“That was fun,” Lake purrs. “I haven’t had a real shopping buddy in ages.”
“Same. Most of my kind don’t care much about fashion.”
Dray—or Donnie, as Lake keeps calling him for some reason—scoffs as he leans against a tree. “Relatable.”
Dempsey pushes his glasses up his nose, peering up from the book in his lap. “I’m glad Lake has you now. I like shopping, but I’m not as into it as you are, obviously.”
I start to object, to assert that Lake doesn’t “have me now.”I’m not part of this quirky but adorable family. My chest tightens though as I summon the words, and they fall away with a burst of longing I never saw coming.
Lake pats my thigh with a pout on his lips. “I’m so sorry you lost your collection though. Anything really valuable?”
Nodding, I rub my sternum as the pain and fear of that moment rushes back. “Some vintage pieces. Lots of designer items. All gone.” I glance at my bags. “I probably overdid the shopping. Retail therapy and all that.”
“There’s no such thing, Monty. If pretty things make you happy then embrace it. That’s my motto, anyway.”
“I’m still stuck onMonty.” I frown, unsure whether I like the nickname the vibrant human has given me or not.
Dempsey snorts while Dray pushes off the tree.
“Get used to Lake and his nicknames.” He taps his chest. “I’m Donnie, remember?”
“How did you get Donnie from Draydon, anyway?”
“Dray-DON,” Lake says, with his usual dramatic flair. “Obviously, darling.”
Dempsey giggles. “I made out pretty easy with Demps.”
“Do you hate it?” Lake gazes at me with puppy eyes. That look must be how he got that grumpy dragon of his wrapped around his finger.
“No. It’s fine. It’s not my true name anyway.”
“Do you prefer we use that?” Dempsey asks. “I thought it affected you when it’s said.”
“It does,” I admit. “I can literally feel it.”
“In a bad way?” Lake asks.
“Depends on who’s saying it and why.” Like when Tino says it and my insides vibrate. I still don’t know what that reaction means. “Monty is fine for now.” I glance at the bags. “He really should have given me a budget.”
“Tino paid for it?” Lake asks.
I nod. “He insisted. I guess he felt bad about my stuff.”
The three men exchange glances and then pointedly stare at me for a few seconds until Draydon asks the one question I wish he hadn’t. “Are you serious about Valentino?”
Ignoring the way my pulse ticks up, I shift my gaze to my nails. I could use a fresh mani. “We’re not in any kind of relationship. Ours is a union of chaos and danger. Once Mac is safe, I’m sure I’ll never see any of you again.”
Lake smirks while Dempsey’s forehead creases. Draydon arches an eyebrow at me.
“What? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”
“Ooh-kay, Monty,” Lake says, patting my shoulder. “We should get back to your chaos and danger dragon before he gets too uneasy.”
“It’s not like that,” I mutter, knowing my objections will be ignored.
Maybe they just want Tino to find a mate like they have, but they’re definitely barking up the wrong tree with me. Sure, we have amazing chemistry, and yes, fine, we’re suited to each other in many ways. And, okay, he makes me feel things I haven’t before, but that’s all easily explained. I’m an incubus who feeds off emotions and energy and he’s a dragon overflowing with both.
I won’t let his kind family, hulking possessiveness, excessive generosity, or sultry swagger convince me that this is more than it is. It doesn’t mean anything. That’s what I keep telling myself as we gather my things and head back to the car.
