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I sat up and stared at the closed bathroom door. I could hear the water running and she was still singing to herself. “You knew,” Igrumbled.
“Knew what, sir? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” His breathing had changed. Was Fredo actuallynervous?
“J’accuse!” I shouted. Then I grew quieter. “Why didn’t you tell me, warn me,something?”
“Is this about Peri, sir?” Fredo sounded positivelyweak.
“Of course it’s about Peri,” Igrowled.
“Calm down, sir. Your temper,” hewarned.
“I’m about to have to start ordering water by the pitcher instead of the glass. Do you think I’m unaware of my temper?” I groaned. “Dammit. Whynow?”
“Well, she’s all grown up. So are you…” His voice trailed off and when I remained silent he continued. “Who knows how these things are decided? Be glad you’ve finally found yourmate.”
“We’ll be related.” I rubbed my forehead as I considered the family tree. “This would be a joining of the sorceress and dragon lines. What would come of ourunion?”
“Something truly spectacular to be sure,” Fredomurmured.
“You don’t think it would be too much magic for any one leg of our line?” I raked my fingers through myhair.
“There’s no such thing as too much magic as long as it’s used wisely,” heannounced.
I sighed. He was probably right. “I’m still mad at you. Just so youknow.”
Fredo coughed and I knew he was covering up a chuckle. “Of course,sir.”
In the bathroom, the water stopped. I felt like a kid being caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “Gotta go,” I whispered, and then I ended the call without waiting for a response. Seconds later, Peri peeked out the door wearing nothing but a towel and I sucked in a breath. “You should getdressed.”
“I thought I heard you talking to someone.” Shesmiled.
“You thought you heard me talking to someone and decided to check while wearing a towel.” I shook my head. “God, I hope you know better than to ever do that again. Lives are at stake,woman.”
Peri flung open the door. “Lives, huh?” Then she strode across the floor with her gorgeous long, black, towel-dried hair in a wavy mass down her back, her skin fresh and pink, her amazing violet eyes shining. Then she leaned forward onto the bed. “Big words from a dragon who hasn’t even claimed me yet,” shechallenged.
My heart raced as she neared me. “You offering, cupcake? I certainly wouldn’t turn youdown.”
Straightening, Peri’s cheeks turned crimson. “Not yet.” Then she raced back to the bathroom, leaving me panting and feeling utterly pathetic while I waited in bed. Minutes later, she returned looking remorseful and completely clothed. “Any word from youroffice?”
I quickly checked my emails and realized no response had been sent since the original brief email this morning when Adam messaged to tell me they were on it. Sadly, I shook my head. “Not yet. Maybe in a few hours. These guys arethorough.”
Peri sat hard on the edge of the bed. “So…you didn’t ask about my phone call with Spencerearlier.”
Suddenly, I was on alert. “Well, I figured you’d tell me if there was anything I needed to know.” Reaching out, I held her hand, rubbing her soft skin with my thumb. “I don’t want to be that guy. I can’t help being a tad possessive and super protective. That’s who I am, thanks to my job and mydragon.”
“A tad?” Her browsrose.
“More like a smidge, really.” Iwinked.
Shaking her head, Peri sighed deeply, then blurted out. “Spencer wants me to talk to thepolice.”
My eyes widened. “That’s a terrible idea. We need to hear back from my guys before you do anything of thesort.”
“According to him, I look guilty.” Her headhung.
I threw back the covers and knelt in front of her. “You look innocent.” I laid my hands on her thighs and realized she was tinier than I realized. More than that, I realized that despite my words, she was unmoved. “No need to play hero, Peri. We have time to do this right. Be patient.” She looked away, refusing to meet my eyes. I stood and kissed her forehead. “I need a shower. We’ll talk more after, okay?” I cupped her cheek and waited for a response. After the slightest of nods, my shoulders drooped and I shut myself in the bathroom to recover from our closeness when I wanted nothing more than to make hermine.
* * *
