Page 10

10

Elle

I stared at the dresses in my closet, all wrapped in garment bags, wondering if I’d actually get to wear one tonight. Maybe the black one. It was versatile. Of all the fancy things Az’zael had given me, this was the one thing I could see myself wearing after he was gone.

Az thought it was boring.

He and I were supposed to go to that party tonight. I’d gotten my nails done and gone to one of those fancy new salons for a haircut and a blowout. They’d given my hair a “glossing treatment,” whatever that was, making it shiny and bouncy.

I’d even spent several hours searching for any scrap of information I could find on dragons and dragon culture, trying to suss out what he’d want from me tonight. Stay quiet and look pretty? Back him up and play cheerleader?

All I found was a handful of horror stories out of Sutton about overbearing dragons, but they seemed outlandishly unlikely. I’d also come across a few rumors about a dragon/human couple in Wickensville that amounted to little more than salacious gossip.

Az and I had barely exchanged any text messages since yesterday afternoon, and I figured it was over, all my preparations nothing but pure optimism. The thought had me hot and cold and confused .

My phone buzzed.

Wear the green dress.

Please.

Okay

Shit. My stomach tied itself in knots. I’d freaked out and disappeared, and he was still being sweet.

When he got here, I could apologize. Yesterday, once my anger had cooled, all I could recall was his panicked response to my declining the apartment. He’d genuinely wanted me to take it in exchange for going to this party tonight.

I couldn’t. I needed to keep some distance, or my heart would end up smashed all over the floor of that bright, clean apartment I’d just refused. But I appreciated the gesture.

I wasn’t quite dumb enough to think that he had anything more than a passing fondness for me—we’d only known each other a week—but he’d treated me kindly and with respect, within the bounds of the transactional nature of our relationship and his own dragon sensibilities.

For a brief moment this morning, while the stylist was slathering on the acrid-smelling gloss, I considered ending things. It’d be a lot easier. But I liked trying new things. I was even looking forward to this party, though it made me nervous. I’d never get an opportunity like this again.

So I would enjoy it for what it was and not get too invested. I wouldn’t change anything that I couldn’t change back in four months .

You’re so full of shit, Elle. I enjoyed spending time with Az, and I wasn’t quite ready to give that up. I’d never really been able to do what was best for myself when it came to men.

I got dolled up, did the best makeup and hair I could manage after watching fifteen video tutorials, then put on the green dress he requested and a pair of strappy gold four-inch heels. The straps had a beautiful leaf design that I’d been unable to resist. Somehow, the power of high-end designers and four-figure price tags made them almost as comfortable as wearing flats.

At least Az would never complain that my shoes made me “too tall,” or surreptitiously check that I was still shorter than him.

I scrutinized myself in the mirror, twirling this way and that. The slinky fabric clung and moved with me like an extension of myself. I felt glamorous for the first time in my life.

Az was taking me out in public, to some kind of gala. I wanted to look my best, and though this dress looked spectacular, it was a little bare without jewelry. None of my stuff would do this dress justice, though. It was all cheap and fake.

The diamonds. After considering and deciding against getting a portable safe, I’d hidden the jewelry case under my bed. No one would think I kept anything valuable in this dump, and I wasn’t about to stick everything in one convenient box for a thief to grab and crack open at their leisure.

I slipped on the set, then gave myself one last look in the mirror, adjusting the updo I’d done and praying the ten thousand bobby pins and half a can of hairspray would hold it in place.

A knock sounded, and I rushed to answer, hoping that I’d chosen the right way to apologize.

When I opened the door, Az’zael gaped, then crowded me back inside my apartment, glancing around the hallway as he moved .

“Are those my diamonds?” His gaze fastened on the string around my neck.

I swallowed and nodded.

His slit-pupiled eyes followed the motion, and he licked his lips. From his pocket, he pulled out another jewelry box. “I brought you this. For the dress.” His words came out thick and slow. His eyes ran up and down my body, catching on my breasts, but also my earrings, necklace, and bracelet.

The jewelry box hung slack in his hand for a second before he pushed it toward me. “Keep the earrings and bracelet on. But this necklace will…” He trailed off, his eyes fixed on my neck.

I opened the box, then snapped it shut. It’s too much stuck in my throat, but I’d told him that a dozen times over, and every time he responded by giving me something more extravagant.

“You don’t like it. Of course.” He deflated.

“No, it’s lovely. Will you help me put it on?” The light purple would set off the rich emerald of the dress without overwhelming or clashing. It was perfect, and I’d promised myself to enjoy this while it lasted.

He came farther into my apartment, crouching in the cramped space, eyes fixed on me. Only now did I register the sharply tailored black suit with splashes of gold embroidery on the shoulders, emphasizing their breadth. Matching embroidery adorned the cuffs, drawing attention to his large hands and red scales.

