Taming the Dragon (Loved by the Dragon, #3) (2 page)

“Well I am so sorry you were left out.” Marcy leaned in a placed an exaggerated smooch against Chloe’s cheek.

They had a laugh together then finished gathering the rest of Marcy’s vacation belongings, running off a mental checklist that included her makeup kit, favorite beach cover-up, camera, and art supplies.

“Got everything?” Chloe asked.

“I think so.”

“Okay, Mahasti, we’re ready,” Chloe spoke aloud to the air.

The world around Marcy shimmered and spun, whirling out of control until her stomach seemed to rise and fall in her gut. She would have staggered if the bonds of magic didn’t anchor her firmly in place. The dizzying arrival deposited them in the middle of a lavish hotel room with enormous windows spanning half the wall. A fifth floor view overlooked the resort grounds and lush greenery bordering the beach below.

“I’ll never get used to flying Air Genie,” Marcy muttered.

Air Genie was her fond way of referring to the instantaneous travel Mahasti the Djinn used to teleport them from one location to the next.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, it beats airport security and cramped seats by a long shot, but I always feel nauseated afterward. Thanks, Mahasti.”

“It is nothing,” Mahasti’s disembodied voice replied.

Astrid clapped her hands together. “Again, please! Wanna do it again!”

“I think you’re alone there, Marce. I feel fine.”

“You both also have the blood of a dragon in your veins,” Marcy pointed out, giving a disgruntled grumble. “That probably negates magical teleportation motion sickness.”

Chloe grinned at her. “Well, Saul’s Uncle Thor is always in the market for a new concubine... He usually goes for shifters but will make an exception and take a human only if she’s as hot as me.”

Marcy tossed her purse onto one of the queen size beds then waved her hands around. “I’m not having a baby for a shot at eternal life. This womb is closed for business.”

“How can it be closed if it’s never been open?”

Within seconds, they had both burst into a fit of giggles.

“Down, Mama, down.” Astrid kicked her little feet until Chloe set her on the floor. She immediately ran and leapt onto the bed to roll upon the soft coverlets. As her child played, Chloe stepped over to her friend and hugged her tight.

“I’m glad you’re here. You know, I’m joking right? About the baby thing?”

“I know,” Marcy replied. “But you almost died, chica. It was the most... terrifying experience of my entire life, thinking you would be gone forever.”

“I couldn’t have made it if not for you and Saul,” Chloe admitted. “It’s a good thing he inherited his mother’s ability to cast healing spells.”

Until five years ago, Chloe had never intended to become a mother. It all happened by chance when a one-night stand with a mysterious man resulted in her life-changing pregnancy. Of course, all pregnancies were life altering, but Chloe’s was more special than most.

She’d conceived with a dragon named Saul, and in bearing his child, cemented her own immortality. The blood of the dragons flowed through her veins, an irreversible and magical change that made her as strong as the ancient being she had married.

And one day, her best friend Marcy was bound to grow old, wither and die. It was a sobering thought that brought them together so frequently for visits that Marcy may as well have packed up her home and moved in with the dragon family.

“I already unpacked everything I brought for Astrid and me,” Chloe explained, gesturing around the big suite. “You can take a moment to do the same then I’ll show you around.”

“Sounds good,” Marcy said, moving her clothes from her luggage into an empty dresser. “So, tell me why you made me bring my flirtiest dresses.”

“There’s going to be lots of rich and influential people around for the opening festivities. A few actors from Saul’s films also accepted Teo’s invitation—”

“Wait, what?
Teo’s
invitation?” Marcy interrupted.

Chloe hesitated. “Well, Marcy, whose island did you think we were visiting? I told Teo the two of us were coming on Saul’s behalf. He isn’t really a fan of hobnobbing, and too many people in the business have long memories. If they recognize he’s the same man they met thirty years ago, we’ll have problems. So I’m here instead as Teo’s personal guest.”

“Ugh. You mean
he’s
going to be here?”

“Well, it’s his island, silly. Seriously though, I doubt he’ll stay long. Teo will probably put in an appearance then soar off to his place.”

“Yeah, well good riddance,” Marcy grumbled.

Chloe sighed. “You guys had that spat five years ago. Are you seriously still pissed?”

