He blurted, “So you’re going to stay?”
Tasha smiled, the sight making him relax a little. “That depends. Are you going to say I can’t run a bar, even knowing there could be trouble?”
He stared at his mate, taking in her inquisitive brown eyes and the slight tension in her muscles.
Even if he weren’t trained to read body language, Brad knew his answer would determine everything.
His beast murmured, Then don’t be a dick about it.
He replied to Tasha carefully, needing to be honest without scaring her away. “I can’t say that I won’t ever worry. And I plan to still be a part-time security guard, like before. However, I trust you to be safe about what you do and to listen to what the Protectors and ADDA have to say about safety and precautions. So of course I’m not going to stop you.”
She full-on grinned. “I like that answer.” But then her brows came together a fraction, and she added, “But you better not change your mind down the road, Brad. Because if we have the frenzy and I’m pregnant, I won’t be restricted to the house unless a doctor tells me it’s necessary. I’ll want to keep working on everything. Can you handle that?”
His dragon half didn’t want a pregnant mate anywhere near trouble, even if it was only a small possibility.
And yet, Brad knew he was strong enough to rationalize with his beast and convince him.
His dragon sighed. I’m not that overprotective.
You say that now, but you’ll get worse once she carries our child.
Maybe. But I wouldn’t do anything to drive her away. That much I can promise.
Tasha’s voice prevented him from replying. “So? What does Mr. Dragon have to say about it all?”
Not caring that Ashley was there, he moved to the other side of the counter to Tasha’s free side and gently cupped her cheek. “He’s willing to work on it. But I promise you that I’ll make sure he accepts it.”
She laid a hand on his chest, and he instantly placed his free hand over hers, not wanting her to move away. He asked, “So? What does this all mean for us?”
Tasha smiled. “I think it means we need to get everything in order so you can finally kiss me on the lips, Mr. Harper.”
Relief mixed with anticipation coursed through his body. “So you’ll be my mate in all ways then?”
“Yes, as long as you become mine, too. This is an equal standing situation. So you’d better let your dragon know that now.”
Ashely snorted and it took everything Brad had not to bark for her leave. The other human said, “Good for you, Tasha. And I think this is my cue to leave. Call me later, okay?”
His mate never moved her gaze from his. “I will.”
Ashley left quickly, leaving them alone. Even though he merely cupped Tasha’s cheek as she had her hand on his chest, his entire body was on fire for her.
His true mate would truly be his in all ways soon enough.
She murmured, “So what do we need to do before you can kiss me? Now that I’ve made the decision, I’m sort of impatient to get started.”
Her lips were so close, mere inches away, and it took everything he had not to close the distance to taste her sweet mouth. “I have to let David and Jon know. Then it’s just a few small things—like setting up regular food delivery during the frenzy—and then it will be up to you as to when it finally starts.”
She stood and leaned against his body, her hand lightly stroking his chest. “Then start setting it up now. Once I make a decision, I don’t like to wait. And somehow, I think your dragon is on board with that approach.”
His beast hummed. Yes, yes. Call everyone right now. Then we can claim her within the next few hours.
Brad stroked Tasha’s cheek, loving how soft her skin was. “You’re getting pretty good at reading my dragon.”
She smiled up at him. “I’ve been a sort of observer for years back in Reno. It’s helping me tons to figure out the two sides of you.”
His dragon grunted. Why haven’t you called David or Jon yet? Stop wasting time.
Give me a second.
I’ve given you days, so stop dicking around.
Brad sighed out loud and said to Tasha, “I’d better call Jon and David before my dragon tries to take control. He will at some point, as you know, but I want the first time to be mine.”
Tasha picked up her cell phone from the counter. Her voice was husky as she said, “Then call them. I’m almost as impatient as your dragon.”
As she wiggled a little against him, Brad sucked in his breath as blood rushed to his cock. “Keep doing that and I won’t be able to get anything done.”
She laughed. “Okay, okay. Just keep that in your mind as motivation.” She stepped back and he nearly pulled her against his body once more. “No more touching until everything’s set up. Deal?”
He took his own phone out of his pocket, knowing David and Jon would pick up his number no matter what right now. “Deal. Now, give me a little space to clear my head so I can concentrate.”
“I’ll do you one better. I’ll wait upstairs in your room. I need to make a few quick calls of my own—I already called most of my staff earlier so the bar side of things is taken care of—and get ready for you.”
As Tasha walked away, he nearly growled at the sway of her hips.
Soon, real soon, she’d finally be his.
And so Brad went to work, getting everything set up for the duration of the frenzy.
Only once that was done did he go searching for his mate, intent on claiming her as his in all ways.
Chapter Eleven
Tasha did her best not to pace the room as she waited for Brad.
She didn’t regret her decision, but it was still a little nerve-racking. After all, being told what it was like to go through a dragon-shifter frenzy would never compare to the real thing.
Still, she had things to help distract her a little as she waited. Even now, when she was mostly naked in only a robe and waiting for a sexy dragonman to claim her, her mind buzzed with ideas about her new business. It would be more than a bar—she wanted a designated eating area, too. And maybe she could hold family events on certain days, outside next to the landing area.
One of her current staff in Reno had even mentioned she wanted to keep working for Tasha. And although she planned to hire some dragons, too, it was a start.
She was so lost in thought about layouts and events that she jumped slightly when the door finally opened. Brad stood in the doorway in only his jeans, staring at her with his flashing dragon eyes, and she forgot about architecture and menus. Her mate was about to claim her.
She cleared her throat and asked, “Did you finish everything?”
He grunted. “Yes. My shifts are covered, food will arrive, and everyone is aware of what’s about to happen.”
Even though his sexy gaze made her shiver in a good way, Tasha couldn’t help but tease him. “I sure hope that doesn’t mean play-by-play summaries going out.”
“No. You’re mine and only mine, Tasha. I won’t share you.”
She swallowed at his words, her knees going weak. “And so now what?”
He took a step closer, and then another, her heart thundering with every inch he drew nearer.