Free Taming the Dragon (Loved by the Dragon, #3) by Vivienne Savage Page A

Dynasty ewer for nearly three million. Teo’s charity would be off to an amazing start. The two friends spent another hour mingling before they headed back to their suite, arms linked. Marcy had filled her tummy with fancy appetizers and had a pleasant buzz.
    “They have the best chocolate martinis here,” Marcy mumbled as they kicked their strappy heels aside and flopped onto the sofa to rest. Her feet ached from the time spent socializing with wealthy business moguls, but she’d ended up passing out her business card to a few Los Angeles executives.
    “Running my mouth so long exhausted me. I’m gonna crawl into bed next to Nuri and Astrid. Mahasti’s coming for us at 3 PM, so there’s time to hit any last minute attractions if we want.”
    “I know, I know. I think I’m attraction’ed out though.”
    Once Chloe had gone to bed, Marcy took her birthday gift to the mirror and opened the box. The necklace gleamed against her naturally bronzed skin tone, the brilliant ruby as lovely in person as it was in photos.
    A folded piece of cream colored paper fell from the lid as she put it away.
    Marcy,
    I would like to meet you at the Surf N’ Turf Cafe at noon for lunch. If you choose not to come, I will understand, but I ask you to grant me this chance to make amends for my poor behavior.
    Teo
    Marcy wadded the paper and tossed it into the trash. A few minutes later, she fished it out the can and smoothed it flat again.
    “Noon, huh?”
    Would it hurt to hear him out? There was only one way to find out.

Chapter 8
    M arcy lingered in the cafe’s doorway, half hidden behind a hibiscus tree. Everywhere she turned on the island there were flowers, whether planted in vibrant pots or growing wild. It was her favorite part of the resort.
    The dragon sat alone at a table for two, his spine erect and features stern. He didn’t resemble the jovial figure who laughed and granted her a personal tour of the island’s untamed wilderness. The memory of their stroll through the floral growth gave Marcy cause to linger and observe him quietly.
    She had yet to see Teo in anything unflattering. His casual khakis and unbuttoned powder blue shirt struck her as more laidback than the dragon they clothed. From afar, she admired the brown strip of skin between both halves of the open shirt, as well as the way shafts of yellow sun highlighted his high cheekbones. He appeared lost in his own world, gazing through the window with a concerned expression on his face.
    “Penny for your thoughts?” she asked as she approached.
    Teo rose smoothly from his seat. “You came.”
    “You invited me,” Marcy countered.
    Pulling out her chair like a proper gentleman, Teo ensured Marcy’s comfort before retaking his own seat. “Would you like something to eat? The scallops were pulled from the water this morning.”
    “Teo. It’s a cafe. I came for coffee and a brief talk, not more rich people scallops.” Her belly rumbled a second later in defiance of her statement. “Okay... I’d like the scallops,” she recanted. They were as addictive as cocaine.
    A crook of his finger summoned a waiter in an instant. Teo relayed the order for the both of them then dismissed the server.
    “Okay so...” Cut to the chase, girl, Marcy chided herself. An afternoon of amazing, jaw-dropping sex didn’t mean anything. “Do you plan to tell me why I’m here?”
    “I owe you an apology for my behavior. As I mentioned in the note, there is no excuse for how I spoke to you. I was angry, and the violation of my trust hindered my judgment. I ask you to forgive me,” Teo said.
    “I... I guess if someone stole so much from me, I’d rant and rave a little too. But you were being an asshole before then,” Marcy pointed out.
    “Yes. I was. I had many things in my thoughts. I am a quiet thinker, Marcy, and do not often voice what is on my mind.” He leaned forward and reached to take her hand across the table. His voice lowered, the next statement for her ears