Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Davina kissed me, and while I knew she did it from exuberance at my announcement, I kissed her right back because, well, I wanted to.
Alas, it lasted but a moment before the flushed and excited professor squeaked, “Let’s go!”
“You do realize I can’t exactly shift in the middle of the road,” was my dry reply. I might have been a tad miffed because she seemed more excited about meeting Oliver than taking the kiss further.
“Oh, right. What about an alley?” Before I could point out it wouldn’t work, she came to that conclusion. “Guess that wouldn’t really be feasible given the width of your butt.”
“Did you just call my dragon fat?”
“No, but he is huge.” A claim stated that, for some reason, had her gaze dipping below my belt.
Okay, now I felt better because she’d obviously noticed my impressive manhood.
The original Alistair from 1693 might have been a cunt, but he did cut a fine figure and came with an impressive endowment, unlike Pierrot, a mincing fop with a petite frame who’d delighted in tricking women by affecting a delicate, soft nature to lure them into dark alleys for heinous murders.
I rarely wore his shape because it felt entirely too distasteful.
“Perhaps we can find a rooftop that isn’t hard to climb,” I mused aloud.
“I thought we landed outside of Mallaig because you worried about being seen.”
“It’s late now. If we’re to make it to Inverness before Oliver’s gone to bed, we should get going.
Walking back to our point of arrival would delay us, and, given we don’t know if the police have begun circulating your image or description, we can’t risk a taxi.
Not to mention, if the police are on the lookout, patrolling, we could be stopped. ”
She chewed her lower lip. “What if you’re seen?”
“That person will likely be called a liar. Dragons don’t exist, don’t you know.” I winked.
“In that case, let’s find ourselves the perfect roof.”
A few blocks away, we found an apartment building several stories high that I deemed suitable. The fire escape provided the means to ascend, and once we reached the roof—with me climbing first and then hauling Davina up to join me—I began stripping, which led to the professor averting her gaze.
“You know, I don’t care if you see me nude,” I noted as I stuffed my clothes into the knapsack.
“Apparently, since you flaunt it.”
“The naked form is nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I’m aware it’s our natural state, but that doesn’t mean one should stare.”
“Why not? I’d be staring if you removed your clothes.” The honest truth.
“Some of us prefer to be modest,” was her prim reply.
“Is that a challenge?”
“What? No. Why would you think that?”
“Just wondered if you wanted me to prove that, while you might present as prudish, I believe there is a wanton within you.”
“I’m not a slut,” she huffed.
“Never claimed you were. But I do believe, professor, that you have a very passionate side.”
“I… uh…”
I’d done it. I’d broken her ability to speak coherently.
I couldn’t help a wicked smile. “I’m thinking perhaps I shall have to find the time to prove my point.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’ll see,” I purred, even as I wondered what possessed me to flirt so boldly. What happened to not getting involved? Apparently, all it took was one kiss, actually make that two. “Are you ready to fly?”
Alas, we’d left the blankets behind, not realizing we’d need them again. At least we still had the ugly cap with attached glasses.
She jammed it on her head. “Let’s go see your friend.”
“He’s not my friend,” I grumbled before shifting.
A shift that changed my weight and caused the shingles under me to groan and creak ominously. Quickly, I snatched Davina and pushed off. Just in time since a section of the roof caved in.
Oops. Faulty engineering, obviously, and not because I needed to lose weight.
We flew for Inverness, coasting lower this time, since I worried Davina would get cold.
This time of night, I didn’t worry much about being seen.
And if I were? There were ways to debunk videos and so-called witness sightings, Nessie being a prime example.
People continuously argued about her existence mostly because Oliver, a true dragon steward, ensured any visual evidence of her—or me, or the hatchlings for that matter—got scrubbed or discredited.
I flew as fast as I dared and soon landed behind Oliver’s large home—mostly paid for by the exorbitant fees he charged me—trampling a few bushes.
Not the first time. I kept telling him to not bother replanting, but Oliver remained a stubborn cuss who refused to bow to my will.
And I wouldn’t bend either, mostly because it entertained me.
Before I’d finished dressing—with Davina studiously looking away—Oliver emerged with a glass of brandy in hand, the man still sporting the most impressive sideburns, despite the fact they’d not been fashionable in decades.
“Did you seriously crush my rose bushes again?” Oliver growled.
“Not my fault you put them in the most inconvenient spot.”
“It’s a fucking garden, where else would I grow them?”
