Fire of Stars and Dragons Read Online Free Page B

not the proper place to discuss the matter. “And do not dare say it’s complicated. Dragon or not, I swear I will slap you.”
    I don’t doubt she will. I also do not doubt she puts enough passion behind her actions to cause more harm than one would expect from a woman her size.
    “It is not at all complicated, but I prefer to explain it once we are in the privacy of your home.”
    She turns away, facing the window. “It’s not home anymore.”
    Reaching for her, I place my hand over hers. “Temporarily.”
    Cait snorts a sarcastic laugh in a most unladylike manner, and I refrain from showing my amusement.
    “Uh huh. So if I chose you, you’d just give up whatever life you have now and move into my place?”
    Now is not the time to say my place is by her side, my life with her wherever that may be, and my home anywhere her destiny leads us, Cait not yet understanding the position in which I find myself.
    “I have no qualms making our home in the place of your choosing. I’m quite flexible.”
    Turning back to me, her eyes fill with tears, and it takes every ounce of strength I possess not to take her face in my hands, run my fingers through her hair, and press my lips to hers, swearing no harm ever to befall her.
     
     
    *Cait*
     
     
    We’ve settled in my room while I pack, after some time spent in the kitchen. I wasn’t aware dragons must maintain appropriate hydration levels due to their high body temperatures or it can force a shift into their natural form. Not wanting my penthouse apartment with its beautiful waterfront view destroyed, I made him drink a gallon of water before letting him anywhere else inside.
    I already finished stuffing my train case with bathroom supplies, have several evening gowns in a wardrobe bag for any formal occasions, and am down to packing two large suitcases with everything else. Theo helps by staying out of my way, sitting on the bed, or actually, more like lounging back against the headboard, making a very attractive addition to my bedroom decor, sipping on a bottle of water I insisted he bring just in case.
    Taking another drink, one drop lingers on his bottom lip. He has such full, inviting lips, and I lick mine, breath unsteady. Glancing up, I find he’s watching me. Warmth spreads across my face, and I focus on folding the shirt my hands. Goddess, help me. I hope dragons can only read souls and not minds.
    “Are you ready to explain yet? You did say you would once we got here. So far, I’m not hearing anything in the way of an explanation of anything.”
    We need a topic of conversation before my mind runs off again, and really, he hasn’t said much aside from explaining why dragons drink a lot of water then making some recommendations on what to bring. I wouldn’t have thought of evening gowns otherwise.
    “Are you ready to hear what I have to say?”
    Yes. No. Maybe. As ready as I am to get married. But I need to hear this, and I have to marry one of them. There are times, Cait, we must do what we do not like. Complaints are for the weak-willed. True strength prevails regardless the situation. Easier said than done.
    He loosens his tie, unbuttoning his shirt at the top, still looking uncomfortable, though somewhat less threatening in the black suit and shirt than the medieval cloak and armor from court. But no less distracting and pulse-racing, made worse by the fact he’s on my bed, owning that spot in the way he relaxes there, as if he knows he belongs.
    “As ready as I’m going to be.… Do you wanna get comfortable first? I can tell you’re miserable.” I switched to a t-shirt and jeans the second we got back, taking advantage of the recently repealed Female Standard of Dress laws.
    “It is unusual for a ward to have such concern, not without time. Perhaps…” His voice trails off, maybe because I’m staring like he just grew a second head.
    “Ward? What?” I demand. “What are you talking about, Theo?”
    His expression changes, becomes