“Yeah, well good riddance,” Marcy grumbled.
Chloe sighed. “You guys had that spat five years ago. Are you seriously still pissed?”
Marcy leaned over and pressed her hands over Astrid’s ears. “Once an asshole always an asshole. If I knew we were going to be hanging with him, I’d have spent my vacation at home.”
“He doesn’t really like people, so it’s not like you’ll see him much.”
Marcy stuck her tongue out, and the childish gesture made Astrid giggle. The little girl scrunched up her nose and imitated her aunt, leading the two into a silly face match-off.
“You win, Astrid, you win.”
“Even when she’s being silly or naughty she’s adorable,” Chloe said with a laugh.
“So, has she done any freaky dragon stuff yet?”
“Nothing yet. We don’t really know if she’ll ever shift like her dad or not. Saul says he was born as a dragon cub and never took human form until he neared adulthood. It could be the same for her.”
“I guess it’s a good thing. It might raise some brows if she changed in preschool. Speaking of, how’re you going to handle the whole school situation if she ages so slowly?”
“We decided to homeschool her with tutors, but if she does one day want to be around other kids, I’ll say she has a condition. I mean, she really does, when you think about it. She’s going to be my little girl for a long time.” Chloe plucked Astrid up and kissed her tummy. “And I don’t mind at all.”
“She’s gorgeous. She really got the best out of you and Saul both.”
Chloe smiled down at Astrid before looking back at Marcy. “Come on. Let’s change and hit the beach. I promised Astrid we’d build sand castles and have fun before tonight’s banquet.”
“Are you bringing her to the banquet?”
“No, Mahasti said to give her a call and she’ll come to babysit with Nuri. She and Leiv have been thinking through the whole baby thing more, so she wants some actual hands-on practice whenever she can get it.”
Once Marcy finished unpacking her delicate, easily wrinkled items, the trio of ladies tossed on their beach dresses and rushed to frolic on the sand.
***
With VIP passes firmly secured around their wrists, Marcy, Astrid, and Chloe hustled onto the electric rail line for their tour of the island. Within minutes of their boarding, the doors shut and the sleek vehicle pushed forward.
“You weren’t kidding when you said this place was environmentally friendly. Christ, it must have been expensive.”
“He’s a billionaire. What do you expect?” Chloe asked.
“You don’t see Saul owning private islands and throwing money around into the environment.”
“He does actually. He’s just not so flagrant about it as Teo and he runs a lot of dummy corporations to funnel money into conservation efforts.”
“Look, look!” Astrid shouted, interrupting them. The little girl crawled onto Marcy’s lap for a better view through the open window. “Birds!”
“God, that’s lovely,” Marcy commented.
The sprawling island contained more than a resort with its strict guidelines for beach usage. It also held a massive sanctuary dedicated to the owner’s favorite rainforest animals. Majestic trees towered above a perfect reconstruction of the Amazon, a verdant landscape teeming with life.
“Mama, I wanna go there! Wanna go there!” Astrid cried, clutching double handfuls of Chloe’s dress bodice.
“So do I,” Marcy admitted.
The tour looped around the vacation hot spots, visiting attractions of varying interest, some designed for families, others for party-goers and lovers, then a few targeted toward children. Chloe held on to her daughter extra tight, fearing Astrid would leap through the window when she saw the colorful cartoon character themed rides.
A delicious aroma wafted through the train as they passed a high-end restaurant. Chloe and Marcy salivated and circled the location on their maps.
“Tomorrow.”
“Yes, definitely,” Marcy agreed.
“Saul told me you’re not allowed to cover any of the bills this trip, so we’re heading to the shopping outlet to get you a swimsuit that’s actually sexy. I saw the rag you brought in your suitcase, girl. It’s hideous.”
Marcy rolled her eyes. “He does realize I have money of my own, right? Still...” Saul didn’t throw his money around to impress them. Generosity toward friends was an integral part of his draconic nature. Marcy remembered the fact whenever they paid visits to each other and Saul leapt to catch the bill without fail.
