Page 59 of Connor and the Dragons

Why was he saying no? I wanted to shout at him that this was our chance, but with great effort, I held my tongue.

Mostly because I had Kessrin half in my mouth and it was difficult to talk around a testicle.

“Not to worry. Your consort would be comfortable there. It is quiet, and we can instruct people not to stare. Though I imagine it would be difficult for people to avoid looking at something so beautiful. And of course, your pet would be welcome as well.”

Connor hesitated, not saying anything. Maybe he was as insulted as I was that I was an afterthought. I mean, I was just as sexy as Kessrin. Mostly.

Harrowgate shifted, crossing his arms over his chest. “Do you deny a wizard of the Order? A wizard with your skills does not walk into our Hall unless he means to pledge.”

“Apologies, sir,” Connor said. “I did not mean to offend you. I was considering returning home tomorrow. But I can see your point. It sounds like a lovely evening, and I will make arrangements to stay in Limin City for the occasion.”

“Very well. We look forward to your company. Gather his things, and I will send someone to escort you out,” Harrowgate said, leaning in to tell Connor his address and a password for the gate.

I looked up at Kessrin, who, for once, looked a little smug.

CHAPTER 20: KESSRIN

I took my time arranging my cloak on the hook on the wall of our room, taking the utmost care with the delicate, lovely fabric, and waiting for the mundane task to center me the way that sort of task usually did. But no matter how many times I smoothed my fingers over the folds, I still felt off-balance. Unfinished.

I carefully removed my boots, well aware that Connor did not appreciate dirty shoes in our living space.

Perhaps if I was to crochet. I turned to reach for my yarn, hand stopping mid-air as I found Connor unclipping Oallian’s leash and harness. The unfinished feeling grew, and I took a shaky breath.

“Remove your boots, Oallian, they’re filthy,” Connor said.

How had I set aside so much of Delsynarea’s plan? I was supposed to be winning Connor’s trust, figuring out how to control Oallian, how to use Connor to convince Oallian to help us find Delsynarea’s missing husband.

Instead, I was the one who wanted to be used.

“Are you both okay?” Connor asked, looking from me to Oallian, then back to me, his eyes narrowing as if he was trying to piece together a puzzle.

“Delightful. But why did you turn the invitation down?” Oallian asked, flopping on the bed in nothing but the cage restraining his cock. “Shouldn’t you have accepted it right away?”

Connor’s face broke into a wide smile and he leaned down and kissed him on the lips. “You are a good boy.”

Oallian tilted his head. “I’m not sure what being a good boy has to do with anything. Though I will not disagree with you.”

I walked to the window and looked out, half-listening to them speak behind me as I did everything in my power to calm myself.

“I’m pleased with your performance tonight, and with the fact that you waited a full twenty minutes to blurt out your urgent question. Progress!”

“Please note that you still have not answered the urgent question,” Oallian said. “And it is growing increasingly urgent.”

“I chose to string him along for strategic reasons.” Connor sat on the chair he’d set by the door and pulled off his boots. “If we’d looked too eager, he would have been suspicious. He was chomping at the bit for Kessrin, so I made him work for it. Now he will think he has manipulated us.”

“Is that why you acted reluctant before following his orders?” I asked.

“That man is wealthy and powerful. The only thing left in the world that he wants is the thing somebody tells him he cannot have. We need Harrowgate to believe he has the upper hand, so he lowers his guard, Kess.”

My cheeks went hot at the nickname, the one I should not be allowing him to use. My mother would call it dishonorable, but somewhere deep inside, I knew the truth. It was perfect.

“I’m surprised you didn’t punch him. I wanted to, but I was trying to be a good boy. Do you not know how to punch people?”

Connor laughed. “I’ve trained my whole life in my culture’s traditional martial arts, I can throw a punch. But we also don’t believe in throwing punches.”

“What kind of person doesn’t believe in punches?” Oallian gasped.

“Someone with self-control,” I muttered.