Page 52 of Billionaire Dragon King’s Rejected Mate

Chance launched off the beach and spread his wings. He flew a loop and twist before he landed on the beach again. Randi clapped with awe as he watched the expression on her face. He shifted back and pulled her close.

“I wanted a ride,” she protested with her voice muffled against his neck.

“I never stay too long in that form. Less chance of getting caught. You never know when a night fisherman is going to motor past.” He kissed the top of her head. “Ask me how I know that. But you’ll get your chance to ride on my back.”

“I can’t wait, but for now, we need to go back.” The thrill of the moment passed, and Randi brought reality back.

“I know. The longer we’re gone, the harder the explanation is going to be.”

She dozed off as they headed back toward Tampa. If he had it his way, they would have stayed at the beach house permanently. But he knew that life had a way of moving on whether you were ready or not.

The silence gave Chance time to think as he drove. He had feared the moment would splinter under the weight of what he had revealed but instead, as he drove them back through the quiet stretch of coastal road, Randi sat beside him holding his hand and there was an unfamiliar steadiness settling into his chest.

Relief.

Not the fleeting kind that came and went but something deeper that reached into the spaces he had kept guarded for far too long.

She knew. All of it, or at least enough that there were no more walls, no more half-truths or deflections, and no more constant reminders not to get too close so he could hold back.

And she hadn’t run.

They stopped by the police station first. With it being late, the normal traffic in and out was at a minimum. The desk officer was busy on his phone and had them fill out a few forms before he told them to come back when the detective assigned to the case was available.

Randi shook her head as they headed back to the car. “I do believe that kid is going to get reprimanded for just letting us walk out of there.”

“I was thinking the same thing. I don’t think he cared a bit about doing his job.”

“Can you just drop me off at my apartment?”

He looked over at her like she had grown two heads. “Are you kidding me? We’re leaving a police station because you were almost kidnapped, by the same people who were probably in your apartment the night that Josh saved you, and you think I’m taking you home. That’s rich.”

“For starters, Josh did not save me. I just happened to be on the phone with him when I heard the sounds. He called to make sure I survived the storm.”

Chance tried to ignore the pang of…something…that jolted through his chest. She hadn’t called him to come save her. Total coincidence. He felt ridiculous at how happy that made him.

“And two, we don’t know that these were the same men. Maybe it was, but we can’t be sure.”

“Can’t we? Do you really want to take that risk? What do you think will happen when they see a light on in your windows?”

She mulled it over. “Well, at least stop and let me get some clothes. I can find a hotel.”

He snorted. “You’ll stay with me. Close to work, no commute, I won’t pace all night worrying about you. It’s a win win.”

She thought for a moment. “You’re probably right.”

He was surprised she gave in so easily, but it was solidified when they passed her apartment building and found it surrounded by crime scene tape.

“Seriously?” Randi exclaimed. “What did they do to my stuff?”

He squeezed her hand. “It’s just stuff. We can get you some clothes.”

“Stop the car. We are going on a trip and I want my own stuff.”

Chance groaned as he eased to the side of the street. “You know that crime scene tape is for a reason, right?”

“There is no one around, and by the time someone might see us, we’ll be gone. Besides, they might just have it taped up because they can’t find me. It’s not stealing when it’s my stuff.”

“This is a bad idea, Randi.”