Page 25 of Fated By Fire
“Now, there’s the problem. Because right now, I’m trying to figure out how to getintothe box. The vault-shaped box.”
“Well, you’re not going to get that right while the Fabulous Mr. Craven is watching your every move.”
“Dammit. You’re right.” I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck.
“Of course I am. Which is why you should be listening to me. Ski mask. Lock-picking equipment, glass cutters…”
As Mara rambles on wildly about all the ways I could break into the place, my gaze drifts to my desk drawer where Mom’s journal sits. The glowing word “craven” haunts me, a breadcrumb leading down a path I’m not sure I want to follow. But after twenty years of questions, of wondering why she left, of searching for any trace…
The neon signs outside cast shifting shadows through my windows as dusk settles over the city. I rub my thumb over the heart-shaped tattoo on my wrist—a reminder of the promise I made to never stop looking for her.
“You know what’s crazy?” I say slowly, watching Mara freeze mid-cat-burglar-pose. “Your ridiculous break-in idea might actually work.”
Chapter 10
Caleb
The rich aroma of coffee hits me before I even push through the glass doors of Grind & Bean. It’s early, barely past seven, but the place is already bustling with the pre-work crowd. I know most of them; the little coffee shop is in the lobby of Craven Towers, so most of the patrons are my own employees. I nod in greeting at one or two as I walk into the place.
My gaze finds Dorian instantly—hard to miss him, leaning against the counter in that careless way of his, dark hair artfully tousled. My mirror image, yet so different.
His stance screams casual confidence while I know my own shoulders are tight with tension. Some things never change. And as much as I envy his unburdened demeanor, I know I wouldn’t trade places. Probably because I don’t trust anyone else to take on my role.
Control freak? Maybe. I prefer to think of myself as dedicated to the continued success of my family legacy. And perfectionism is a personality trait I don’t think of as a flaw.
“Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence,” Dorian drawls as I approach. His eyes gleam with mischief. “I was starting to think you’d forgotten our breakfast date.”
“Some of us have actual work to do,” I say, falling into line beside him. The words lack heat—this is an old dance between us.
Dorian’s attention shifts to the barista behind the counter. She’s new—I can tell by the way she fumbles slightly with the espresso machine. Her nametag reads, “Juno.”
“Juno,” Dorian says, testing the name on his tongue. His smile widens. “That’s different. Named after the Roman goddess?”
She looks up, startled but pleased. A light blush colors her cheeks. “Actually, my parents were astronomers. They met at an observatory studying Jupiter’s moons.”
“Fascinating.” Dorian leans in, voice dropping to that intimate tone he uses when he’s hunting. “Tell me more about the stars.”
I watch their interaction with unexpected interest. Not because of Juno—though she’s attractive enough with her bouncing curls, porcelain skin, and bright pink smile. No, what catches my attention is hownormalthis all feels. Human courtship rituals played out over coffee and shy smiles.
My dragon stirs restlessly. We’re anything but normal. And I can’t see myself ever interacting with a woman in this way.
“Speaking of fascinating,” Dorian says, turning back to me with a taunting grin. “Let’s talk about you and a certain junior archivist.”
The paper cup creaks in my grip. “There’s nothing to discuss.” At least, there’s nothing I’m willing to discuss withhim. There’s plenty I need to talk to myself about. Namely, getting my head out of my ass because I don’t have time for this rubbish.
“Really? Because that’s not what I walked in on yesterday.” He accepts his drink from Juno with a wink that makes her blush deepen. “That was quite a show you two put on.”
“Bullshit. There was no show.” I look about for a seat.
“Really? Because when I walked in, you literally had your tongue down her throat.”
I can’t deny it, so I don’t. “It was a momentary lapse in judgment,” I mutter. More than a lapse. I don’t know what the hell was going on in my head. I’ve never been so impulsive around a woman. Certainly not one who raises so many questions.
Dorian’s not letting it go. “A momentary lapse that had you practically devouring her with—”
“Enough!” I bark. A couple at a nearby table glances our way.
But it’s too late. The memory of Jessica floods my mind. The soft gasp she made when I kissed her. The way she melted against me, all fire and surrender. The scent of her skin, like summer rain and…