I turned around and pressed my body against his, his erections growing against my butt. He unhooked the string of diamonds and placed them in their jewelry case, which I’d left on the counter. Then he settled the large amethyst pendant against the hollow of my throat .

He groaned softly when the clasp clicked into place. An artful twist of wires encased and supported the pendant, then curled up around my throat. It looked almost like a collar.

“Just like I imagined,” he whispered into my ear.

I shivered and pulled away as heat tightened low in my belly. We had to go to an important work event for him, and I didn’t want to muss either of us up with a repeat of what happened in that dressing room yesterday.

“I have something for you, too.” Since I was the one who had freaked out when Az was acting exactly like a normal sugar daddy, I hoped getting him a small gift would smooth things over.

Az’zael froze. Then his entire being focused on me, eyes narrowed and almost glowing. “You do?”

Unable to break eye contact, I fumbled behind me until my hand met squishy cotton. I held up the red and gold dragon-shaped amigurumi.

Az’zael snatched it out of my hand. He turned it over, bringing it closer to his face. “Is this handmade?”

My stomach lurched. “I worked on it the last couple days.” It was nothing compared to what he’d gotten me, but I enjoyed crochet, and making something for him felt right somehow. Something about the way he always talked about time made me think he would appreciate the gesture more than buying him a gift with the money he’d given me in the first place.

All of Az’zael’s teeth gleamed in a predatory grin. “For me?”

My skin grew hot. “Yes.”

“I accept, Arum .” He caressed the plushie with one red claw.

My pussy grew damp, and I began to understand why Az’zael enjoyed giving me things so much.

“We should go.” Otherwise, I might grab those wide shoulders and kiss him.

“I should thank you.” He backed me against the wall, wings coming up to surround us, trapping me against him in the most delightful way.

“You don’t want to show off a sex-rumpled mess at your fancy party.”

He dipped down for a hard, fast kiss. “I would love nothing more than to show everyone how well I please you.”

My pussy clenched on nothing, and I squeaked. “ I would be, um—” I groped for words while his hand blazed a trail up my side. “Embarrassed?”

Show up to a fancy party looking like I’d just been thoroughly fucked? Oh god, it was so white trash, and they were already going to judge me for being a “companion.” I didn’t want to give them more reasons.

“Fine.” He huffed as he pulled away. “I don’t understand why humans are so prudish about sex.”

He ushered me out to the waiting town car. As soon as we settled inside, he glanced around, then placed the plushie in a cup holder, adjusting it to his satisfaction.

I scrambled for the right words, knowing they were more important than a gift. “About the apartment.”

His eyes snapped to mine. “Yes?” Something gleamed in their gold depths.

“It’s not that it isn’t nice, or that I want a different one, but, uh, it’s a bit much?” On top of everything else he’d already given me, it felt like I’d stepped into someone else’s life.

His claws dug into the leather seats. “It’s ‘too soon.’ Yes. I understand. ”

“Yes. Too soon.” More like not enough time . Four months. My stomach tightened.

He glanced at the plushie I’d made for him, then back at me, and his hands relaxed. “I can give you more time.”

I blinked. He was open to a longer arrangement? I was already braced for the shattering crash after four months of this high. I didn’t know if I could handle more.

Once we stepped out of the car at the party, I gave myself a pep talk. No cussing, be on your best behavior, and nod and smile like your life depends on it.

Az had gone through so much trouble to get me a nice dress and jewelry for this event. I didn’t want to reflect badly on him. I’d even spent an hour this morning researching city council members, local executives, and anyone high-profile enough to show up.

Inside, I tried not to gape at the high ceilings, the chandeliers every few feet, and the way everything sparkled, even the people. I’d worried all the jewelry on top of this backless silk dress might be too much, but I blended right in.

Except for the dragon at my side. Though he wasn’t the only nonhuman in attendance—I spotted a werewolf couple along the far wall—Az’zael stood out.

With as much prep as I’d put in, half of me had expected photographers all over the place, but no. Of course not. This was Kilinis. It was just nicely dressed people mingling and eating hors d’oeuvres.

We’d been inside a minute or two at most when a middle-aged Black guy with unnaturally perfect teeth approached us with a nervous, shuffling step. I recognized him as the manager of Accutrust Bank, the host of this shindig. “Az’zael! Welcome!”

He butchered the double Z in Az’zael’s name, and I couldn’t help but feel a little kinship with him. How many times had I had to practice getting it right?

“Max Anderson. Yes.” Az smiled widely.

Max shot me a glance, and I snuggled closer to Az’zael. The bank manager seemed to need the reassurance that Az wouldn’t use those sharp dragon teeth on him.

Oblivious, Az said, “And this is my date, Elle.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Max shook my hand.

“You as well,” I responded automatically.

Az wrapped an arm around my waist. Max flinched at the sudden movement.