“Let’s make his eyes bulge out when he reviews the bank statement.”
Marcy laughed at Chloe’s impish expression. “I think you’d have to buy an island of your own to faze him!”
They disembarked from the monorail when it arrived to the shopping center and walked the rest of the way. With seven hours to spare before the evening banquet, they hit up a fashionable, top name outlet catering to a diverse range of sizes. Despite childbirth, Chloe remained slim and willowy in build. She and Marcy hadn’t shared clothes since their high school days.
“Ugh,” Marcy groaned. “I think I need to go on a diet. I’d totally raid your closet for your dresses if I could.”
“Woman, you don’t need to lose weight. So what if we can’t steal clothes from each other anymore?”
“I’m aware... I’ve been thinking about it lately, you know? There’s no harm in being healthier.”
“Healthier doesn’t always mean skinnier. If you’re serious about getting in shape, Mahasti will teleport you out to jog with me each evening. Oh, oh, we can go rock climbing on the property—”
“I said I want to get in shape, not do extreme sports!” Marcy protested.
Casual back and forth jesting continued for the duration of the shopping trip. The two women chose outfits for each other and Astrid until they reached the beachwear section. Chloe shoved a stretchy black piece of ribbon into Marcy’s arms.
“What the hell is this?”
“Your new swimsuit. This is your size, right?”
“This wouldn’t fit Astrid and she’s a toddler,” Marcy argued. “Chica, if I put this on, I’ll be escorted to island law enforcement because no one will think I’m wearing a swimsuit at all.”
“It will fit you fine.”
Once Chloe shoved her into a spacious changing room, a reluctant Marcy stripped out of her dress and pulled on the skimpy garment. The one piece resembled a generous monokini with wide black strips crossing in front to cover her ample breasts. A diamond cut out in the abdomen revealed her tummy, its lowest point three inches below her navel.
“Okay, you’ve been in there long enough. Let me see.”
The door opened to allow Chloe and Astrid to wriggle in through its opening. “Tía Marcy pretty!”
Chloe echoed the sentiment while her baby girl clapped. “You look amazing.”
“Do you really think so?”
“It hugs you in all the right places. It’s still modest, I mean, you aren’t showing anything more than a two piece. Your tits also look phenomenal.”
“Okay, okay. I’m convinced.”
Their multi-thousand dollar bill was charged to their account, and their goods packaged for delivery to the room.
“Salon visit time! I didn’t make an appointment, but when I picked up our VIP bracelets at the guest services pavilion, I was told these should get us instant bumps to the front of any line.”
An employee painted Astrid’s little digits bubblegum pink and read her stories while Chloe and Marcy received a series of spa treatments.
“I can’t remember the last time we’ve been pampered together like this,” Marcy said. She and Chloe were submerged to their necks in matching mud baths.
“Mama, look at my toes!”
Chloe glanced out of the tub and grinned. “Those look great, baby. I love it.” She twisted to peek at Marcy beside her. “I can. When I recovered after Astrid’s bi
rth, you swept me away for a full day, remember?”
“Mmn, yes. It was nice, too.”
A wave of nostalgia hit Marcy. She smiled at her friend and reached for her hand. “I’m glad I came with you for this. Jerky billionaire or not, we’re going to have a rocking good time.” Marcy shifted in the mud pool. “Even if I have my doubts about this mineral bath. It feels funny.”
“It feels amazing,” Chloe disagreed before wriggling her greenish-brown toes out of the muck.
“At least it smells nice,” Marcy grumbled. “I’m looking forward to the massage. I can’t believe how quiet Astrid has been.” A glance revealed Astrid seated on the floor nearby with a pile of plastic building blocks.
“She’s a good child. It’s funny, but I’ve heard so many horror stories about toddlers that the reality of having one was kinda disappointing. She doesn’t color or paint on walls. She has no interest in eating things off the floor. Uh, anymore.”
