Chapter 7 Say What Now?

Anna Marie

She loved Saturdays. She goddamn do!

It's a prelude to Sundays. Who wouldn't love a rest day?

Why the heck was she nervous as hell to the point she recklessly nicked her fingers? Twice. That never happened before. Ever.

Ballerinas will envy her in the kitchen if they see her movements when she cooked. She was as graceful as a swan in a lake. Flawless lines and all that shit.

But not tonight.

This insanely heavy bracelet hidden under her long-sleeved jacket felt like a commitment. To what? How the hell does she know?

The idiot didn't bother to explain it to her before he held her hand hostage.

-Hostage? Really, Rie?-

Shit! There she goes again. Alright. She felt safe in his arms. Happy?

Even the forced kiss...well it was not that bad. Not revolting, as she would have imagined. With a different person -- she shuddered at the thought.

Nor being cage in his arms. It was...relaxing, to say the least. She didn't even notice how cozy they were until he left her pissed off at his arrogant, egotistical, pompous...

-Wow, you like him that much?-

"Chef, the filet mignon is ready, medium-rare, garnish on the side. To your left, " Good thing she was distracted or she would have to punch herself to stop this nonsense.

"Good job, Sid. I want the seafood platter to retain its freshness. Don't forget the lemon butter dip." Deeply ingrained habit at work. Thank you, goddess.

"Yes, chef!"

"How many minutes on the steak, Cee?"

"Five more minutes, chef Rie."

"Ok. Make it medium. I know the she-wolf. She's pregnant and we don't want her to eat raw meat in her human form."

"On it, chef."

Rie meticulously surveyed the elegant plating, every detail of morsel counts. People eat with their eyes and it will set the mood for a very satisfying meal. As usual, her staff had met her standards.

A cool towel touched her face, grateful that there was a lull in the middle of the dinner service.

"Chef,"

Cee called out.

"Yeah?"

"Join us at the club tonight," She smiled encouragingly and her face brightened. Her sous chef was an elf. Beautiful and ethereal. And she has a very active sex life.

"No can do, Cee. I have to babysit my pups tomorrow. Raincheck?" Clubbing was not her thing.

"Awww, you won't be able to meet my handsome prospect tonight," She teased.

"I promise. Next time." Cee has a different boyfriend every week. Hey, no one could blame the cute elf. It's better to have a go at it while still young.

"I'll collect on your promise next time, chef." She gave her attention back to the meat station.

Rie wished she could be as free as her. But damn! It would take a man of a strong constitution to break her barriers and he should have an endless supply of patience.

What happened to her before... She shook her head. No. Not gonna dwell on that vile bastard and ruin her night.

"Chef Rie, your family has arrived with guests. They are in a private dining area," Fuck! Better move fast.

"Refire station, get the herb stuffed ravioli ready for a starter. How many came in with them, Ben?" She was heating the cheese-infused mash potatoes for the pups and the soft beef stew.

"Fourteen, chef."

"What?" Didn't mean to shout. But fourteen?

"Yes. The Dragon royalty is with them."

Oh, fuck! She wouldn't visit them this time and avoid HIM at all costs.

"When my sisters ask for me, tell them I'm busy and can't leave the team, ok?"

He was taken aback by her request. It was a known fact she would always join her family for dessert when they visit. "O...ok?"

"Just do it, Ben." He nodded reluctantly. Rie watched him go and she started to rapid-fire the menu for the royals.

Please let her survive this night without seeing him?

Please, Goddess.

-You sure, Rie?-

Urg! Stop it!

***

"The Apple Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Ice cream is ready to be served. Please make sure everyone gets to taste it." Rie watched her servers carefully arranged the decadent dessert on their silver trays and mentally nodded her approval.

Goddess, what a night! Sweat covered her flushed skin from the heat. "Clean up everyone. After that, you are all free to go. Enjoy your Sunday!" All cheered before grabbing a bite.

Damn! She was hungry but she was too hesitant to join her family.

"I knew you'd be hiding here, my little chef." She shrieked in surprise at his deep rough voice. He chuckled right on her nape.

Her skittish short legs moved a few feet away from him because frankly, she was a mess and she smelled bad.

He grinned wolfishly -- if that was possible on a dragon King -- and ate the distance between them.

"You haven't eaten anything. I was waiting for you, sweetheart." That surprised her. She lifted her chin to look directly into his multi-faceted hazel eyes. He was serious.

"I have to change clothes at my office." It was a lame excuse -- it was the one that came to mind easily.

He hummed -- trying to convince himself to believe her. "Change clothes and I will wait outside your office."

Lucas secured her hand in his before she could say anything else.

He gave persistence a new meaning.

Tugging from his rough hand, which covered hers warmly, her eyes narrowed meeting his glowing gaze. "Why are you doing this?"

He sighed in exasperation. What he did next surprised her. Again. His arms wrapped around her waist to pull her closer to his front, which was covered in a pristine white dress shirt and most probably an Armani coat.

Her white jacket -- that was not so white anymore -- will definitely stain his attire.

"Do I have to spell it out for you, little girl?" That endearment raised her hackles. She stared up at him sullenly.

Christ! Why does he have to be so frustratingly tall?

"Spell what?" She croaked. This was embarrassing. Her attraction to this devilishly handsome dragon should stop.

"That I want you to be mine. Your family gave their approval." He announced triumphantly, his fingers lace on the small of her back, making her arch towards his body to leave no space between them.

"How? They will never consent to an affair between us. What about if you found your queen? Dragons have mates, right?" It was true. Alexander and company were sticklers for such laws.

If you are not fated mates then goodbye to you.

"I am looking at my Queen right now." He murmured, leaning down to brush his lips on her sweaty forehead. Yuck!

"You are joking, right? Why can't I feel sparks and tingles? My sister told me I will feel it the moment my mate touches me." Deep inside she knew. For how could she explain her unreasonable attraction to him, not to mention how safe she felt in his arms.

She tried to move out of his hold. They were at the front of her office and anyone could see them if they passed by. He pulled her closer, molding her small frame to his.

Why was she not alarmed? She should be -- waited for the panic to set in. None. Nada.

"Dragons recognize their mates differently. My beast and I knew the moment we saw you last night. The instant attraction, the glow of your eyes, and your skin. Your scent. Vanilla and cherries even if you're covered in grime, your wonderful scent remains. I feel possessive of you. The need to keep you and protect you is overwhelming. I know you feel the same. Please don't deny it." Lucas implored. His handsome face was hard and serious.

She was shocked. This was the most honest he had been and she didn't know how to react to his words. What could she do?

"I want to know you better before anything else." She heard herself say. Could she dare give this a chance?

"I know."

"We need to take this slow." Shit! She thought she would.

"We will."

"You need to be patient." One chance.

"Already am."

"And...and..." He arched his brow arrogantly at her hesitation.

"Anything else, sweetheart?" Lucas's deep voice was all velvet.

"I need to change clothes so you have to let me go."

"I'm not holding you anymore," His eyes were filled with mischief. Darn, why can't he look less attractive? And why does she enjoy his touch?

She pierced him with her gaze. He liked taunting her.