Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2)(99)

“Don’t worry, I planned on it.”

Rhianna cleared her throat and gave Bryn puppy-dog eyes. Great. She didn’t want to keep secrets from her friend, but what could she do?

“While Bryn speaks to me in private, you may wait in the hall outside my door,” her grandmother said. “I trust you won’t eavesdrop.”

Okay. Her grandmother officially rocked.

“I would never consider such a thing,” Rhianna said.

Valmont marched toward Bryn. Soot streaked his handsome face. Resolution showed in his ice-blue eyes. He appeared tired, determined, and unbelievably hot. Wow. So not the time for her hormones to kick in.

Her knight smiled, like he knew what she was thinking. If the connection between them had resulted in some type of mind meld where he could read her thoughts, she was in trouble.

Rather than stopping in front of her, he kept coming and wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace. She returned the hug and a happy warmth flowed through her veins. Like they belonged together.

“Does this mean you missed me?” She spoke into his chest because she was afraid if she looked up at him, they would be in perfect alignment for a first kiss. A kiss she craved right now, but not in front of her grandmother and the entire town, or what was left of it.

Valmont pressed his lips to the top of her head. “Being away from you made me nervous. Like I was abandoning my post.”

This time she did look up at him. “I’m a post? Because that isn’t a flattering description.”

He laughed. “Sorry. That didn’t come out as I intended. I feel like my place is by your side.”

“I know what you mean.” She reached up and rubbed a streak of soot off his cheek. “Doing battle, facing an enemy together, I think it increased our bond.”

He leaned down and whispered, “If we weren’t in the middle of the street surrounded by people, and your grandmother who is looking at me like I’m a fly she’d like to swat, I’d investigate other ways we could bond.”

Did it matter that they were surrounded by people? Because kissing him sounded like the best idea she’d had in a long time. “You could come back to the estate with us.”

He released her and backed up a step. “Any other time, I’d be happy to join you, but I need to see to my family.”

“Are they all right?”

His eyes darkened. “My grandparents and parents were lucky. They suffered minor burns. My nephews are still unaccounted for.”

Her heart dropped. “Is someone keeping track of who’s missing?”

“A few Green dragons who were dining at Fonzoli’s figured out a system to take roll, using the town business roster and house numbers.”

Good. If anyone could figure this out, the Green dragons could.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Everywhere she looked, buildings smoldered, soot filled the air, and people coughed or cried, hugging their family members close.

“For selfish reasons, I’d like you to stay within arm’s reach. As far as the town goes, I’m not sure where to start.”

“Me either.” Who could she ask? “Come with me.” Taking Valmont’s hand, because she needed to touch him, she approached her grandmother. “I don’t suppose there’s a master plan of where to house the people of Dragon’s Bluff or how to help them after an attack.”

Her grandmother’s brow wrinkled. “I’m not sure. If anyone would know, it would be Mr. Stanton.”

The head of the Green Clan on campus, Mr. Stanton would be the best person to find. Or maybe Miss Enid, the librarian. “Is there any way to contact him?” Bryn asked.

“None. The phone towers and the power station were disabled before the attack.” Valmont gave a bitter laugh. “I wonder if they had Green dragons on their side.”

“Whoever did this, we will find them and they will pay,” her grandmother said. “Once we return home, I’ll call Mr. Stanton and ask if he can be of help. If nothing else, I’m sure he can find a way to restore your phone lines and power.”





Chapter Thirty-Eight


Back at the estate, in her grandmother’s rooms, Bryn explained what happened with her grandfather and what she’d seen.

“There are other crossbred dragons?” Her grandmother shook her head. “How is that possible?”

It was on the tip of Bryn’s tongue to say other people must have hated the arranged marriage laws as much as she did, but she refrained.

Rhianna, who stood just outside the open doorway, laughed. “I know why your mom ran away from Ferrin. I’m trying to figure out who is as obnoxious as he is, and I can’t come up with anyone.”

Bryn laughed. Her grandmother didn’t.

“Sorry.” Time to change the subject. “What did Mr. Stanton say when you called him?”

“He and a dozen of his Clan were going to convene in Dragon’s Bluff within the hour to figure out the best way to help everyone.”

“That’s good.” Bone-tired, Bryn yawned. “I’m not sure if I need to eat or go to bed.”

“I wouldn’t mind some real food.” Rhianna grimaced. “I swear I can still taste cow fur.”

“You’ll adjust to eating in dragon form,” her grandmother said. “Rhianna, I think it’s best if you stayed the night. I’ll inform your parents and have a guest room down the hall from Bryn prepared for you.” Her grandmother yawned. “I believe I’ll turn in for the evening. Bryn, why don’t you have Abigail bring a cart up to your room? I’d rather you weren’t wandering around the mansion with your grandfather in the mood he’s likely to be in when he returns.”