Page 64 of Marked By Moonlight

So, stick with her,my dragon roared.Easy solution.

“Please take a seat, gentlemen.”

Clearly, Gordon was on his best behavior around Mina. If it had been just us there, he would have us lined up like a goddamn chain gang.

My dragon sighed.Not far from the truth.

Another reason Mina ought to keep her distance. She was a sweet, classy art teacher. I was a dragon who would never fit in with the conventional world.

But her body sang to mine, even now, in the crappiest of circumstances.

“I’ve called you in because of a special project I’ve taken on,” Gordon began.

I glanced at Mina, reminding her of the vow I’d made her take.

I will not get involved in any of Gordon’s deals. I will not do any more favors for him, no matter how innocent they seem…

And boy, did Gordon’s expression ooze innocence. Enough to choke a kitten, or even a tiger.

Roux shot me a dirty look.Not to mention a dragon.

“Mina kindly visited an acquaintance of mine in London last week,” Gordon started.

Funny howacquaintancesounded so much better thanclientorwidow of an oligarch.

“You made quite an impression.” He grinned at Mina, who flashed a tight smile. “And you’ll be glad to hear that an expert has authenticated the painting.”

Mina bit her lip, proud yet dismayed.

“Not that I expected any other result.” Gordon continued buttering Mina up before turning to us. “I’ve already contacted potential clients who are eager to view the painting. That means I need a security presence in London for the painting and for Mina.”

“For me?” She blinked.

Uh-oh.Bene muttered in my mind.Here he goes again.

A growl built in my throat. This was classic Gordon, slipping things in as if no one would notice.

Gordon smiled sweetly. “I’m afraid I need to enlist your help again, my dear. Madame Petrova insists on having a trustworthy advisor at her side, and she won’t trust anyone but you.”

Mina’s eyes went wide, but I wasn’t surprised. Mina practically radiated trustworthiness. In fact, Gordon had probably been counting on that all along. Who better to create a veil of legitimacy than a young, principled art teacher?

He smiled at her. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I hope a few days in London might entice you, not to mention the chance to view that masterpiece again.”

The bastard was laying it on thick, dammit.

Mina’s eyes darted to me, then away. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I really can’t accept.”

I nearly did a fist pump.

Gordon frowned. “Of course you can.”

And that’s that,his tone added.

She glanced at me, and I willed her to keep up the resistance.

“I’d love to help, but…”

Gordon’s smile grew a little forced. “As I said, Madame Petrova won’t trust anyone but you.”