Page 1 of A First for the Playboy Dragon (Mysteries of Dragon’s Island #7)
PROLOGUE
H arrison watched as the boat disappeared into the distance, then turned to look over at Max, who was shaking his head and had a frown on his face. “This is going to shake things up in the clan,” he said, then hesitated for a second. “But that’s not what you are thinking about, is it?”
“The clan will be fine. Cameron taking over will actually be a good thing once everyone calms down,” Max said. “It’s the two of us I’m worried about. We’re marked men, Harrison, the clock is ticking. It’s only a matter of time before the island gets us both. If I were you, I’d run away as fast as I could.”
“Hey, let’s not get carried away here,” he said, a little alarmed. “You’re giving the island way more power than it has. Even if some of the things you say happened did happen, and I’m not admitting they did, a lot of what’s been going on around here can be explained easily enough. You need better security, Max. This island is wide open to anyone who wants to land a small boat on a beach or in a cove. Half your problems could be eliminated if we can put a stop to that alone.”
Max studied him for a second, then let out a long sigh. “You can ignore it all you want, it won’t change anything. I tried but it didn’t work,” he finally said. “But if you want to talk security, fine with me. You’re right; we do have a problem.”
“Not another problem already. We’ve barely recovered from the last one,” Mateo said, joining them. “And now that it’s over, Max, you and I need to have a long talk. Apparently, you forgot to tell me a few things about you and your friends.”
Harrison could feel the tension between the two men and wanted nothing to do with it. He was there to do a job, not to get involved in the ongoing feud between them. “Maybe that discussion can wait until we’ve addressed the security problems around here. I dropped everything when you called, and since I’m here, I’d like to get started right away,” he said. “It may take some time to come up with a security plan. There are a lot of weaknesses on the island and it’s not going to be easy to figure out a way to defend them all.”
“I wasn’t a fan of having security on the island at first, but I don’t think we have much choice now all that publicity has only made things worse,” Mateo said. “I assume you remember what we discussed when we met in Bermuda?”
“No cameras except in the marina, no permanent changes to the island, I got it,” he said. “I’ll need at least two weeks to put something comprehensive together, but I’ve already got a few ideas, so it could be sooner.”
“You were supposed to be here for a two-week vacation anyway,” Max said, a frown on his face. “Did you forget?”
“No, I didn’t forget, but what’s wrong with mixing a little business with pleasure?” he asked, grinning at him. “There are some beautiful women on the island. I plan to take full advantage of my time here, don’t you worry.”
Max stared at him. “Didn’t you listen to anything I said?” he asked. “If I were you, I’d stay away from women while you’re here, or you’ll be next.”
He snorted, couldn’t help himself. “That’s not going to happen. Love isn’t for me. The women I’m with know that from the very beginning,” he said. “I’m not fool enough to let one of them catch me, so you can just save your warnings for someone else.”
Mateo and Max exchanged glances. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Max said, then shrugged his shoulders. I might as well start planning your wedding right now.”