Marcy leaned over and pressed her hands over Astrid’s ears. “Once an asshole always an asshole. If I knew we were going to be hanging with him, I’d have spent my vacation at home.”

“He doesn’t really like people, so it’s not like you’ll see him much.”

Marcy stuck her tongue out, and the childish gesture made Astrid giggle. The little girl scrunched up her nose and imitated her aunt, leading the two into a silly face match-off.

“You win, Astrid, you win.”

“Even when she’s being silly or naughty she’s adorable,” Chloe said with a laugh.

“So, has she done any freaky dragon stuff yet?”

“Nothing yet. We don’t really know if she’ll ever shift like her dad or not. Saul says he was born as a dragon cub and never took human form until he neared adulthood. It could be the same for her.”

“I guess it’s a good thing. It might raise some brows if she changed in preschool. Speaking of, how’re you going to handle the whole school situation if she ages so slowly?”

“We decided to homeschool her with tutors, but if she does one day want to be around other kids, I’ll say she has a condition. I mean, she really does, when you think about it. She’s going to be my little girl for a long time.” Chloe plucked Astrid up and kissed her tummy. “And I don’t mind at all.”

“She’s gorgeous. She really got the best out of you and Saul both.”

Chloe smiled down at Astrid before looking back at Marcy. “Come on. Let’s change and hit the beach. I promised Astrid we’d build sand castles and have fun before tonight’s banquet.”

“Are you bringing her to the banquet?”

“No, Mahasti said to give her a call and she’ll come to babysit with Nuri. She and Leiv have been thinking through the whole baby thing more, so she wants some actual hands-on practice whenever she can get it.”

Once Marcy finished unpacking her delicate, easily wrinkled items, the trio of ladies tossed on their beach dresses and rushed to frolic on the sand.

***

W
ith VIP passes firmly secured around their wrists, Marcy, Astrid, and Chloe hustled onto the electric rail line for their tour of the island. Within minutes of their boarding, the doors shut and the sleek vehicle pushed forward.

“You weren’t kidding when you said this place was environmentally friendly. Christ, it must have been expensive.”

“He’s a billionaire. What do you expect?” Chloe asked.

“You don’t see Saul owning private islands and throwing money around into the environment.”

“He does actually. He’s just not so flagrant about it as Teo and he runs a lot of dummy corporations to funnel money into conservation efforts.”

“Look, look!” Astrid shouted, interrupting them. The little girl crawled onto Marcy’s lap for a better view through the open window. “Birds!”

“God, that’s lovely,” Marcy commented.

The sprawling island contained more than a resort with its strict guidelines for beach usage. It also held a massive sanctuary dedicated to the owner’s favorite rainforest animals. Majestic trees towered above a perfect reconstruction of the Amazon, a verdant landscape teeming with life.

“Mama, I wanna go there! Wanna go there!” Astrid cried, clutching double handfuls of Chloe’s dress bodice.

“So do
I
,” Marcy admitted.

The tour looped around the vacation hot spots, visiting attractions of varying interest, some designed for families, others for party-goers and lovers, then a few targeted toward children. Chloe held on to her daughter extra tight, fearing Astrid would leap through the window when she saw the colorful cartoon character themed rides.

A delicious aroma wafted through the train as they passed a high-end restaurant. Chloe and Marcy salivated and circled the location on their maps.

“Tomorrow.”

“Yes, definitely,” Marcy agreed.

“Saul told me you’re not allowed to cover any of the bills this trip, so we’re heading to the shopping outlet to get you a swimsuit that’s actually
sexy
. I saw the rag you brought in your suitcase, girl. It’s hideous.”

Marcy rolled her eyes. “He does realize I have money of my own, right? Still...” Saul didn’t throw his money around to impress them. Generosity toward friends was an integral part of his draconic nature. Marcy remembered the fact whenever they paid visits to each other and Saul leapt to catch the bill without fail.

“Let’s make his eyes bulge out when he reviews the bank statement.”

Marcy laughed at Chloe’s impish expression. “I think you’d have to buy an island of your own to faze him!”

They disembarked from the monorail when it arrived to the shopping center and walked the rest of the way. With seven hours to spare before the evening banquet, they hit up a fashionable, top name outlet catering to a diverse range of sizes. Despite childbirth, Chloe remained slim and willowy in build. She and Marcy hadn’t shared clothes since their high school days.

