Page 102 of The Dragon's Gambit

“Brother my ass …” Chelsie snorted quietly.

“You look all nice and dressed to impress yourself.” Reiya walked up to Xander and took his arm.

He smiled down at her. She had no clue how charming she was.Simply lovely.“I have to tend to a few things before the dinner gets started. I’m leaving you in Dex’s capable hands. Stayaway from Weston, though,” Xander growled as he walked Reiya down the hall. “I don’t trust his philandering self near you.”

“Weston is just a flirt, not unlike yourself.” Reiya gave him a wry smile and he chuckled quietly. They turned to walk into the great room, and Dex was standing there, along with Reese.

“Reese will also be watching over you. He’s family and I trust him. Plus, he knows I’ll kill him if anything happens to you, so there’s extra motivation there.” Xander watched Reiya roll her eyes.

“What exactly am I being protected from right now?”

“It doesn’t matter. You will always be someone that needs to be guarded. If I’m not around, you will have a guard.”

“Hmmm … awful confident in your capabilities.” Reiya shot him a side eye, and he grinned as he stopped and turned to look into her eyes.

“Yes, I am. I’m very capable.”

“Well … surprise, because so am I.” Reiya snorted and crossed her arms.

“I know, princess. Humor me, though.” He winked at her and then looked back at Brody. “I know, with the circumstances tonight, you may not be right there, but I do have others watching over her today, too. So, feel free to enjoy yourself. Take a night off as her guardian.”

“There’s never a day off, especially with this one. But I may relax on the job a bit more tonight.” He winked as he tugged Chelsie into his side. After all, he was getting to spend a night with his girl. He was going to treat this like a date.

Dex whistled. “Now, don’t you look enchanting? I’m lucky to get to have you at my side.”

“For now, Dex. Not for keeps.” Xander snorted at him and then turned to Reiya. “Be good.” He pointed at her and leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Dex …” Xander’s eyes locked onto his. “She’s precious to me, so ...”

“Xander, go do what you need to. Nothing will happen to her next to me. She’s safe.” Dex smiled at how protective Xander was over her. He had never seen him like this before. It showed how much he treasured her. She was special. She was captivating. She drew you in. She was someone he could see himself becoming good friends with. And he had never been the type of person to make friends easily.

Xander nodded. “Reese, keep a distance, but always in view.” With those final words, he walked away.

Dex chuckled and wrapped his arm into Reiya’s. “Well, now that the warden’s gone, let’s go for a walk. Have you seen the lower flower garden?”

Reiya shook her head, and his eyes lit up in excitement. “I’m so excited to show you, then. It’s a highlight of my trip. Nowhere else has a garden like it.”

Reiya turned and glanced at Chelsie and Brody. “You guys can go in and get seats inside the tent. I already have a seat reserved, so you may want to go and save your own.”

Brody and Chelsie stood there, staring at her like she was crazy. “You two, I’m fine. You act like I’m about to get sniped by an assassin. Seriously, get. Go and enjoy some time together.” Reiya wanted them to enjoy themselves. Honestly, having all these armed guards was ridiculous. She wasn’t exactly fragile.

The two continued to stand there, unconvinced.

“Chelsie, please. I can’t enjoy myself if you guys don’t go and have fun. I’ll mindlink you if there’s a problem.”

Chelsie snorted. “Fine. But I swear, if something happens to you, I’m having dragon soup.” She tugged onto Brody’s arm, and he reluctantly allowed her to pull him away.

Reiya sighed, shaking her head. This would be good for them. This was the best chance they had of not having to guard her. They needed to take advantage of moments like these.

“So, beautiful, you’re all mine right now?” Dex grinned as he led her out the door.

“I don’t think so. I’m coming too!” Weston yelled, walking up to the two of them. He looked Reiya over. “Yeah, I’m not letting you go anywhere alone with her.”

Dex laughed. “Like I’m the one who’s untrustworthy with women.”

Weston grinned. “This one is on a whole different level, and you know it.”

Reiya laughed and shook her head at the two men, stepping away from them. “You know what’s really funny? The fact that you both think that you could actually do something about it if you wanted to. You think I’m just a little doe that will fall prey to the wolves?” Reiya giggled and walked ahead of them.

Weston looked at Dex. “Damn …”