Tate believed him. Ryu was one of the most steadfast and reliable people when it mattered. At least for those who he considered his.
Tate started to lift onto her toes to give Ryu a kiss when she stopped and glanced to the side. Tyne’s face was uncomfortably close as he watched them with a fascination usually reserved for someone viewing a play or entertainment.
The other dragon-ridden’s gaze was titillated. If he’d had snacks in his hand, Tate was sure he’d be munching on them right about now.
Ryu sent him a cool look. “What are you doing?”
“Don’t mind me. Carry on. Carry on.”
Ryu looked like he was struggling for patience. “Get in the carriage. One wrong move and I’ll end you.”
There was a snap of metal and then Tyne held his handcuffs out to Ryu. “Don’t make threats you can’t back up. We both know the emperor doesn’t want me dead and you will never defy him.”
Ryu leaned toward him; his expression lethal. “Yet.”
Tyne’s head cocked.
Ryu gave him a dragon’s smile. The kind that said he looked forward to cleaning his teeth with Tyne’s bones. “He doesn’t want you dead—yet. A lot has changed since you’ve been underground. You’ll find none of us are as you remember. Test us at your own risk.”
“Love has made you ornery, my friend,” Tyne said, climbing into the carriage next to Dewdrop before Ryu could carry out on his promise of violence.
Tate lifted her eyebrows at Ryu. “I think I’m beginning to rub off on you.”
Ryu made a sexy rumbling noise as he edged closer. “I have a few thoughts on what else you can rub on me.”
An inelegant snort of laughter escaped Tate. This man.
Tate grabbed the collar of his jacket and tugged him down. His warm lips touched hers, the gentle peck she’d planned turning into something deeper.
His mouth moved against hers as tingles raced through her. She pressed her body against his, letting passion warm her blood.
When they finally parted, their breaths caressed the others faces as they remained pressed together.
Ryu’s eyes were half-lidded as he looked at her the way an inmate might look at their last meal. Like they would die if they didn’t have it.
Tate felt an internal thrill that she stuffed down. As tempting as he was, this wasn’t the time. Not when she had an ancient Creator to hunt and a dangerous minor goddess to thwart.
“Maybe when this is over, I’ll show you exactly what type of rubbing I’m capable of,” Tate murmured.
Ryu’s eyes flared. “I’ll look forward to it.”
Reluctantly, he stepped back before turning and climbing into the carriage with one last lingering look.
Dewdrop stuck his head out of the carriage at the last moment as it started to clatter away. “Tate, don’t get into trouble without me. I mean it. Wait until I can watch your back, at least.”
Tate lifted her hand, shaking her head. “What type of person does he think I am? It’s not like I go looking for this shit.”
Hmph. Who needs him to watch your back? I’m more than enough.
Tate looked down at Night with raised eyebrows. “Says the bearcat who keeps disappearing without telling anyone.”
Night’s ears lowered as he evaded her gaze.I have my reasons.
“Do those reasons have anything to do with a certain female Veles?”
Night’s ears flattened further.
Really? And here Tate was just teasing.
