Chapter 24

“You don’t want some smoochy soppy asshole who buys you flowers and chocolates. You want someone who can handle shit, kill your monsters, and ensure you’re always safe. A crazy mob boss with a steel dragon who would burn down the world for you. One who can take your sassy mouth and give as good as he gets.”

This is a reference to my childish fantasy of a hero riding a fire-breathing beast. He really did read every word.

Alexi slides a hand in mine and pulls my fingers into his lap to curl up with his, watching me intensely, but I don’t object. That craving for his warmth on mine has been swirling deep down, and I sort of like this. Hand-holding was never my thing, but his hands are large and encompassing, making me feel nice inside. Still and yet somehow gooey. An affection he doesn’t often give, or not just to anyone. He laces his fingers through mine and holds me tight, so I cannot flex them.

“Thing about dragons is, they sometimes burn you by mistake for getting