With that, all of Max’s courage seemed to flee, his smile becoming strained. “So glad you could make it! Please, enjoy yourselves. I hope to see you at next quarter’s celebration. If you’ll excuse me, an important investor just walked in.” He gave us an awkward little wave and disappeared.

Az sighed. “I see Max is still afraid of me, even if he wants my business.” He placed a hand at the small of my back, his scales rasping over the exposed skin, and nudged me farther into the massive room. Everyone made space for us as if on instinct. “I’m not sure why. I’ve tried very hard not to scare anyone.”

“It hasn’t even been a year. It’s going to take some time to get used to having a couple dragons around,” I reassured him, then said, “You aren’t already invested in every bank in Kilinis?”

He rubbed his chin. “No. They seem fine without my help, and I don’t need their services, but lately I’ ve been reconsidering.”

We didn’t make it more than a few more steps before a young white couple approached us, smiles plastered in place while nervousness rolled off them.

“You must be Az! We heard you were coming. I’m Oliver, and this is Elizabeth. We’re considering opening a branch of Voyage Games in Kilinis. Perhaps you got our proposal?” Oliver reached out to Az for a handshake. Elizabeth gave me a once-over but otherwise ignored me.

I couldn’t help but notice her minimal makeup and the brunette hair pulled into a sleek knot at the back of her head. Had I gone too heavy with my eyeshadow? Was the “easy” updo I’d chosen already coming undone? I knew I should have used more bobby pins.

Az bared his teeth. “Yes. You wanted tax breaks for the first ten years your branch was open.”

“Well, we would bring a lot of jobs to the area.” Elizabeth’s smile was a touch too wide, her eyes darting back to me, as if assuring herself that my presence meant Az wouldn’t attack at a moment’s notice.

I shifted. A video game company like that would pay the big bucks, so their employees could afford whatever insane rent all those new apartment buildings charged.

I guess I could too, for a while, but Jen? Mama? Everyone else I knew? Forget it.

Az shrugged. “Other companies are more than willing to pay their fair share for the privilege of doing business in a dragon-claimed city.”

Though Az’s stance remained relaxed, the other couple tensed. I wrapped my fingers around Az’s arm before he scared them, although I couldn’t suppress my own heady rush. Perhaps my dragon wouldn’t let people like Oliver and Elizabeth run roughshod over Kilinis.

I didn’t know what I should do tonight besides hang on Az’s arm and look pretty, but steering the conversation into more comfortable waters seemed like a good idea. “Voyage just came out with a new game, right?” A first-person shooter—not my preferred style, but it had good reviews.

“Yes.” Oliver relaxed and turned toward me before launching into a detailed explanation of their newest graphics engine.

By the end of the conversation, Az, Oliver, and Elizabeth had agreed to meet Monday to discuss the terms for opening a branch of Voyage Games in Kilinis.

“I thought bringing you might put the other humans at ease,” Az murmured in my ear, his hot breath caressing the sensitive skin. “Usually they can’t stand talking to me for more than a minute or two.”

I hummed noncommittally. Part of me felt triumphant, like I’d earned my keep with Az’zael, but my smile didn’t reach my eyes. Was I just here because I was human?

After that, names and faces blurred together. Most attempted to include me in the conversation, often looking to me for reassurance of Az’zael’s mood, like I was the dragon-whisperer.

We slowly drifted toward the hors d’oeuvres table, and I hoped I could try one of the tasty-looking snacks to go with the few sips of champagne I’d allowed myself from the flute I’d picked up from a passing server.

An attractive couple in their thirties approached, and I sighed internally and braced myself for another round of small talk.

“You must be Az’zael. I’m Jack, a finance manager at Accutrust Bank.” The dark-haired white guy in a tailored suit extended his hand. His forearm flexed as he shook Az’zael’s, like he was trying to squeeze it extra hard. A second later, Jack winced.

Az’zael introduced me, and Jack introduced his fiancée, Tiffany, a short, curvy Black woman wearing a tasteful black dress and her hair pulled high, so her curls fell from the crown of her head in an elegant waterfall.

On autopilot after so many introductions, I smiled blankly at the couple.

“I’ve heard all about you from Niemrin. I work for the public library, and we’ve crossed paths a few times,” Tiffany said, extending her hand to Az.

He shook it, inspecting Tiffany closely. “Yes, I think Niemrin has mentioned you.”

A muscle in Jack’s jaw flexed.

I looked Tiffany over again, wondering what undercurrents had just bubbled up.

“Oh, I’m sure there wasn’t much to tell. He just likes to spend time at the library.” Tiffany twisted a ring on the fourth finger of her left hand. It was the biggest engagement ring I’d ever seen, almost as large as her pinky nail.

“Yes. He loves books.” Az grinned.

