Dragon Chains by Grace Goodwin
8
Katy: where are you?
Katy: Em, this is serious.
Katy: damn it. answer me!
2:00 p.m.
Katy stared, her eyes big, round saucers. In the center of the helipad was the most advanced private helicopter she’d ever seen. Black and sleek, the chopper had a large three-blade rotor, and a smaller, partially covered rotor at the tail. Other than the door, she couldn’t see any bolts or hinges. The entire body was made from one large piece of metal rather than many smaller pieces that would have to be joined together. The landing gear was retractable like a jet, and the entire top was transparent. Anyone riding inside would have an amazing view. She was no expert, but if anyone were to ask her, she would have said it belonged in a sci-fi movie.
She didn’t need to hear Ryker’s deep voice to know he’d come up behind her. His intoxicating scent surrounded her like a warm blanket in a storm before he ever said a word. There was something wild, untamed about it that sent her libido into overdrive. Still, she refused to give in to her body’s weakness. Her desire. Instead, she squared her shoulders and proceeded to ignore him. He’s Emily’s problem now. He lied. Tried to manipulate Emily and the contract. Don’t let his sexy voice or his bedroom eyes ever fool you again.
“It’s the first of its kind outside of the prototype models we tested last year. Have you ever ridden in a helicopter?” He shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his perfectly tailored slacks.
Finally, she turned to face him. “I was told to be here, so I’m here,” she said with a fake smile, torn between pretending to be her carefree sister and still angry with Ryker. Angry with herself. “What now?”
When Ryker didn’t respond, she looked back over her shoulder toward the helicopter. She could look at anything but him. She was conflicted and didn’t much care if he knew. She’d signed Emily’s contract. The original, so she could breathe easy about that part at least, but last night was different. Last night was personal. She bit her lip, racked with guilt.
“There are many things I want, Mia Regina. For now, I would like to take you on an outing.”
As they stood there, the blades on the helicopter began to rotate. The gentle breeze created by the spinning rotors became a roaring wind. Katy’s braid was unrecognizable, loosened hair whipping in the wind. She braced herself against the miniature cyclone created by the rotors, one leg pushed back, her head and upper body bent slightly forward.
She squeezed her eyes shut just as Ryker took her small hand in his much larger one and pulled her into the shelter of his arms. She fit perfectly under one shoulder. Together they ran to the helicopter, the door held open by the pilot.
The interior surprised Katy as much as the exterior. Pure luxury. Four seats, two on each side, with drink consoles in between, made the inside look more like the interior of a limousine than a helicopter. Katy sat gingerly; afraid she would scuff the beautiful, buttery soft white leather.
Before she could buckle, Ryker took the belt, his strong hands grazing her skin as he adjusted the strap. One knuckle brushed the side of her breast. Katy hissed, her body reacting to the accidental touch. His hand froze. She looked into Ryker’s face, her eyes captured by his hungry gaze.
Katy’s nose flared. Breathe. “Are you trying to seduce me again?”
“Would that be such a bad thing?” he murmured huskily. “I won’t pretend I don’t want you.”
Katy wrapped her hand loosely over his wrist and pushed his hand gently away. She had to remember she was supposed to be Emily. She had no idea what their relationship was supposed to be like and had no idea how to proceed. She couldn’t betray her sister again. Remember the twin-swapping rules. Don’t say anything about Emily that isn’t true.
“Please, Ryker, I’ve been working in Alaska for weeks. I know it sounds crazy, especially after last night, but it feels like I just met you. Like we don’t really know each other anymore. I just need a little time. In a few days I’m sure I’ll be my old self again. Besides, I’m still a little irritated that you tried to change the contract at the last minute. I really hate surprises if I’m not the one orchestrating them.”
Ryker nodded, then eased into the seat next to Katy and buckled, He smiled slowly, unaware of how boyish and charming he looked. “You are right, Mia Regina. I should not have tried to change the contract without consulting you first. I betrayed your trust, and for that I am very sorry. It is, indeed, like we hardly know each other. I propose we start over. We can treat today as if this is our first date. Take things slowly. You can get to know me. Learn to trust me again. Would that suit you better?”
“I…” She paused, not knowing how to answer. Had he just handed her the perfect solution? “And no sex?”
He laughed, leaned forward in his seat, and said with a wink, “I can resist if you can.”
Katy let out the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding. “Then yes, that would suit me just fine.”
The pilot finished the preflight check, and they rose into the air. Ryker grinned, his eyes full of male satisfaction.
The helicopter flew low over the water, close to the cliffs. The view was spectacular. She could see miles of coastline. Down below a pod of bottlenose dolphins jumped and frolicked in the blue waves. She covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes glued to the scene. She’d always wanted to see real dolphins. What an unexpected gift.
“I see you have spotted our bottlenose dolphins. They are amazing creatures. If you would like, I will arrange a diving trip from the yacht tomorrow or snorkeling if you prefer.”
She turned back to Ryker, her eyes misty. Their eyes met. Held.
Oh dear, what have I just gotten myself into?
