Dragon Chains by Grace Goodwin

10

Katy: you better get here soon. please answer me

Katy: this is a nightmare, i’m so sorry. please don’t hate me.

Ryker’s Yacht:

Katy fastened the halter top of her red dress, her cheeks sun-kissed and glowing. They’d spent the whole day on Ryker’s yacht, diving and playing with the dolphins. She’d had such a wonderful time, only the setting of the sun and growling in her stomach could make her come in.

Ryker had stayed by her side the whole day, ignoring phone calls and rearranging his schedule. He’d been considerate and asked her questions about her childhood, listening intently to the answers. Trying to be Emily was becoming harder and harder. She found herself slipping time and again, coaxed into relaxing her guard by Ryker’s charm and good humor.

Ryker came up behind her, tugged playfully on the ends of her hair. “Ready for dinner? I believe the chef has made something special for us tonight.”

Katy turned toward him, placed one hand on his chest. They’d made love several more times, and the guilt was crushing her, but she couldn’t resist him. Her heart ached. Emily should be arriving the next evening. This was her last night with Ryker. She needed to tell him the truth. Needed to talk to Emily. “Dinner sounds lovely.”

Placing her arm in his, she allowed him to escort her to the elegant formal dining area. Candles and soft music greeted them. Ryker seated her at the end of the table, then joined her. The chef immediately came out, along with several uniformed servers. All day long, whatever she’d wanted, they had been right there, waiting on her. She felt like a princess.

“If the signorina is ready, we will start with the first course.”

She nodded. The smells wafting from the covered platters were mouthwatering. She had a good appetite and made no apologies for it. They shared a bottle of hundred-year-old wine. When Katy protested, Ryker just laughed and filled her glass again. Course after course was served. Sweet and spicy hors d'oeuvres followed by succulent fruits, tender meats, and the freshest vegetables. Dessert was just as amazing, with a freshly made cup of gelato.

At last she could eat no more. Drink no more. The day had been absolutely magical.

“Mia Regina, I have something for you.”

“No, no more.” She laughed softly. “Please don’t ask me to eat another bite.”

Ryker took out a small ring box and opened the lid.

Inside was a huge black diamond ring. Katy swallowed. “What is this?”

“This belonged to my mother years ago. It has been handed down for many years. I would like you to accept it.” He slipped the diamond onto her ring finger as a dozen strangers came out with rows upon rows of wedding bands.

“What’s happening, Ryker?”

“Over these past few days, I have discovered that I want you to have this ring, this symbol of the Draquonir line. You have captured my heart. It would mean a great deal to me if you were to wear my family ring.” He waved at the jewelers standing in front of them. “Please, you must select a setting. Choose one that speaks to you.”

Katy looked at the settings, her eyes drawn to a stunning piece that would offset the large black diamond beautifully. Unable to resist, she reached out with a trembling hand and traced the line of sparkling white diamonds with a fingertip. A tear leaked down her face. She couldn’t do this. Could not choose a ring that would be worn by her sister.

She knew which setting Emily would like, a bold, contemporary piece that was sophisticated and geometric in design. Katy preferred the more traditional setting, the design reminded her of a priceless antique, something that a lady would have worn in centuries past. Holding in a sigh, she lifted her hand from the setting and folded both hands neatly behind her back to make sure she did not give in to temptation again. “I-I’m sorry. I can’t do this right now. You must excuse me.”

Katy didn’t wait for an answer. She left the dining room and ran the whole way back to the luxurious room she’d been given.

She soaked her pillow with tears. Life was so unfair. She was a horrible person. She’d fallen in love with her sister’s fiancé. He was irresistible. Sexy. Perfect.

When Ryker knocked quietly, she did not respond. The door opened on silent hinges and he came in. She turned away to hide her tear-streaked face, refusing to look at him. “I’m sorry, Ryker. The rings were beautiful. I guess I’m just tired.”

He crawled onto the bed and pulled her body backward, into the curve of his heat. His arm came to rest around her waist and he kissed the back of her head. “I understand, Mia Regina. Trust me. Everything will be well. At the party, I will introduce you to everyone as my future wife, but the wedding will not be held until you are ready. I give you my word. Nothing matters to me but your happiness.”

Katy sobbed at his words. How was it possible to fall even more in love with a man she already knew she could not keep? She should know better. Resist him.

His heat soaked into her body, addictive as any drug. The soothing strength of him at her back made her feel cherished, adored, protected. The tenderness of his lips in her hair made her want things she should not want.

She wanted to roll over, kiss him and let him make her forget the rest of the world existed. She wanted to tell him the truth. She wanted him to say the things he was saying to her, to Katy, and mean them. She wanted all those things, even though it meant betraying her sister.

The party he spoke of was a ball. Emily had entered it into her schedule as ‘Royal Ball’, so that’s how the event came up on Katy’s calendar. So, she had to be Emily for one more night. Pretend to be his queen, his fiancée, his love, while in reality she was an imposter, lying to them all.

How had she gotten herself into this?

Emily. That’s how. And right there, soaking up the warmth and tenderness of the man who could never be hers, Katy made a vow to herself. Never again. Never. Life or death, emergencies be damned, she was never going to pretend to be her twin sister ever, ever, EVER again.

It hurt too damn much.

He held her for the rest of the night. Near dawn, emotionally exhausted, she drifted into an uneasy asleep.