Lorna stood up. “Aye, as you should’ve done from the beginning.”
He sensed there was something else his mother wasn’t telling him, but as she opened the door, he held his tongue. The sooner she found Finn, the sooner Fraser could be released and go after Holly.
Not two seconds after the door shut, there was a knock. Since Finn wouldn’t bother to knock, Fraser growled out, “What do you want?”
Through the door, he heard Holly’s voice. “I was just going to check on you. But if that’s the greeting I get, then maybe you need another nap.”
Holly. She’s here. “Come in, lass. Please.”
Even to his own ears it sounded like begging.
Holly opened the door and peeked her head in. He didn’t care that her expression was neutral or what she must think of him in that moment. Holly was in Lochguard and not in the hands of the DDA.
Then she smiled at him and some of his unease dissipated. Holly stepped inside the room and shut the door. “Is it wrong that I find you being in restraints funny?”
He frowned. “What the hell are you talking about, woman?”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, think about it. The lady charmer being tied to a bed makes me think of someone’s parents keeping you away from their daughter.”
“Aye, except it’s my own family keeping me away from you.”
Holly took two steps toward him. “If I release you, can you restrain yourself and concentrate? Or, will you go into the frenzy?”
Even with everything going on, Fraser was aware that he lay in the same room as his true mate. He didn’t like the smudges under her eyes, but her gaze was merely curious. As her long, dark hair swayed against her round face, his heart warmed. “So you don’t hate me, then?”
Holly rolled her eyes. “You willingly allowed Finn to knock you unconscious to keep me safe. If that wasn’t noble, then I don’t know what is.”
“That still doesn’t answer my question.”
“Since when are dragon-shifter males this sensitive?”
Fraser should grunt and let it be. However, as her honey-colored eyes searched his, he decided he would always be honest with Holly. He wasn’t about to fuck up a second time. “This male is only sensitive when it concerns you.”
She blinked. “You’ve known me for two days. Why do you care so much?”
Fraser tugged one of his arms. “Let me go and I’ll bloody well tell you. I’m not about to have this conversation with you whilst I’m tied to the bed.”
“Answer the question first, Fraser.”
“Of course my true mate would be stubborn,” he muttered. When Holly merely raised an eyebrow, he sighed. “Fine. I’ve never been drawn to a lass as much as I am to you, okay? Now, let me up.”
“Is it only because of your dragon’s instinct?”
“Just what has my family been telling you?”
Holly shrugged. “That your inner dragon senses the person who is their best chance at happiness and it brings on the frenzy. Supposedly, it’s good news for me as it’s less likely for a true mate to die in childbirth.”
Fraser chose his next words carefully. “So if Finn transfers the contract, you’ll allow the frenzy to happen?”
Holly averted her eyes and traced the skin above the cuff restraints. The soft, gentle motions of her finger made him want to shiver. Only through sheer stubbornness did he remain still.
A section of her hair fell in front of her face and Fraser itched to brush it back behind her ear. Holly Anderson should never hide her beauty from him.
His eyes glanced down at her breasts. He wanted to strip her and simply memorize every curve of her body.
Before his mind could continue with his fantasy, Holly’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “That depends.” She met his eyes again. “If Finn can transfer the contract, then I want you to try to repair relations with your brother. If you promise me that and put in a good effort, then I’ll agree to the frenzy.”
Fraser ignored the skip of his heart at her answer. “Did my family put you up to this or is it of your own accord?”