“A little trouble never killed anybody,” Minh said from his reading chair, cracking open his book again.
Anh affectionately rolled her eyes at her little brother. “A little trouble most surelyhaskilled somebody, but never mind you.” She turned to Emmeline and Luke. “Right this way.”
They followed her to the back of the bookshop, past a group of teenage girls squealing over a new romance, a couple exchanging book recommendations, and a bookseller pulling out a six-book fantasy series for a middle-aged man. Emmeline smiled to herself as she saw some familiar faces—friends of friends, or family members of clients, or old classmates.
Anh punched in the code, letting them into the office. Inside, there was a desk with a computer and printer, in front of which there were two seats. On the other wall, there was a labeled filing cabinet. Luke closed the door behind them,and she realized how small the office was compared to the lofty bookshop. Warmth spread through her, and she set Motu down to take off her coat.
Before she could, she felt gentle hands on her shoulders. “Allow me,” he said, voice low by her ear. As he slipped her coat off, his hands brushed against her bare shoulders; she was wearing a lacy slip blouse on top of leather pants. Though his touch was fleeting, it sent a shiver down her spine, making her skin prickle with goosebumps.
Emmeline turned, watching as Luke hung up her coat, then took off his own. He wore black trousers and a black button-down shirt, the top buttons of which were undone to reveal three chain necklaces lying flat on the bare skin of his chest. She had the insane urge to reach out and touch them.
Shaking her head, Emmeline turned to Anh, who was watching them with an amused glance. Emmeline’s cheeks flushed, and she straightened her back, focusing.
“The log-in information for the computer is written down here,” Anh said, tapping a notepad. “All the reports and data for the business have been downloaded onto the computer, and they are all most likely also printed out and filed in the cabinet. Should you need anything else, feel free to ask Ola in the front. Minh most definitely will not know anything useful.”
“Perfect, thank you so much,” Emmeline said, giving Anh a bright smile.
Anh nodded, heading for the door, which Luke opened for her. She glanced back at both of them, eyes twinkling. “Have fun.”
With that, the old lady left them alone in the office.Emmeline released a breath and, sensing she was a bit more relaxed now, Motu strayed from his position by her feet, poking around the office.
“Motu, no,” she warned, as he opened his mouth to chew on a wire. The baby dragon closed his mouth, and Emmeline headed for the filing cabinet, opening the first drawer, which was labeled with the current year. Luke stood across from her, looking through the drawer with her.
The office was quiet save for the shuffling of papers, until a voice broke the silence.
“So you’re babysitting,” Luke said.
“Why are you trying to talk to me?” she asked.
“Fine.” His jaw clenched. “Forget it.”
Guilt pricked her. Perhaps she shouldn’t besopetty. “Yes,” she replied. “I’m babysitting for my younger brother for the next six weeks.”
Luke’s eyes widened. “Six weeks?” He whistled. “That’s a long time.”
“Don’t get your hopes up that I’ll be distracted,” she said, eyes narrowed. “I’m still going to beat you for Anh’s investment.”
Luke was unbothered by such a comment; instead, his expression was pensive. “Aren’t you Drakkons not allowed to hatch your dragon eggs until you’re old enough to look after the baby dragon yourself and take responsibility?” he asked.
She furrowed her brows, not following. “Yes.”
“So why did your brother hatch his egg if he couldn’t manage it?”
She blinked. “Well, he can,” she replied, voice defensive. “He’s just busy with school right now.”
“And you’re not busy with work?” he asked.
Her skin prickled. He was right, and he was the only person to have batted an eyelash at the fact. Samreen had simply replied that Haris was her brother—of course Emmeline had to help him. They all took it as a given.
“I can handle it,” Emmeline replied, tone clipped.
“I’m sure you can,” Luke replied. “But why burn yourself out? You need to set better boundaries.”
Shock rippled through her. It didn’t matter that what he was saying had some truth to it. Who the hell was he to speak to her in such a manner?
“Yeah, I do,” she said, and he looked satisfied for a moment before registering that the anger on her face was directed at him. “So stop talking about things you know nothing about.”
He blinked, taken aback. “I wasn’t trying...” he started, but she turned her attention to the file in her hand, ignoring him. She needed to focus, anyway.