“Ugh,” Marcy groaned. “I think I need to go on a diet. I’d totally raid your closet for your dresses if I could.”

“Woman, you don’t need to lose weight. So what if we can’t steal clothes from each other anymore?”

“I’m aware... I’ve been thinking about it lately, you know? There’s no harm in being healthier.”

“Healthier doesn’t always mean skinnier. If you’re serious about getting in shape, Mahasti will teleport you out to jog with me each evening. Oh, oh, we can go rock climbing on the property—”

“I said I want to get in shape, not do extreme sports!” Marcy protested.

Casual back and forth jesting continued for the duration of the shopping trip. The two women chose outfits for each other and Astrid until they reached the beachwear section. Chloe shoved a stretchy black piece of ribbon into Marcy’s arms.

“What the hell is this?”

“Your new swimsuit. This is your size, right?”

“This wouldn’t fit Astrid and she’s a toddler,” Marcy argued. “Chica, if I put this on, I’ll be escorted to island law enforcement because no one will think I’m wearing a swimsuit at all.”

“It will fit you fine.”

Once Chloe shoved her into a spacious changing room, a reluctant Marcy stripped out of her dress and pulled on the skimpy garment. The one piece resembled a generous monokini with wide black strips crossing in front to cover her ample breasts. A diamond cut out in the abdomen revealed her tummy, its lowest point three inches below her navel.

“Okay, you’ve been in there long enough. Let me see.”

The door opened to allow Chloe and Astrid to wriggle in through its opening. “Tía Marcy pretty!”

Chloe echoed the sentiment while her baby girl clapped. “You look amazing.”

“Do you really think so?”

“It hugs you in all the right places. It’s still modest, I mean, you aren’t showing anything more than a two piece. Your tits also look phenomenal.”

“Okay, okay. I’m convinced.”

Their multi-thousand dollar bill was charged to their account, and their goods packaged for delivery to the room.

“Salon visit time! I didn’t make an appointment, but when I picked up our VIP bracelets at the guest services pavilion, I was told these should get us instant bumps to the front of any line.”

An employee painted Astrid’s little digits bubblegum pink and read her stories while Chloe and Marcy received a series of spa treatments.

“I can’t remember the last time we’ve been pampered together like this,” Marcy said. She and Chloe were submerged to their necks in matching mud baths.

“Mama, look at my toes!”

Chloe glanced out of the tub and grinned. “Those look great, baby. I love it.” She twisted to peek at Marcy beside her. “I can. When I recovered after Astrid’s birth, you swept me away for a full day, remember?”

“Mmn, yes. It was nice, too.”

A wave of nostalgia hit Marcy. She smiled at her friend and reached for her hand. “I’m glad I came with you for this. Jerky billionaire or not, we’re going to have a rocking good time.” Marcy shifted in the mud pool. “Even if I have my doubts about this mineral bath. It feels funny.”

“It feels amazing,” Chloe disagreed before wriggling her greenish-brown toes out of the muck.

“At least it smells nice,” Marcy grumbled. “I’m looking forward to the massage. I can’t believe how quiet Astrid has been.” A glance revealed Astrid seated on the floor nearby with a pile of plastic building blocks.

“She’s a good child. It’s funny, but I’ve heard so many horror stories about toddlers that the reality of having one was kinda disappointing. She doesn’t color or paint on walls. She has no interest in eating things off the floor. Uh, anymore.”

“Maybe it has to do with her maturing differently, chica. She’s incredibly smart for her age.”

They emerged with an hour to help each other into their slinky cocktail dresses.

Mahasti appeared in her characteristic puff of smoke to assist with eyeliner and makeup application. She always managed to apply the perfect smoky eye look.

“I feel like Cinderella on her way to the ball,” Marcy commented, “and you’re the fairy godmother.”

“Ah, but
I
will not send you away in a pumpkin,” Mahasti replied.

P
atrons in their best Black Tie finery mingled in the opulent banquet hall. Round tables covered in black tablecloths set the background for bone white china and crystal stemware. Orchid centerpieces added a touch of elegance.

Waiters in white jackets carried silver trays brimming with hors d'oeuvres and champagne glasses, moving from group to group with their delectable offerings. Marcy expected one of them to drop their burden at any moment, but they weaved in and out of the crowd with effortless grace.