I’d kind of liked it, too, but I didn’t admit it out loud. I pursed my lips, and Jameson added, “I promise the food will be superb. Francine, my chef, makes the most mouthwatering bites using the freshest ingredients. They’ll make your taste buds sing.”
“She accepts.”
I froze as Tigger suddenly jumped into the conversation.
Jameson appeared puzzled. “I didn’t know you had a child.” Seeing as how he’d heard a small squeaky voice, yeah, I could see why he wrongly assumed the origin of the voice.
“I might be newly hatched, but I am not her child,” Tigger scoffed.
Bloody heck. I hastened to shush. “Tigger, shh.”
“Do not shush me, woman. You work for me, and as such, you do as I say, and that includes accepting this male’s invitation for a meal.” Tigger leaned forward in Jameson’s direction. “Make sure your chef prepares plenty of those tasty bites, as I am famished. Oh, and it better not all be vegetables. I like meat.”
“Did… uh…” Poor Jameson… His jaw might never hinge properly again.
“Yes, you heard Tigger talk. It’s a new development.” I tried to act blasé; however, a talking reptile? Yeah, that was kind of hard to play off.
“I would have said this is some kind of miracle because lizards can’t speak.”
A heavy sigh let me know Tigger had taken offense. “I wish people would stop insulting me like that. I am a dragon, and, yes, I am aware of my diminutive size. I just hatched, after all, and, no, I don’t have wings yet, but I am the mightiest of creatures, the most intelligent of species, and I wouldn’t suggest getting on my bad side, as I am keeping a list of the insolent that I might feed on their corpses later.”
Jameson laughed, and I winced, knowing that wouldn’t go over well.
“I see I’ll be adding you to my list,” Tigger growled.
“I apologize.” Jameson bowed. “Blame my shock on meeting such a grand creature.”
Tigger sniffed. “Your forgiveness will hinge on the evening meal.”
“I’m not going,” I muttered.
“Oh yes, you are, for I have spoken,” Tigger declared.
“This is wild,” my client said with a shake of his head. “I cannot wait to hear about how you found a dragon at dinner tonight.”
I could have been a stubborn chit and kept refusing, but with Jameson aware of Tigger’s secret, I now had to do damage control. “What time?” I bit out through a clenched jaw.
“Say seven? I can send someone to pick you up.”
“No, thanks, I’ll drive myself.” I wanted a way to leave when I wanted. After all, I didn’t plan to stay long.
Jameson left, and I turned a glare on Tigger.
“What happened to being quiet?”
“A dragon can hardly acquire servants by remaining silent. Besides, you heard the male. He has a chef.”
“Doesn’t mean they’re any good.”
“He’s also obviously wealthy.”
“Very.”
“Good. Once I make him my servant, his riches will be a good start to my hoard.”
And with that comment, I actually began looking forward to dinner.
Chapter Eight
