The Dragon's Dilemma (Lochguard Highland Dragons 1)

She blinked. “Why would I?”

Fraser moved in front of Holly until their bodies were mere inches apart. “I know I fucked up and couldn’t protect you. But if you think I’m just going to let you get away, then you’re crazy.”

“Why? Because I’m your true mate and your dragon’s needs tell you to go after me?”

He leaned his face down until it was a hair’s breadth away from hers. “If you haven’t noticed, the frenzy is over and I still came for you.” He gently took her biceps in his fingers. “I want you to come back to Lochguard.” He squeezed her arms. “I want you to come back to me.”

Holly’s eyes turned wet. “I can’t, Fraser. I think you already know, but I lost the baby. Finn will probably turn me away in favor of finding another sacrifice who can see her contract through to the end.”

Fraser growled. “Fuck that. Even if I have to challenge Finn in public to keep him from turning you away, I will. Give us a chance, Holly. That’s all I’m asking for.” He brushed the hair from her cheek. “Even if we’re never gifted with a child again, I still want you by my side.”

She searched his eyes for a second before replying, “I—” Holly swallowed and then continued, “I don’t know.” He opened his mouth, but she placed her forefinger over his lips. “I want to make sure my father is doing okay first.”

He growled and she removed her finger. “And then you’ll come back to me?”

She looked away and it took everything he had not to force her gaze back. He wanted to know what she was thinking.

Holly finally answered, “Maybe. We’ve had little chance to really get to know each other, Fraser. I can’t decide my life without being more certain.”

“Then I will erase all of your doubts, honey. Just wait and see. I’ll win you back if it’s the last thing I do.”

The elevator doors opened and Fraser moved to Holly’s side. Thanks to his long-sleeved jumper and careful use of language, no one had guessed he was a dragon-shifter yet. He needed to keep it that way.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, Fraser murmured, “Have supper with me. We can consider it our first real date.”

When his female smiled, some of his tension eased as they started walking. “Having a first date with you now, after everything, seems a bit ridiculous.”

“You’re the one who wanted us to get to know each other better. If it were up to me, I’d take both you and your father home to Lochguard and make it my life’s purpose to see you smile every day.”

Holly looked away from his gaze. “I’d like to see you try.”

Fraser whispered into her ear, “You should know to never challenge a dragon-shifter. I’ll have to see it through now.”

His female shivered and Fraser’s dragon rumbled in approval. She doesn’t hate us. Just like I told you. She will come home with us.

Confidence doesn’t make it truth.

It usually does for me.

Holly looped her arm around Fraser’s waist and he forgot all about his beast. The simple gesture made his heart rate tick up.

Looking up, Holly gave a small smile. “Have you ever had hospital food before?”

“No. Why? Is it full of secret vitamins or something?”

Holly merely shook her head and Fraser started to worry. Surely the lass wouldn’t try to poison him.

~~~

For the first time in a week, Holly had nearly forgotten about the dragon dropping her out of the sky, her father’s health, and the loss of her child.

Despite everything hanging over her head, Holly was feeling mischievous. For whatever reason, Fraser MacKenzie’s mere presence helped her to forget about her problems.

A small part of her wondered if she’d been an idiot to assume the worst of Fraser and his clan. Yet Holly had learned a long time ago to be

careful. Her mother’s death had taught her that lesson the hard way.

No. She wouldn’t allow anything to ruin her supper with Fraser. She sure as hell could use a small break from real life.