Chapter Fifteen

Phoenix

Everyone showered at the same time. Just not all in the same shower…yet. But we’d done a great job working with the designer and architect building this home, and hot water was never at a premium. In our experience, women took longer, so imagine our surprise when we emerged from our suites to find our female in the kitchen with her hair pulled into a high ponytail and one of our aprons wrapped around her at least twice.

“I wasn’t sure what you liked,” she said. “So I made everything I could find.” She wasn’t kidding.

I followed Keir into the kitchen that smelled like a diner in all the best possible ways. Our six-burner gas stove with the griddle in the middle had not an empty spot. Bacon sizzled next to pancakes in the middle section; sunny-side-up eggs filled a pan. There was sausage and ham and potatoes O’Brien with flecks of onion and red and green peppers. The toaster had slices of bread poised to lower, and she’d even popped the tube of cinnamon rolls and had them baking in the oven. There was more… “Iris, for future reference, we’re going to love anything you make and be grateful you chose to do it.”

“I used too much stuff. I didn’t mean to be wasteful.” She looked so crestfallen, I had to gather her in my arms and comfort her.

“You did not use too much of anything.” Keir joined the hug, making it a group embrace. “And we are going to devour it. Make us breakfast or lunch or dinner or nothing at all. It’s up to you.”

Someone, and we could guess who, had shattered her confidence. It was up to us to do our best to shore it back up. Glue it together. Whatever it took to restore her to the confident female our dragons swore she had been and could be again.

It was no chore to eat the food she prepared. My dragon was thrilled that his mate wanted to feed him, although he made it clear he would be happier providing for her and the hatchling. He saw the babe as his and not as the bear’s cub. I wanted to feel the same but reserved judgment until Iris let us know she was here to stay.

After we finished eating, Keir and I both went to work cleaning up. Since just about every pot and pan and bowl in the kitchen had been used, it was a two-dragon job. And we would not hear of Iris helping after all her labors getting everything ready.

When the dishwasher was running and all the things that did not fit in it were washed and dried and put away, along with a few leftovers, Keir sat on the stool next to Iris. “We need to go into the office for a bit and were wondering if you would like to join us.”

“Wouldn’t I be safe here?” She chewed on her lip again, leaving it bee-stung and rosy. “I hate to think I am interfering with your business.”

“Yes, you’re safe here, although we’re happier having you in our sight while danger is still out there,” I said, leaning on the counter across from her. “But that’s not why we are inviting you. We just wanted to show off a little, let you see what our business is like, and why we are the perfect bodyguards for you. But if you’d rather stay behind? We won’t be long.” Especially if she didn’t go with us. In fact, if she stayed, so would one of us. A glance at Keir confirmed he agreed with me.

“In that case, I’d love to go.” She smiled at us both. “I should probably change.” She unwound the apron to reveal jeans and a black tank top, low black boots and a fuzzy cardigan. “Except I don’t have any real business attire.”

“You’re coming as a guest, so nobody expects you to wear a suit—not that anyone does there unless a particular assignment requires it.” Keir patted her hand. “But you look perfect anyway.”

“At least let me go brush my hair and put on some mascara.” She hopped off the stool then wobbled a little, and my friend steadied her.

“As I said, you’re perfect, but go do whatever you need to, to feel comfortable. Be careful on the stairs, all right?”

“My center of gravity is a little off, but I will be cautious. Really, I’m not that graceful on the best of days.”

After she disappeared upstairs, we went to change from lounge pants and T-shirts to jeans and T-shirts. We rarely went on any actual assignments anymore, with a staff for that, but on occasion either because our other staff was booked solid, the job required special skills, or the clients requested us, we did.

The office occupied a low building just outside of town with nothing but a small plate on the door to identify the business at all. We didn’t get walk-in business, although we did see clients or their representatives by appointment. I parked in one of the two partner spots near the door and under the spreading branches of an oak that kept the car cool. “Ready to see where the magic happens?”

Iris giggled and stretched out an arm. “Lead the way. Your office is in this building I take it?”

I met Keir’s gaze again. He cleared his throat. “Our offices are the building. What you can see and two levels underground.”