“Where are you taking me?”
“Do you trust me?”
“Without hesitation.”
They turned onto a side street, heading toward the nearby park. Azh assumed that Wynn was hoping to avoid the worst of the rush hour crush on their way to wherever they were going, but she halted at the corner, nodding toward the faded brick building that looked as if it’d been standing in that exact position for several hundred years.
Azh studied the sturdy structure, catching the scent of several demons inside. Both goblin and fey.
“What is this place?” he demanded.
She reached into the pocket of her coat, pulling out a gold coin that she tossed toward the elderly fairy who was wearing a crimson-and-gold uniform and standing next to the rotating glass door.
“It’s one of the few hotels in London that exclusively caters to demons,” she said, leading him forward as the male tipped his hat and touched the wall to reveal a hidden opening.
Azh studied the magical entryway with a lift of his brows. “A friend of yours?”
She waved toward the fairy before heading through the narrow space. “I located a family treasure that had been stolen from the owner of the hotel years ago. In return they allow me to use the residential rooms to crash when I’m in the neighborhood.”
“I’m starting to understand how you survived for so long,” Azh said. “You’ve created your own personal network of allies and support staff.”
“Not all of them are happy about the arrangement,” she said in dry tones. “But I’ve avoided a knife in the back. So far.”
Azh hid his smile at the satisfaction of providing her with a lair that would be protected by the fiercest warriors along with layers of magic that would make it impossible to breach. Once they were fully mated she would never have to worry about her safety again.
Not bothering to wonder when he’d gone from suspecting this female might be more than a passing pain in his ass to acceptance she was his destined mate, Azh glanced around the large sitting room that was stuffed with worn couches and puffy chairs that were designed for comfort, not beauty. The walls were paneled and covered by dozens of framed family photos and the windows hidden behind thick curtains. There was a dark scruffy warmth to the space that seemed to please Wynn.
“It’s...cozy,” he said.
She wrinkled her nose. “It’s not as fancy as the rooms for the paying guests, but I like it.”
Azh shrugged, his gaze sweeping over Wynn as she turned to lead him across the room and down a narrow hallway. She was wearing the oversized overcoat and her hair pulled into a lopsided braid and there were streaks of dust on her face from the hidden cellar they’d just climbed out of, but no woman had ever been so beautiful. Just the sight of her made his heart sing with joy.
“Fancy is overrated,” he assured her in a rough voice, his hunger vibrating through him as she stopped at the door at the end of the hall and shoved it open.
“You don’t miss your acres of marble and satin sheets?” she teased.
Azh stepped into the small room, scanning the shadows for any potential danger. Just because Wynn trusted the owner didn’t mean they hadn’t been infected by the evil magic. Or were treacherous rats who hoped to claim the reward money just like Pheral.
One glance was enough to assure him that nothing was hidden beneath the narrow bed or behind the dresser that was shoved againstthe far wall. He could even see into the attached bathroom that was barely big enough for a walk-in shower and sink. It was empty.
“Marble and satin sheets are cold,” he growled, slamming shut the door and abruptly pressing Wynn against the wall. “And lonely.”
Wynn hissed in shock, but her arms readily lifted to wrap around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair.
“You’re not cold.”
“Not now.” He wrapped them in his silver-blue flames, the heat scorching the wall but leaving Wynn’s delicate skin unharmed. “My dragon burns hot when you’re near.”
She gazed deep into his eyes, undaunted by the fire that smoldered around her.
“I see him.” Her hands stroked a restless path over his shoulders. “I want to see more.”
The beast inside him purred with pleasure. The ancient creature was thoroughly enchanted by the delicate wisp of a female in his arms.
“Your wish is my command.”
“Isn’t it genies who make wishes come true?”
