It was as if he truly wanted to hear it all so he could help her.
If things were different, and Sid had her dragon and Gregor hadn’t already refused her, Sid might’ve considered giving the male a chance. Of course, wishing for someone didn’t make it so.
Sid couldn’t change the circumstances, but if Gregor could help her stop her episodes, she might actually have a chance at living her life.
“My dragon and I kept fighting. Soon, I started flashing between human and dragon. Even when Dad scooped me up, he had to be careful because some of my limbs would grow, or my tail would extend. He finally placed me on the ground. The other dragon-shifters in the area had formed a circle and extended their wings to shield my dad and me from view. If the humans had seen a flashing dragon, panic would’ve broken out and they might’ve tried to kill me.
“Dad could do nothing but keep me in place until the nearest dragon-shifter doctor arrived and sedated me. I fell unconscious and woke up in a hospital bed. My limbs were flashing more erratically and one doctor gave me the dragon-slumber drug. When it didn’t work, he gave another dose and then another until I remained in my human form.” She met his gray eyes. “After that, my dragon never returned.”
For one long minute, Gregor said nothing. Sharing her past had sapped her energy and her patience, so Sid said, “Well? That’s everything. Usually, you talk as much as any of the Scottish dragons I’ve worked with. Why the silence now?”
The corner of his mouth ticked up. “I’m thinking.”
“Care to share those thoughts? Because if you’re waiting for me to plead or offer money for them, you’ll be waiting a long time.”
“Did your attack also affect your patience?” She flipped him off, and Gregor chuckled. “I’m enjoying this side of Dr. Cassidy Jackson. However, just a warning, lass. If you’re going to salute me every time I tease you, your fingers will be so tired you soon won’t be able to move them.”
Sid, the dragonwoman who could keep her wits about her during a twelve-hour surgery, stuck out her tongue.
Gregor’s laugh echoed inside the small room and she couldn’t help but smile. It’d been more years than she liked to admit since she’d made anyone laugh.
The Scottish dragonman finally spoke again. “Thanks for that, Cassidy. Once you’re well, I’m going to have to repay the favor.”
“Do you ever make any sense?”
“Oh, come on, now. You’re clever. You can figure it out.”
“Just because I can doesn’t mean I want to waste the time,” she pointed out.
Gregor reached out and took a small section of her long hair and rubbed it between his fingers. “Maybe it’s having your hair down that lets out this more playful and lively side of you.” His intense gaze met hers and Sid’s heart skipped a beat. “You’ll keep it down until you recover, doctor’s orders.”
His words broke the moment. “I’m starting to think all of this power is going to your head.”
“Aye, well, at least you didn’t argue back. That’s progress.” She tried to reply, but he cut her off. “You need to rest, so I’m going to do a quick examination, watch you drink some water, and let you sleep. And before you ask me, I’ve already seen some of your patients. Samira and Nikki’s pregnancies are on target and I plan to hunt down Bram shortly after this.”
“Good luck with that. I’ve known Bram my whole life and can barely get him to allow a check-up.”
Gregor flexed his arm. “I keep in shape for a reason. I’ve had to tackle a clan leader or two in the past.”
Sid snorted. “I’d pay to see that.”
“Oh? Maybe I’ll get someone to record it and I can use it as a reward for compliance.”
“Do you bargain with all of your patients?”
Gregor leaned close until his breath tickled her cheek. “No, only you.” He tuck
ed hair behind her ear. “You require a special touch, Cassidy.”
As they stared into one another’s eyes, Cassidy itched to stroke Gregor’s lightly whiskered cheek.
She might touch patients every day, but it would be different with Gregor; he wasn’t her patient. She would also enjoy it and think of where else she could stroke him.
Gregor’s eyes darted to her lips and he immediately pulled back. His distance shouldn’t sting, especially since Sid couldn’t afford to let a mate-claim frenzy happen, but she desperately wanted more time with the teasing Scot.
More than anyone, he helped her to forget her past and her shortcomings.
Clearing his throat, Gregor picked up her chart and moved to the door. “I’ll check on you later today and do your exam then. I’m going to trust you to drink some water on your own.”