Jack wrapped a proprietary hand around Tiffany’s waist. “Enough about that . Az, have you invested in AI yet? Accutrust has a few AI-heavy funds you might be interested in. It’s going to blow up soon, and you should get in on the ground floor.”

Tiffany rolled her eyes and pulled away enough to address me quietly. “Sorry about Jack. He loves techy stuff like that. Your necklace is beautiful, by the way. Is it from Az’zael’s collection? Niemrin told me dragons keep extensive jewelry collections.”

“Yes, it is,” I said, not sure whether to say anything else.

Az’zael’s head turned sharply to us. “Niemrin told you about his jewelry collection?”

Az’zael was so particular about jewelry. Did Niemrin talking about his collection to Tiffany mean more than idle chatter ?

“Um.” She shot a glance at Jack. “Not really.”

Jack looked like he’d swallowed a lemon.

“That’s lovely that y’all know each other,” I said, trying to extricate all of us from the sudden tension. “Jack, are you involved in partnering with Kilinis for the new housing developments?” Az’zael had been pretty light on details when he’d talked about this party. I hoped I hadn’t gotten anything wrong, and that my clumsy question would keep the evening running smoothly.

Jack smirked, seeming pleased that the attention was back on him. “I wasn’t directly involved in the deal, but my work means the bank is always flush enough to help the community.”

“Hello, Tiffany. I didn’t know you’d be here,” a male voice called out from behind me.

I let out a sigh of relief at the interruption. When I turned my head, I was greeted by green scales and a toothy grin, the twin of Az’zael’s. Niemrin, dressed in an orange suit with black embroidery.

Fuck.

Tiffany froze.

“Hello, Jack. Haven’t seen you around the public library recently.” Niemrin clapped Jack on the shoulder. Jack wobbled.

Tiffany sighed. “Hello, Niemrin.”

“Perhaps I’m only there when you’re off bothering some other librarian,” Jack snapped.

Niemrin flashed his teeth. “Oh, I wouldn’t say I ‘bother’ anyone. Tiffany, do you find me bothersome?”

I edged closer to Az’zael. He glanced down at me, then at the three people in front of us. “We can leave them to it.”

Jack stood with his legs braced and his chest bowed. Niemrin’s wings flared out behind him, unmistakably aggressive.

“I don’t know if that’s a great idea,” I said .

“Niemrin doesn’t bother me, just does his job.” Tiffany’s eyes were tight, her attention focused on Jack.

Jack muttered something under his breath, and a soft curl of smoke wafted from Niemrin’s nostrils.

A fine prickle of sweat broke out on my exposed back, and I scooted closer to Az.

Az’zael heaved out a sigh and squeezed me to him. “I’ll take him somewhere else.”

He slapped Niemrin on the shoulder. “Quit annoying the humans. There’s something I want you to see.”

Niemrin glanced between Az’zael and the human couple, his gaze lingering on Tiffany. “Yes. That…thing you mentioned earlier.” He followed Az’zael to the open French doors on the side of the event space and into the cool night air.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Short tempered, aren’t they?” Jack said.

I gave him my flattest look. “I’ve never found them to be.”

“Why don’t you grab a drink, Jack? I’ll catch up, okay?” Tiffany said.

Jack grumbled but wandered off to the bar.

“Sorry about that. Jack always gets so weird about Niemrin. I don’t know why.”

“Um, yeah. So weird.” Didn’t she see how Niemrin looked at her?

“Anyway, I better go join him. He doesn’t like to be alone at these events. Maybe I’ll see you at another one?”

I gave her a polite smile. “Sure.” Assuming it happened in the next four months.

Alone, I glanced around. On the one hand, I was way less worried about accidentally causing a scene than when I first walked in. Niemrin and Jack had been one wrong comment away from doing that themselves.

On the other hand, standing alone in a party full of people I didn’t know, a party I by all rights shouldn’t have been at, was the most awkward thing alive. Should I try to schmooze on Az’s behalf? Or pick somewhere to hang out and look pretty?

At least I could try the hors d’oeuvres. I made myself a small plate of little puff pastries with colorful toppings. They were decent. The champagne was almost good enough to tempt me past my self-imposed one-drink maximum.

As I glanced around for somewhere to stand and pretend I wasn’t grossly out of place, two tall, glittering dragons appeared next to me.

“Elle, right?” The female one eyed my necklace. She wore an off-the-shoulder gown that showed off her muscled physique, and an obscene amount of jewelry decorated her neck, wrists, and fingers. More jewels dripped from her ears.

“We heard the other humans talking about you.” The male wore an embroidered and bedazzled suit. His scales were a deep, rich, purple.

Around the screeching in my head, I managed to hold out my hand. “Yes. Nice to meet you both.”

The female reached out a copper-scaled hand to touch mine, then dropped it like it might bite her. “I’m Tika. Az’zael’s sister. That’s Udar, our brother.”

I nearly choked on my own spit.