“Maybe it has to do with her maturing differently, chica. She’s incredibly smart for her age.”
They emerged with an hour to help each other into their slinky cocktail dresses.
Mahasti appeared in her characteristic puff of smoke to assist with eyeliner and makeup application. She always managed to apply the perfect smoky eye look.
“I feel like Cinderella on her way to the ball,” Marcy commented, “and you’re the fairy godmother.”
“Ah, but I will not send you away in a pumpkin,” Mahasti replied.
Chapter 2
Patrons in their best Black Tie finery mingled in the opulent banquet hall. Round tables covered in black tablecloths set the background for bone white china and crystal stemware. Orchid centerpieces added a touch of elegance.
Waiters in white jackets carried silver trays brimming with hors d'oeuvres and champagne glasses, moving from group to group with their delectable offerings. Marcy expected one of them to drop their burden at any moment, but they weaved in and out of the crowd with effortless grace.
The two women had flitted among the varying guests, with Chloe spending the most time with the professionals from Saul’s studio. Marcy met two of her favorite actors before Chloe introduced her to a producer from a sister studio.
“Burke’s is one of the fastest growing department stores in the southern United States. There are plans in the making to expand to the eastern coast,” Marcy boasted about her job. Maybe Howard was right about the vacation after all and she’d only needed a break from the routine.
“Quite a bit of responsibility. You wouldn’t happen to be in the market for another job, would you?”
Marcy shot a skeptical glance at Chloe. As nice as the change in scenery would be, a big Hollywood business mogul offering her a job coincided suspiciously with her decision to leave her old career behind. “I may be in the near future.”
“Excellent.” The gray-haired businessman extended a card to Marcy. “This is a direct number to my personal office line. Call me if you’re up for a change.” He then excused himself from their company.
“Nice attempt,” Marcy whispered once they were alone.
“Huh?”
“You put him up to it, didn’t you? You or Saul.”
“No, I didn’t. Sweetie, you helped make Burke’s into a billion dollar company. That is your resume, and you don’t need me to vouch for you. Did you think old man Burke was only blowing air up your ass because he likes you?”
“No,” Marcy admitted reluctantly.
“Good, because — oh, look, there’s Teo. Try to be cordial.”
Marcy turned her head to follow Chloe’s line of sight. The handsome billionaire owner of the island approached them in a fashionable black tuxedo. His sleek black hair spilled past his shoulders, framing a brown face with chiseled features and bold green eyes.
“Good evening, Teo. It’s so good to see you again,” Chloe replied. She stepped forward to kiss his cheek.
“Good evening, ladies.” Teo bowed deeply, a perfect gentleman despite Marcy’s expectations. She swore internally at herself for wanting to stroke the immaculate waves resting over his shoulders.
Holy shit, he’s sexier than I remember. Marcy plastered a smile to her face. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Mr...” Hell, she didn’t know if all dragons had surnames or if Saul was the exception to the rule.
“Arcillanegro. But you may call me Teo, as all my friends do.”
“I see.” Chloe and Marcy exchanged uncertain looks.
“How do you find the island?” Teo asked, aiming the question at them both.
“I didn’t expect the kid stuff, Teo, I have to admit,” Chloe replied. “Astrid is so excited.”
“It made good business sense to expand this resort into a more family-friendly environment. My other will remain as it is. Exclusive.”
He means for rich people, Marcy thought. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes and offered a polite smile instead. “It’s very pretty.”
“Mrs. Drakenstone,” a merry voice called. An older woman with rosy cheeks hurried up to them on unbelievable stiletto heels. “What a pleasure to meet you in person.” Her bright eyes turned to Teo and Marcy as if they were an afterthought. “Teo, when you told me you had invited only the best to participate as donors, I never dreamed the Drakenstones would be present.”
Teo’s flat expression twitched, suppressing the emotion he wanted to display. “I did inform you Mrs. Drakenstone would be among the party attendees, Mrs. Valance.”
“Um, excuse me... You seem to be familiar with me, but I don’t recall meeting you,” Chloe said.
