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“I’m sorry if this is upsetting. I’ve discussed it with Ebony, and we think we’ve worked out a solution. But you need to be totally comfortable with it.” He stopped pacing and huffed a sigh.
“Go on, Ethan.”
“We will need to look like we’re sharing the same room. In reality, I’ll sleep on a pull-out bed in my dressing room, one that can easily be folded up if the authorities arrive.” He cleared his throat. “You will need to leave your belongings in the bathroom, your toiletries and such, and put your clothes in the closet.”
“I see.”
“I’m really sorry, Min.” He was looking so apologetic now, she couldn’t bear it.
“Really, Ethan, It’s fine.”
More than fine, truth be told. Her whole body was fizzing and popping at the thought of being in such close proximity.
“Of course, I’ll pay you more for having to do this,” he muttered.
“You will do no such thing.” She went over and stood right in front of him, flicking her hair almost angrily. Yes, she actually felt angry with him. She didn’t know why exactly, but it felt like he was insulting her, treating her like she was just a service, when…
When what Min, exactly?
His mouth twisted. “Min, I need to at least compensate you for…”
“It’s not all about money, Ethan. I like you and your family; I feel an affinity with you. Maybe because we’re both trying to fulfil our fathers’ dreams… I don’t know, but I just do. And I totally agree with the principle that monsters should be allowed to buy human-owned land without all these stupid shenanigans. I just feel bad for being part of this human shitshow. I even feel bad for my heritage?—”
“How do you mean?”
“Oh, you know.” Now it was Min’s turn to pace, and his to watch her intently. “The Westwind name and the suffering Colonel Westwind perpetrated on monsters.”
He shook his head. “That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s not. I feel ashamed every time I have to say or write my name around monster kind.”
“Min, for the gods’ sake, my ancestors probably killed a fair few humans in their time. You can’t feel guilty for what Colonel Westwind did two hundred years ago. I mean, look what your father achieved, what you’re doing now…”
“It’s not enough. We humans did something to stop dragons from shifting.”
“There’s no proof of that, Min.”
“That’s because you had to burn all your books.” She slumped on the bed, feeling utterly wretched.
“Min, why are we arguing?” His voice cut through her angst, and she looked up at him in surprise.
“Are we?”
He laughed at that, ruffling a hand over the scales on his head. “I don’t know. Feels a bit like we are.”
“Oh.”
“We’re almost behaving like…” He stopped abruptly.
Min cocked her head, her eyes questioning him. “Like…”
“A married couple.” He grinned sheepishly and she found a smile shaping her own mouth.
“Ethan, I guess I just went off on a tangent, but what I really meant to say is I’m fine with sharing a room with you. Honestly, you’ve been an absolute gentleman and I know we can work this out. Also, I own very modest nightwear.”
His smile widened. “Oh yeah, the unicorn pajamas.”
Now they were both grinning, rather stupidly. “I’ll just pretend you’re Gingerbread,” Min said.
