eyes never wavered from her face.
“Where?” he asked. In no way did she think he was asking where she lived. He knew where she lived. This was a question within a question. An invitation. A proposal. In one word, he’d handed her the reins. She could state her address and he would most certainly take her home, or she could make a counterproposal. He was waiting for her signal.
She licked her lips. “I can’t invite you to my place. My parents are there, and the walls are thin.”
A low rumble filled the carriage and his eyes flashed. He thumped the roof with his fist to get the driver’s attention. “The palace.”
The carriage lurched into motion. There were so many things about this situation that should have bothered Harlow. She was vulnerable, both financially and physically, and he knew it. She’d be at his mercy in the palace. Anyone who saw her enter would be on his side and tell only his story. If he wanted to, he could ruin her reputation and make life in Paragon even harder for her and her family.
Only, she didn’t care. The effects of the wine had worn off, and the realization that she was two sessions away from never having an excuse to see him again settled in. Soon, she would no longer be in his employ. They were friends. Close friends. But they didn’t run in the same social circles anymore. She had no employment, no means, no station. If he had any sense whatsoever, he’d spend his time on a woman who was his equal, someone wealthy and beautiful who fit in at the palace.
Someone unlike her.
The reality was that this might be her last chance to be with him. And she wanted him desperately.
She’d take what she could get.
