The Dragon's Pursuit (Lochguard Highland Dragons 7)

Her dragon chimed in again. You say that but look at the MacKenzies. Not to mention Finn and Arabella. Even Alistair and Kiyana. They've all overcome so much to be together and stay together. Why can't we find the same?

Just because they found it doesn't mean we automatically will get it, too.

Her dragon huffed. You're too rational for your own good.

Someone has to be.

Layla exited her office and made her way toward the side door used for staff. To her relief, she only had to answer one question on the way out before she reached the cool, winter air.

The Scottish Highlands in winter were dark, cold, and wet. But as Layla's feet crunched against the light snow on the ground, she didn't mind. The darkness meant most of the clan retreated to their homes once the sun went down and she could enjoy a sense of peace she rarely found when working.

It wasn't long before she reached the front door of her cottage, unlocked it, and stepped inside. A light glow came from the kitchen, and she moved toward it, wondering if Chase had invited himself in unannounced.

She gasped when she reached the doorway.

Lit candles sat around the tables and counter, a dim glow filling the space. At the center was her small table, crammed with different pizza boxes and several bags of her favorite sweets. If that wasn't good enough, Chase stood behind a chair and motioned for her to come over.

Somehow she made her feet work and said, "No one knows my secret love of pizza. I only make it from scratch, and always eat it alone."

As he slid the chair under her, he leaned down and whispered, "As I mentioned, I've spent two years watching the female I couldn't have. During which, I had a lot of time to learn what you liked."

He slid into the seat next to her, and she raised an eyebrow. "That sounds a wee bit creepy, if I'm honest."

Making a cross over his heart, he replied, "I never ventured into creepy territory, I promise. Because when I finally see your naked body, I want you to look right into my gaze and show me every emotion you have."

Her heart skipped a beat at the certainty in his words. With anyone else, she'd probably scold him to behave.

But as wetness rushed between her thighs, Layla shivered at the thought of Chase's intense, dark gaze watching her undress.

Bloody hell, what have I become?

Her dragon snorted but remained silent.

Chase's heated gaze morphed into an inquiring one. "Is today one of the days you need only food and bed?"

There he went again, remembering what she'd said. She shook her head. "No. Today was a short day for me, really."

"Ten hours shouldn't be short," he growled.

She shrugged as she opened a pizza box—noting that they came from the nearest human town—and took a slice of pepperoni pizza. Her mouth watered at the scent of seasoned meat and cheese. "It usually doesn't get much shorter. Although, tomorrow the Seahaven doctor is coming for the first time, so maybe I'll get off work a little earlier."

Chase took some food for himself. "Are you nervous about him coming?"

A few people had asked her that question, including Lochguard's clan leader. She'd been mostly honest with Finn, only leaving out her own constant, protective worry of the clan. However, she didn't hesitate to answer Chase. Maybe because he was outside her usual sphere of work and responsibilities. "More than I'd like. By all accounts, Daniel Keith is a good doctor. And aye, he used to live on Lochguard, but I didn't really know him back then to judge his character. Regardless, it's my duty to watch over the clan's health. And until I can judge his skills, I'm not sure of how much help he'll truly be since I'll be watching him instead of doing work myself."

Chase nodded. "Aye, I can understand needing to assess and judge his skills. It's why they didn't let me wire an entire building by myself on the first day of my training, and only once I passed muster. It'll take time, but I'll be rooting for him to far exceed your expectations. It's not purely for altruistic reasons, mind you." He leaned over and added, "I'll always crave more alone time with you."

She rolled her eyes. "You can stop being over the top at any time now, Chase. You already have me sitting here with you, so no need to flirt."

He took her free hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. The light touch caused electricity to race through her body.

As they stared at one another, his gaze intent and heated, she stopped breathing for a few seconds.

Bloody hell, she'd never been so attuned to a male before.

He murmured, "You deserve to be flirted with. Besides, it's not something I can easily turn off."

She raised her brows. "I hope you're not going to regale me with your former conquests."