He rubbed her knuckles, and she pressed her forehead into his neck.
“Well, my princess”—he leaned in, his lips next to her ear, and felt a tremble shoot across her shoulders—“it’s time to whisk you to my tower and do deplorable things to your body.”
Through the brick wall, the loud music of the bar vibrated against his spine.
I can’t wait to get her out of here.
His heart was about to burst from joy. His princess chose him.
I’m the luckiest man in the world. No, inallthe worlds.
“Wait.” She shuffled away from his chest and propped a hand on a hip. “I thought knights who rescued damsels in distress were supposed to be honorable?” A twinkle shone from her mahogany eyes.
“Love.” He held her at arm’s length. “I never claimed to be respectable. And I’m certainly no knight.” His blond-brown eyebrows waggled.
“No, you’re definitely not.” A light chuckle flew from her lips, and she threw him a wink. “I wouldn’t have you any other way, either.”
Scouting the alley to confirm the coast was clear, Fin pulled Cyan from Sacha’s arms and tucked the dragon into his suit. With one arm, he hugged Sacha to his chest and used his other hand to create an invisible circle in the air. In a low tone, ancient words of power whispered against the brick walls of the buildings, opening a shimmery window midair. The old, dark tower loomed twenty feet inside.
“Love,” Fin whispered into her ear, “let’s go home.”
Chapter 39
Sacha
Areddish-orangebundleofscales launched itself from Fin’s suit the moment he stepped into the foyer.
Cyan’s body soared through the tower, wings flapping with a steady beat. After two circles and three yelps, he flew down and settled into her embrace.
“I love you, too.” Stroking his head, she nuzzled him against her chest.
His tongue, warm and wet, licked her neck. A loud screech burst between his jaws, and he spread his wings in a hug.
“I’m never leaving again.”
The smell of taco meat floated throughout the tower.
“Made it back, old woman,” Fin yelled toward the kitchen. “With a peace offering.”
The sound of falling pots pierced the quiet, and Margaret’s pudgy form appeared with arms outstretched. Her legs pistoned under the dull, gray dress to head straight for Sacha.
“How wonderful.” She smothered her in a bear hug and leaned close to an ear. “I’m so glad you’ve returned. It’s been like living with an old bear with a sore tooth ever since you left.”
Happiness gurgled inside Sacha’s stomach. Shifting Cyan so she wouldn’t accidentally squish his small body, she squeezed the old woman in return.
“I’m sorry I left.”
“All right, you two.” Fin pushed through the ladies from behind. “That’s enough chatter about me.” He turned to Margaret. “Now, go make yourself useful, you old gossip. I’m famished.”
She flailed a hand in his direction then waddled off to the kitchen.
“Now, my little princess. Come with me.” He threaded his fingers between hers. “I have something to show you.” An eyebrow quirked, and heat poured from his gaze.
A snicker escaped her throat. “I bet you do.” She cradled Cyan in her free arm, and let Fin lead the way up the gray, stone stairs.
When they reached the door to his room, he stopped and searched her face. “Hmm.”
“What?” She frowned. “Did you forget something?”
