Chapter Thirty-Seven
DRAEGAN
No matter how hard we work to break this curse, no matter what new avenues we explore, all roads seem to lead to the same disastrous outcome: Westlyn getting hurt.
Or worse.
I can’t take another moment of standing here imagining what could’ve happened to her the other night had Jude and Augustine not gotten there in time. Inevershould’ve allowed her to meet with the Forsythes. It was an irresponsible and reckless mistake—mymistake—and she nearly paid for it with her life.
Leaving them to their work, I head into the kitchen to clear my head. We need a new game plan, and I can’t bloodythinkwhen I’m around her.
I rummage through the pantry and unearth a vintage bottle of cognac I hid from the other heathens. Pouring a fresh glass, I take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet, pungent aroma.
But before I can even enjoy the first sip, the little mortal pads into the kitchen, refusing to give me a moment’s peace.
“Um, Draegan?” Her sweet voice floats to my ears, chipping away at the wall I’m trying so desperately to keep in place. “Sorry to bug you, but… Got a sec?”
Fuck.
I take a single sip, then turn around to face her. Those bright, beautiful eyes. Black-and-silver hair hanging in long, messy waves that curl over her breasts. No wonder Jude had her all wrapped up—she’s got nothing on but a hooded sweatshirt that scarcely even covers her thighs.
She’s bare underneath it, the scent of her skin mingling with the scent of her desire—ample evidence of the trouble she and Jude got up to in our absence.
Bored out of their skulls, indeed.
Despite my best efforts, the thought has my cock stirring to life.
Stepping behind the counter to block her view, I bring the drink to my lips again and inhale deeply, hoping the pungent scent of the cognac will chase away the scent of this girl and all myveryinappropriate,verydepraved thoughts.
I wonder if she tastes as sweet as she smells…
“What is it, Miss Avery?” I ask, a little harsher than necessary.
“I wanted to talk to you about Eloise. If I could just—”
“It’s a terrible idea and I’ve already said no. Please don’t bring it up again.”
She crosses her arms over her chest, disappointment and frustration swirling through her eyes. “You don’t have to be so rude about it.”
“If it’s sugarcoating you’re after, you’ll have to seek it elsewhere.”
“I’m not asking for sugarcoating. I’m just asking for you to give me a chance to share my ideas.”
“Ididgive you a chance. Your suggestion wasn’t sound, ergo, I rejected it.”
“But you wouldn’t even hear me out! You weren’t listening to me, Draegan. You never do.”
“Perhaps if you actually said something worth hearing once in a while, Iwouldlisten. Sadly, until that blessed event comes, here we are.” It’s a shit thing to say, but I need to shut this down before she gets any more ideas about putting herself in the line of fire. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Miss Avery.”
I turn and head for the stairs, but she’s right on my heels again, relentless in her quest tocompletelyfucking unravel me. I ignore her, swatting behind me with my tail as if she’s a mosquito buzzing about, but she follows me up the stairs anyway. And down the long hallway. And all the way to the very last suite on the right.
Mysuite.
I grip the doorknob and turn to glance at her over my shoulder. “This is my suite, Miss Avery. Myprivatequarters.”
“So?”
Unbelievable.
