“I never said I had a fancy.”
His voice turned husky. “You’ve clearly not been using scarves properly in the past.”
Her cheeks heated at the image of Gregor caressing her neck, her breasts, and then her lower belly with the edge of a silk scarf. No doubt her dragonman would torture her and make her beg.
At that second, her dragon roared inside her head. He’s mine. I won’t share. Let me have him.
Sid took a deep breath and reinforced her mental reply with every bit of steel she had. No, he’s ours.
But I claimed him. He wants me. Let me have him.
Images of her dragon taking Gregor flashed inside her mind. If her dragon wanted to play games, she’d do the same. Sid tossed back memories of tender moments with her Scot—gentle kisses, teasing him about his carvings, and even the look of understanding when they’d discussed their pasts.
Her beast huffed. Those will soon be mine, too. You had many years in charge without me. It’s my turn.
As her dragon thrashed against the prison, Sid vaguely noted Gregor taking both of her hands and squeezing. His reassuring warmth made her sit taller. I didn’t imprison you.
Her beast snarled. Your actions did, which is the same thing. If I can ever find a way to mentally contain you for twenty years, where you can hear and see everything but never act, I will do it.
Some might tiptoe around the issue, but Sid would treat her dragon as she would any stubborn patient. Threats are one thing, actions another. Why aren’t you trying to take control now?
I won’t harm my child.
Our child.
No. Mine. I will raise him or her alone. Once he or she is born, I will pounce. You’ve been warned.
Her dragon turned her back and remained silent. Sid slumped against Gregor’s side and he asked, “What can I do, love?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. I’m safe enough for about the next nine months. After that, all hell is going to break loose.”
“Over my dead body. Nine months is plenty of time to woo your beast.”
Looking up at Gregor, Sid’s voice cracked as she replied, “My dragon blames me for her solitude and confinement.”
Stroking her cheek with a finger, Gregor said, “As I said, we just need to woo your beast.”
Sid sat up. “And how, exactly, are we going to do that? She won’t believe anything I say, and I’m not about to be someone I’m not just to kiss her arse all the time.”
Her dragon’s tail flicked at that comment, but she still said nothing.
Gregor placed a finger under her chin. “Are you giving up before you even start? That doesn’t sound like you.”
“Of course I’m not bloody giving up. The thought of my dragon stealing our child and raising him or her alone is more than enough motivation for me to keep fighting.”
“Good.” He released her chin and pushed her food in front of her. “Now, eat. Not taking care of yourself will only irritate your dragon further, not to mention me as well.”
“And we can’t have you irritated, can we?” she asked dryly.
He smiled. “Someone’s picking up on my sarcasm.”
Sid merely hit his side before eating a spoonful of curry and rice.
Gregor chuckled. “Don’t worry, lass, I love the fact you’ve been around me long enough to pick something up from me. After a few more months, you may become as charming as any Lochguard dragon-shifter.”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
As Gregor swiped a piece of naan bread, Sid checked on her beast. However, she still sat in silence with her back turned.