That huge body that loomed over her in any situation.
“Fine,” she said. “I’ll give you a chance. I’ll send Citrine more of the details. Study up.”
“Sure,” he said, standing and walking with her to the door in a gentlemanly manner. She felt herself flushing and was glad her blushes never showed on her tanned skin.
“Oh,” she said. “And I’m going to include something prohibiting physical contact.”
“What?” he asked, pulling back in surprise. “Why?”
“Look, I said I’m not into romance, and this prevents both of us from being caught up in a weird position.”
He folded his huge arms, making the muscles bunch. “And you think a piece of paper makes you safer from me?”
“You’re not helping,” she said, frowning.
“No,” he said. “I mean I’m not a monster. I’ve never had to force an unwilling woman. What is the point of that? Do you mean not even a hand on a shoulder or the small of your back? How am I supposed to act like your man?”
He had her there. She bit her lip. She didn’t want to be an idiot who got carried away with a hot guy being nice to her, and she also didn’t want to feel nervous or afraid in his presence.
“I don’t know,” she said.
“I won’t touch you without asking. Or you telling me to, okay?” he asked.
That was surprisingly decent, and she was shocked by how safe she felt next to him as he led her to the elevator and pushed the button for her.
“Thanks,” she said. “I’m glad you chased me down.”
“I behaved abominably. Thanks for giving me a chance to make it up to you.” He almost seemed as surprised as her by the way things had turned around.
It would still be awkward, but she thought it was the best option she had, and she felt she could trust him. She wasn’t sure why, and it wasn’t a feeling she had often, but she did.
On the other hand, if he wanted physical contact, she was sure he had his pick. She’d been silly for thinking he’d be desperate enough to hit on a girl like her.
“I think this is going to work,” she said, sticking out a hand to shake his.
He took her hand in both of his, enveloping it in warm strength. She almost felt her legs give out beneath her. “I think so, too.”
She pulled back reluctantly and was relieved by the ding of the elevator.
She needed to get out of here before this “dragon,” as they were so weirdly named, could do more to her.
Dante was wowed by the scene of the airport in front of him. He followed Ella around in a state of disbelief at the crowds, the lines, the moving stairs, the humans in odd uniforms. And outside, the giant flying machines called airplanes that creatures who couldn’t fly had to use.
Like him until he got his dragon wings back.
When he was seated next to her on the airplane, in the front with the big seats (due to Ella saying she felt bad for anyone getting stuck next to his big body in coach, whatever that was), he looked out the tiny window at the other planes taking off with loud rumbling.
He couldn’t wait to win Ella over and show her how much better it was flying with a dragon.
He smirked as he reached in bag for the book he’d been reading. How to be a Gentleman and Win over Your Woman.
Ella was working on something on her computer and apologized to him that she’d be busy for most of the trip, finishing something for a client.
It was obvious she was determined to keep him out, keep things professional, but it wasn’t going to work.
He was a dragon and used to getting what he wanted. And ever since that conversation in Citrine’s office, where he’d been utterly charmed by her, he’d been excited to figure out more about why fate had picked her as his mate.
He also wondered why she hid her beauty, wondered why her thick hair was pulled out of the way, why she wore large reading glasses even when not reading.
He knew from the way she moved that she had luscious curves and what he suspected were outstanding breasts, but he couldn’t wait to confirm it.
Still, he had to be patient. He’d promised no touching without her invitation. The first time a woman had ever asked that.
He narrowed his eyes at her, wondering what made her say that. Had someone taken liberties? Had someone dared to accost his mate? He cracked his knuckles. If the knave was still alive, he’d kill him.
He’d had no tolerance for abusive men in his day either. The women in his town had been under his and the other noble dragons’ protection.
She eyed him warily. “You okay over there?”
He stopped cracking his knuckles and reclined his seat. “Sure. Yes. Fine.”