“Cordelia Valance, dear. I knew your husband’s grandfather. We attended a benefit together many years ago. Such a shame to hear he passed.” She sighed, her lovestruck eyes telling Marcy everything she needed to know. The older woman took Chloe by the arm in the fond gesture of close friendship. “Where is he?”
“Where is who, Mrs. Valance?”
“Your husband, young lady.”
“Saul didn’t attend. He, ah, was feeling under the weather, so I’ve come in his stead to support his interests here.” In other words, Saul feared someone would find the striking resemblance between him and his “deceased grandfather” to be more than coincidence.
“Such a shame,” the older woman said. “Well then, I suppose we must become acquainted.”
“But—”
“I insist,” Mrs. Valance said as she hauled Chloe toward another group. The helpless blonde shot an apologetic look to Marcy and was swept away to socialize.
“So...” Marcy sought a topic for conversation when it became apparent Teo planned to stay. He lingered beside her with his characteristic, neutral expression firmly in place. “Your orchids all flourish here. I was telling Chloe I wish I could get mine to grow so large.”
“If you have an interest in botany, then you will certainly enjoy a tour of the hotel’s indoor garden. Shall I show you?” Teo offered his arm.
Marcy froze in place.
Damn Chloe for abandoning me for that pushy broad, she inwardly seethed. Now what?
“Are you afraid to be alone with me?”
The question stiffened her spine. “Absolutely not.”
“Then let us go.”
Marcy shot a look over her shoulder toward Chloe. Her friend was trapped in an awkward conversation about her elusive husband.
“Chloe will survive. They are harmless, if meddlesome mortals,” Teo assured her.
I guess he probably feels the same way about me. He’s stuck playing tour guide since one of his guests stole Chloe.
“Shouldn’t you stay here for your guests? I’d think they would want to rub elbows with the host.”
Teo shook his head. “I will return once it is time to dine. Until then, I am free to socialize with my guests as I please. You are a guest, are you not?”
“I suppose when you put it that way...” With her hand above Teo’s elbow, they walked side by side through the magnificent banquet hall and deeper
into the hotel. Eventually, they reached a set of double doors with gold-trimmed glass windows. Her gentleman escort held one open for her to breeze past him into the humid environment.
Thank God for hairspray, she thought. Self-conscious, she smoothed a hand over her sleek updo and proceeded forward. As if capable of reading her mind, Teo plucked a red hibiscus from the branches dangling overhead and tucked it into her hair, grazing her ear with his warm fingers. Her whole body became hot with sensation.
“Gracias,” she murmured. I won’t be charmed by a damned flower. If he thinks kissing ass with a garden makes up for being a prick five years ago, he has another thing coming.
Teo led the way down a curving path of multihued river stones. Smaller trails branched off toward private nooks in the lush growth.
“Your gardens are beautiful.”
“My workers take the utmost care,” he replied with his usual haughtiness. “As is their job.”
The predictable arrogance crept into his tone. Marcy sighed. “Ah. Well, thank you for showing them to me, but I think I should let you get back to everyone else.”
“I have not shown you the best spot.”
His words intrigued her. “What spot?”
“There.” He gestured with one hand toward a glass wall ten feet away.
Marcy’s mouth fell open when she read the bold print above the translucent door.
“You have a butterfly garden!”
“Indeed. I have cultivated a habitat to sustain over seventy varieties.”
They stepped through two sets of screened doors into the inner habitat. Verdant plants filled the domed space and blossoms in multiple hues scented the air with sweet perfume. Marcy recognized most of the plants, excluding a handful of unfamiliar specimens. She leaned in toward a mossy tree and sniffed one of the strange white flowers dangling from its many vines.
“Ghost orchids,” Teo offered.
“Yes, I know,” she said. “I’ve heard of them, but I’ve only seen pictures. They’re much prettier up close.”
“You like flowers...” he ventured.
Taming the Dragon (Loved by the Dragon, #3) Page 2
