Page 23 of Claimed By the Dragon
His dragon spoke up.Sheisbeautiful. It’s okay to say and admit it.
Since doing so might lead to desire again, he ignored his beast and cleared his throat. “Let’s begin our walk.”
And as he pushed the pram, he silently counted his steps, hoping to clear his confusion and the impulse to take Grace’s hand in his.
Chapter Eight
It had taken every bit of restraint Grace possessed not to cry when Trahern had talked about being locked in a room as a child. The thought of him as a little boy, wanting to see some plants and being so severely punished, made her want to do bodily harm to his father.
Although that moniker wasn’t right—his sperm donor was more apt.
Grace had her own trauma to deal with, but it was easier to focus on her boys, both the twins and now Trahern. Maybe someday she could share what had happened to her inside the prison. But not yet.
Pushing aside the memories that threatened to break free, she merely enjoyed the sun on her face as Trahern pushed the pram—he’d insisted—and she walked beside him. If nothing else, she wanted to give her dragonman a taste of the childhood he’d never had.
She also burned to know more about her mate. So as they walked, she asked, “How did you end up on Stonefire?”
“They needed help with finding an antidote to something the Dragon Knights had used. Later, Sid asked me to stay to assist with other antidotes and preventative concoctions, and I agreed,as long as most of my time could be spent on research. And with Emily.”
“Emily?”
“Yes, she’s a fellow doctor and researcher. We met during my time at a university in Cardiff. We worked well together, she wasn’t annoyed by my idiosyncrasies, and I didn’t mind her questions about dragon-shifter biology. She’s human, and didn’t know a lot.”
For a split second, Grace wondered if Trahern had wanted to mate Emily. However, if the dragonman had known her for so long, then surely he would’ve asked her by now.
Not your right to be jealous or demanding, Grace. This is a mating of convenience.
Trahern continued, “She’s in Scotland right now. I think she may stay there, if I decoded her last email correctly. There’s a dragonman she complains about a lot, but then says she looks forward to their meetings. She’s usually not so contradictory.”
“Maybe she fancies him.”
Trahern frowned. “Emily? She has never shown an interest in anyone else since I’ve known her.”
Grace wondered if Emily had wanted Trahern, but he’d never returned the feeling. Or maybe he hadn’t noticed.
And even if she shouldn’t ask, she still blurted, “Did you fancy Emily?”
He took a few seconds to gather his thoughts before he shook his head. “No. She’s comfortable and familiar, and my only close friend. But I never wanted her to touch me.”
Grace frowned. “Do you not like being touched? I’m sorry, I’ve been doing it a lot, without thinking.”
His gaze met hers. “I don’t mind your touch.”
Time stood still as his pupils flashed a few times.
But then Hayley and her mate, Nathan, spotted them, waved, and came over.
The two dragonmen grunted hellos as Hayley shared some info Grace had asked about earlier. By the time they’d left, Trahern gazed straight ahead, the former heat and connection gone.
She yearned to return to their former conversation about him liking her touch. However, Trahern cleared his throat, pushed the pram, and asked, “Which shops do you need to visit?”
Drop it, Grace. So he likes your touch and not that from his long-term friend. That means little. Besides, this afternoon is for Trahern, and asking him will make him uncomfortable or even drive him away.
After a deep breath, Grace replied as if Trahern hadn’t made his earlier confession. “The supermarket, after we stop somewhere as a surprise for you.”
“I don’t like surprises.”
“Normally, I wouldn’t spring one on you. However, let me try this once, Trahern. I think you’ll like it.”