“There’s no need to disparage him after all he’s been through.”
“Wow. He’s really got you wrapped around his clawed finger, huh?” I tightened my grip on the reins, the leather groaning under my hands. No way his beastly charm was actually working on her.
“What? Did he show you his hoard?”
At Serafina’s clenched jaw, I laughed. “He did, didn’t he? Let me guess. He told you he’d never taken anyone there before. That you were the first. That you were special.”
“Shut up.”
“Did he give you a token of his affection? Gold? Jewels? A ruffled ball gown?”
“Books, if you must know.”
“Books?” I scrunched my nose. “Why the hell would you choose books? Can you even read?”
Serafina hauled back on her horse’s reins, glancing about at the road below.
“What are you doing?”
“Searching for a pile of dung.”
I snatched her reins, urging her horse forward. “Oh, come now. I was only playing.” Mostly.
Serafina sighed. “Then play elsewhere. I can make the journey without you.”
“You know, there are many women who find me charming,” I said with a rakish grin known to set hearts aflutter.
“I’ll bet.” Strangely, Sera was unmoved. Her tension-riddled body failed to soften.
“Ah. That’s right. You’re more of a scales, wings, and claws kind of girl.”
“You’re insane.”
“Be honest. The dragon does it for you. Doesn’t he?”
An evil glint entered her eyes. “Now that you mention it, hedoes have a powerful form. And his wings.” She shivered. “I imagine his wingspan is the largest in the land.”
I stiffened. What was this now? “I wouldn’t say his is the largest.”
“And those emerald-kissed scales. They’re truly beautiful, shining beneath the solar crystals.”
“Green like mold,” I scoffed. “It’s a very ordinary color.”
“The way he used his flame to warm me at the pool.” She trailed slim fingers below her jaw, down the front of her chest. “His hot breath pulsing over my flesh.”
I swallowed, fascinated by the path her hand took. The way those wanton fingers traced the shape of her full breast. That simple display had me shifting in my saddle. The moment I adjusted my pants, she flashed me a victorious glance from under her taunting brow.
My teeth clicked together. She’d caught me in my own trap. Well played.
I fought a grin, growling, “Shrew.”
“Bastard,” she sang.
The rest of the ride passed in silence, save for the plodding of our horses. We arrived at Ironwood as the sun was setting.
Stone buildings crowded the cobbled street. Colorful awnings drooped over shuttered stalls. The air stank of mold and refuse. The apartments above were dimly lit, as if the inhabitants feared discovery.
Ironwood’s market was famed for trade and revelry. Tonight, it was a graveyard.
