Page 50 of Feathers and Scales

“Can you even read Dragonian?”

“No, but it shouldn’t take long.”

“Shouldn’t take long?” Mrs. Renly laughed.

Izzy pushed her glasses farther onto her nose, readjusting her bag. “Before we begin—” She looked past Mrs. Renly to Heather, who had also moved around the desk. “Can I try your divine tea?”

Heather’s mouth slackened. “How did…?”

“Your pants are still damp.” Izzy pointed toward Heather’s legs. The denim appeared a shade darker on her knees and shins.

What an odd detail to comment on.

“What does that mean about my tea?” Heather giggled nervously, not used to being the center of attention.

“The dampness in the greenhouse suggests the automatic sprinklers went off not too long ago. Because your pants are damp only in the front, you must have been kneeling on the wet ground. They also aren’t muddy, so I’m guessing you kneeled on a heavy patch of grass.”

Makes sense, but where are you going with this, smarty?

Izzy waved toward the conservatory. “The only grassy area is near an assortment of mint, spearmint, lemon verbena, lemongrass, and camellia. All the perfect ingredients for tea. And how do I know it’s divine? Why would you keep your teapot on the table behind your desk when there’s space free on the counter where you placed the coffeepot?”

She pointed to the hutch and continued, “You grew tired of people stealing your tea even when there’s coffee. It’s either the coffee is unpleasant, or your tea is lovely. I’m counting on the latter, because I assume you’re the one who makes the brew with fresh beans.”

Silence followed her explanation. A drunken grin played on Daxton’s lips. Izzy’s know-it-all demeanor intoxicated him. If his dragon could purr, it would have.

Keiran cleared his throat. “I believe I heard a compliment in there.”

“Oh, well…” Heather sputtered. “Yes. But—”

“My apologies,” Izzy said. “Social courtesies are not my forte. I’m observant and make quick deductions.” She glanced at Mrs. Renly. “But I do promise I’m a good student. My mind sticks to a path and tends not to sway, so learning a new language will take no time.”

Simon’s departing words rang in Daxton’s head.She doesn’t think about needing nutrition or sleep.It sounded like she spent more time out of her body than in it.

I hope that’s not the case. Humanity is too precious to waste.

“I guess we’ll see,” Mrs. Renly said. “Oh, I have to go get Maximus, my dog. He’s outside.”

“Maybe he can keep me company?” Izzy said. “Then these two gentlemen won’t feel the need to brood over my shoulder.”

He marked down her liking of dogs and ignored the latter part.

“You might just be in luck.” Mrs. Renly smiled at Izzy before scurrying past the group. Her pointed glance at Daxton warned him to behave when she passed.

Izzy turned and knocked the breath out of him again.

“You’re so…” Daxton’s voice ceased, his throat raw from his beast clawing out his words. His blood coursed through his veins with wild abandon. He wanted to kiss her senseless.

“Brilliant,” Keiran said.

Izzy’s cheeks flushed pink.

True. But not quite the right word.“Sexy,” Daxton said.

Her skin reddened. He loved her blushing face. It softened her eyes and added lively dimensions to her facial features. She hobbled to the desk, set her luggage down, and rubbed the shoulder where the strap had been.

His hands fisted, wanting to feel her soft skin. “Tell us another deduction.”

Her spine straightened as if she would defy him. She meandered to the window overlooking the garden. “The probability of you receiving a call increases with every passing minute.”