“Why bother? We’re home or in the shop almost twenty-four-seven.”
“You might want to think about changing your habits now that you’ve got a dragon living with you.”
“No amount of security will stop anyone determined to kidnap him, and I won’t live like a prisoner in my home.”
“Which I can respect, but only moments ago you said something to the effect you expect him to be forcibly removed from your custody. You need to ready for when the secret gets out because, soon as people realize you have a dragon, they’re going to see dollar signs.”
“Do you?” she pointedly asked.
Apollo snorted. “I’m past the point of monetary motivation. I’ve got more than I can spend in this lifetime, and it keeps pouring in.”
“What about collecting rare things, though? Isn’t that what rich guys do?”
Apollo made a face. “Buying a cool piece of art or furniture is one thing. It wouldn’t feel right to own a living, thinking creature.”
“Humans and their weak natures,” I snorted. “Thankfully dragons don’t have such foibles.”
Iolana cleared her throat. “You don’t own me, Tigger. Or Jameson, I will add.”
“You say that as if you have a choice. I’m the one who decides who serves me.”
“You said that earlier but didn’t explain what it meant. Serve you how?” Apollo leaned forward.
“In whatever way benefits me. In your case, you seem to have some knowledge of security and how to access information, making you my protector. Iolana is my caretaker.”
“And what do we get out of it?” Apollo queried.
“The honor of serving me, of course. Oh, and the satisfaction of knowing your wealth will be the starting point of the mightiest hoard this world has ever seen.” The first thing I’d do with it was remove it from the banking institutions and invest it in items that would provide visible signs of my richness.
“Um, I never agreed to give you my money.”
“I didn’t ask. What’s yours is now mine.”
“It’s quite a large amount. What exactly would you do with it?”
“Probably buy a Cheetos factory,” Iolana muttered.
“A fine idea,” I agreed. “But not the reason I need a giant hoard. Wealth means power. Power is how you get respect. Very important when you’re planning to rule the world.”
Apollo arched a brow. “Pretty sure that’s impossible.”
“Such a pessimistic attitude. You’ll rue your words when I become supreme leader.” I yawned. “Enough questions. It’s time for me to sleep. I’m pretty sure my next molt is about to hit.” It seemed a tad quick, but then again, the feast I’d just imbibed had likely hastened my transition.
“And that’s the cue for us to hit the road. Thanks for dinner.” Iolana cradled me to her chest and practically jumped out of her seat.
“So soon? But we haven’t had dessert yet.”
Dessert? If I weren’t so groggy I would have demanded he fetch it, only I truly had no more room left in my belly. I’d have it for a snack when I woke. Wait, I wouldn’t be here. “Please have the dessert sent to my temporary shack. My caretaker is proving difficult about moving in here.”
“Moving in?” Apollo’s deep octave went up a few degrees.
“This domicile is much better suited to someone of my grandeur. I’ll expect a chamber to be specially prepared for me with accommodation for my servant once she ceases being stubborn.”
“For the last time, we’re not moving in,” Iolana hissed.
“Not tonight, since you’re obviously having an overwrought feminine moment.”
“Not ever,” Iolana growled as she flung open the door to the rumble of thunder. The air sizzled with ozone and hung heavy with moisture.