“Not where I’m going to land, obviously.”
“Still a fucking cunt, I see.” Oliver eyed Davina. “What’s this? You brought someone with you.” Left unsaid but practically shouted, a woman! I’d never visited Oliver with anyone before.
“Davina and I need a place to stay for the night,” I advised.
“What’s wrong with that deathtrap of a castle you bought against my advice?”
“Too far from Loch Ness.”
“You’re going to visit Nessie?” Oliver gaped. “What the fuck would possess you to do that?”
“It would appear Nessie wishes to meet Davina for reasons that aren’t entirely clear. Which reminds me, you may want to ensure your security system is armed.”
“Why?” A query that furrowed Oliver’s brow.
“We had an incident with one of Nessie’s Red Caps at the castle, and it appears another might have murdered a maid at the hotel Davina was staying at.”
The claim had Oliver sputtering. “And knowing this, you decided to come here? Are you insane?”
“My mental facilities are perfectly intact. And don’t worry. Given your advanced age, if one shows up, I’ll handle it,” I stated.
“Fuck you,” Oliver snapped. “I’m not worried about handling a Red Cap, but more about the stink they leave behind. You know I have a sensitive nose.”
“We really do appreciate your hospitality.” Davina finally jumped in. “And apologies we didn’t call ahead. Given the police have named me a person of interest in a murder, we felt it best to leave with due haste.”
Oliver sighed. “Thanks for the reminder I’m harboring a fugitive.”
“If it makes you feel better, you can give yourself a bonus for the favor, and another if you can do something to clear up Davina’s situation,” I stated, clapping Oliver on the back.
“It’s going to be a very fat bonus,” my lawyer grumbled. “Because you’ll also be paying to fix my roses.”
“Such a waste of dollars. You know they’ll just get wrecked again the next time I visit.”
“Or instead of showing up in person, or dragon, you could get with the times and use this handy little thing called video conferencing.”
I grimaced. “You know I hate the impersonal nature of it.”
“Because you’re old and crotchety,” Oliver muttered.
I’d have threatened to eat him for the comment; however, he did speak the truth.
“He is very grumpy,” Davina agreed. “Probably worried the world will end if he smiles.”
Oliver snickered. “It probably would. What do you say we go inside before you’re seen?” My lawyer led the way into his home, the interior sleeker and more modern than the exterior would suggest.
“What a lovely kitchen,” Davina exclaimed, running her hand on the marble countertop.
“Thank you. Cooking is a guilty pleasure of mine. I’ve got leftovers in the fridge if you’re hungry. Or would you prefer to freshen up first?” Oliver offered.
“I would love a shower, please.” Davina clasped her hands and gave Oliver a bright smile that I hated.
Especially since Oliver returned it. It occurred to me in that moment Oliver might be considered passably good-looking.
He was also gainfully employed, owned a nice home, possessed a hefty nest egg, and he knew how to smile. Quite the catch for a single lady.
I barked, more harshly than needed, “We’ll both need a change of clothing.”
“I still have a stash of garments here for you, but I’ll have to make a few calls to see if I can have something delivered in the morning for the lady.” Oliver eyed her up and down. “A size 14 UK, ten US, if I’m not mistaken.”
Another rumble of discontent went through me that heightened when Davina blushed. “You guessed correctly, sir.”
“Please, call me Ollie.”
“Thank you so much, Ollie.”
Whoa, he told her she could use his nickname? I’d known him for a long time and never gotten that offer.
Apparently, I might need a new solicitor because Oliver might not last the night.
The jealousy that roared through me proved strong and unexpected.
I had no claim on Davina, no interest—other than to sate my lust. Yet, in that moment, I wanted to spirit her away, hide her, keep her for myself.
How long since I’d felt that urge with anything?
And it should be noted, the few times I’d felt compelled to add to my hoard, it was a treasure, and not a person.
As Oliver led Davina upstairs, the pair of them chatting and laughing—Oliver pouring on the charm he’d never bothered to use with me—I only barely restrained myself from following.
While Davina bathed, I had things to do, such as ensuring the house was secure to avoid any unexpected overnight surprises.
We were only about ten miles from Loch Ness.
Close enough for Nessie to send a large force of minions.
Would she? Would she already know Davina had arrived in Inverness?
If she did, she had to know Davina meant to visit her.
Then again, nothing the moody dragon had done thus far indicated she’d have the patience to wait.