“I need to see my boss,” I mumble between kisses.
Kai pulls back, his brow furrowed with concern, his blue eyes searching mine. “Now?”
“I should get this over with,” I reply, though the words feel heavy on my tongue. “This won’t be easy—my boss can be unreasonable.”
Kai’s eyes move between mine, and I wish I could read his thoughts and intentions like I can with most others. But Kai has always been a mystery to me.
“Do what you need to, but know this—no matter what, I’ll be here, waiting.”
I draw him closer again, my fingers sliding into his hair, and I tug on the strands.
“How did I get so lucky?” I whisper against his mouth as his hands slide over my sides and up my back.
“Go tomorrow,” he murmurs, leaning in and trailing kisses down my throat.
I bite my lip, melting into his touch, completely immersed by the striking contrast of our skin tones—his fair complexion against my rich, dark brown.
Kai reaches my nipple, drawing it into his mouth and making my legs tighten around his hips.
“Okay. Tomorrow.” I moan, surrendering to the sensation of his hands on my skin, letting myself get lost in his touch.
In the back of my mind, a shadow of doubt lingers. I’m not sure they will let me leave. The dragons are known for their possessiveness, an instinct that runs deep within them. Even though I have no romantic entanglements with any of them, in their eyes, I am still classed as something to be owned, a mere object—a prized possession. The thought sends a shiver down my spine, a reminder of the cage I’m trying to escape.
Before I can dwell on it any longer, Kai’s fingers grasp my chin, tilting my head back to meet his gaze. The intensity in his eyes burns through the doubt and fear. His mouth is on mine in an instant, and the kiss is fierce—hard and branding. It steals my breath away, searing through the uncertainty and leaving only raw desire in its wake.
Every time we touch, it’s like the world around us blurs, leaving only the two of us in sharp focus. But the weight of what lies ahead hangs over me, a reminder that this moment, as powerful as it is, can’t last forever. Tomorrow, I’ll have to face them. Tomorrow, I’ll have to fight for my freedom.
Chapter seven
Ashwiyaa
“She wears black, just like her soul, yet her heart is made of gold.”
It’s nearly midday when we decide it’s time to eat. With the sun high in the sky, we venture into town, still feeling the lingering crispness of the morning air. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon wafts through the streets, guiding us toward the cozy diner on the corner. The establishment has a comforting and nostalgic atmosphere that instantly makes me relaxed. My stomach growls loudly and Kai’s hand tightens around mine.
“Sorry for delaying breakfast, beautiful.”
My fingers trace the tiny braid behind my ear, and I rest my head on his arm as we walk. “Nothing to be sorry for.”
“I delayed food. Though it’s not all my fault that my appetite was elsewhere.”
A grin takes over my face as I think back to our morning together.
Pulling open the door, Kai leads us into the bustling diner. At the counter, the owner, a short, stocky man with brown hair and round glasses, spots Kai. He’s wiping down a mug, the movements efficient and practiced, but the moment he sees us, a broad smile spreads across his face. He waves at Kai, clearly recognizing him, but as his attention shifts to me, the smile falters, and his eyes widen in surprise. I can almost see the thoughts racing behind his eyes as he takes in my presence. There is something about me that makes humans instinctively wary, as if their sixth sense is alerting them to potential danger.
Kai leans over, his lips brushing against my temple and sending a wave of warmth through me. “Go find us a seat. I just gotta ask Mitch something.”
“Okay,” I reply.
I venture through the crowded diner in search of an available seat. I sensed Rose the second we got out of Kai’s truck up the street, along with the two brownies, who are currently in the upstairs apartment. My attention goes back over to the owner—I don’t smell any magic on him. I wonder if he knows he is sharing his home and diner with brownies. It’s unlikely, but I won’t interfere since they are a source of good luck.
“You going to pick that up?”
“Sorry.”
My head snaps toward the voices.
“I don’t know why my dad keeps you employed here. You’re an ugly train wreck.”
