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“Thanks,” she said slowly, still suspicious. “And they’re not angry about last night?”

“It’s a new staff. They won’t know it was us and if anyone asks, I’ll charm them into forgetting.” His eyes leveled on hers. “I must say you look good today. Something about being in a new place makes you glow. You’re even moaning my name and not his already.”

Heat crept up her neck and she wished she would stop doing that. “You’re dreaming, Hel.”

“Ah, there’s that blush again.” He pulled a smoking civar out of thin air and brought it to his lips.

“Why do you smoke those?”

He shrugged. “It’s a habit. I like the smell.”

The waitress appeared and set the drinks down. “I’ll be right back with your breakfast.” She paused and smiled at Hel. “You’re very handsome.”

The way the lady spoke made her skin prickle. Like she wanted to mount him right there.

He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table. “Thanks, love.”

Smiling, the waitress squatted down to tabletop level, reached forward, and took the civar from his hand. A moment later she brought it to her lips. “What are you doing later? I get off my shift after the rush.”

A twinge of anger tugged at Layala’s chest. She gritted her teeth and then quickly picked up her metal mug to find out it was ale again. Was she a dragon shifter? She looked human but doubtful one would survive in this realm. Even the birds were predators.

“Well,” Hel plucked the civar back from the waitress’s fingers and leaned back, “I’m teaching this one a few lessons and then I’m free.”

The waitress looked over as if noticing her for the first time. “Is she your girl?”

“Nope.”

She turned her attention back to Layala. “So, you don’t mind if he and I meet up later?”

Layala took another long drink of ale and shook her head. “Not at all.” The image of smashing her mug into the side of the girl’s head flashed across her mind.What is wrong with me?

“And if we hump?”

“Excuse me?” Layala’s brows furrowed. What a strange thing to say.

“You know what that is, right?” The waitress chuckled and stood up, leaning on the table.

“Obviously,” Layala snapped. “And it’s such a crude thing to say. Get some manners. You should go do your job and see if our breakfast is ready.”

“Best go, love, this one has a nasty temper,” Hel said and shooed her away. She quickly left at his suggestion.

With her jaw hanging open Layala scoffed. “I have a nasty temper?”

“It isn’t a lie.”

“You’ve got some nerve. And don’t call her ‘love’, it’s annoying.”

He smiled and took another puff of his civar. “I can only call you that?”

“I’d rather you called no one that, least of all me.”

“Least of all you, but I can’t call her that.” He chuckled. “Got it.”

“This whole thing is you trying to make me jealous, isn’t it? To make me angry so I’ll use my magic. You told her to say those things.” Layala shook her head. Well, he could do whatever he wanted with that girl. She was only here to train and remember so she could go back to Thane.

“I told her to flirt with me. If she wants to take me in the back and do improper acts, it’s not my fault.”

“Well, I’mnotgoing to obliterate her mind for flirting with you. Sorry to disappoint. I don’t care.”