Koshi Read online

  He appreciated the curve of her calves. She had nice long legs. The kind that could fold around a male’s hips and give him leverage.

  Taking a deep breath, she continued singing with a shaky voice.

  Good girl. He liked her spunk and misguided courage.

  She wanted something badly from him. Of his riches there were quite a few valuable items, but Sandra appeared less and less of a treasure hunter. She wore little gold, except that splendid necklace, and didn’t dress like someone who enjoyed wealth. Nothing about her matched his expectations, which was charming.

  He blinked. The song must have ended.

  She stood staring at him, poised as if ready to jump off the rock. “I–I brought you a gift.” She opened a pad of paper, flipping through the pages, and then held it up for him to view.

  Squinting, he peered at the picture. It was a charcoal sketch. Of him? The drawing depicted him flying in the storm. Grinning, he glanced at her. It wasn’t the same one she’d shown him yesterday afternoon. This picture contained more detail, and skill that almost brought it to life. She’d made a real effort to please him.

  She trembled and one knee gave out a little but she didn’t fall. She straightened. “You don’t like it.”

  He tilted his head to the side and remembered to stop smiling. Mortals always mistook it for a snarl. “No, it’s nice work. Koishi told me that you watched me fly in the storm.”

  She nodded. “Can’t the lightning hurt you?”

  He let loose a snort of laughter. “Sure.” Her curiosity had won over her fear. A good sign. “That’s the point of flying in a storm. There’s not much in this realm that can hurt me. It was quite a flight.”

  “You were thrill-seeking? You’d think guarding the gate would be enough.”

  “It usually is, but I find myself less occupied than usual and searching for…entertainment elsewhere.” He slid his long neck over the rough surface of the ground to circle the flat rock she stood upon. Sandra had an independent streak he didn’t want to squash, and abducting her to his den would probably not win her over. He liked his females willing and eager.

  His human form was considered attractive. The game of seduction always appealed to him, but he’d been immersed in the Asian culture for so long, he wasn’t sure how to proceed with a woman from America. The thought left a fluttery feeling in his empty stomach. How interesting.

  Twisting one way, then the other, she regarded the full length of his body. “You’re much bigger than I expected.”

  “Why else would the gate have chosen me?” He expanded his wings for her inspection. He truly was a splendid specimen. “All the better to fight with.” He enjoyed the way her eyes traveled along his form.

  He drew closer to her and examined his portrait still in her hands. “I will accept this gift, but I fear I may tear it.” He wiggled the claws of his hand. “Give it to Koishi and he’ll bring it to me.”

  “Okay,” she whispered and closed the book, tucking it under her arm.

  “Why have you summoned me, Sandra?”

  She retreated a little. “How do you know my name?”

  Fuck. A dragon face was less expressive than a human one, thank goodness. “I–uh–am the dragon Ishi. I know all that happens on this island. How else am I supposed to protect the Takai Crossing?” That sounded wise. Sort of. His human-self could have mentioned her to his dragon-self, right?

  “I was told you owned a saji.”

  His lungs burned, since he seemed to have forgotten how to breathe. Who had shared that information? It wasn’t the most powerful item he owned, but somehow she knew exactly what was in his hoard.

  She stood as if turned to stone. “I’d like to use it.” Clearing her throat, she met his gaze. “Please.”

  Just like that? Trade a hand-drawn picture for the use of his supposedly-secret magical item? Either she truly was incredibly naive, or the most intelligent thief he’d ever met, because he had half a heart to say yes. He leaned on his elbows and brought his head level with hers. She smelled of truth, and he snorted the disturbing scent from his nostrils. This left him little choice. His honor demanded the trade.

  Magic didn’t exist in Inverness, but some magical items could be charged in Outremer and used here. He owned a few and a saji was among them. He didn’t lend things, though. That was so pedestrian. “I don’t–”

  “I have some money. I could rent it.” She swallowed visibly. “Maybe.”

  He leaned in closer until his nose almost touched her. “Rent?” The question was all he could manage while attraction and insult warred inside his heart. One didn’t rent things from a dragon. They stole or traded or tricked it from him.

  She stepped away, but her ankle twisted and she fell to her knees. Her gaze traveled up to his. “Yes.” Her answer came out soft as breath.

  Gently, he snaked his tail around her waist and lifted her. “How would I know you’d return with it?” He watched the twinkle of sunlight dance upon her golden necklace. It sparkled with an intense sense of personal attachment. That made precious metal extra appealing. The love ebbing from it almost made his teeth ache. “I’d rather make a trade.”

  “I don’t own much.”

  “I like your necklace.” He never did use the saji. It wasn’t a weapon or anything practical. All the thing did was heal. Her piece of jewelry, on the other hand, drew him like a mother’s embrace–warm and soothing, offering him the acceptance his real mother never had. He didn’t own anything that ebbed love as this necklace did. It would be…novel.

  Her hand strayed to her neck and she traced the chain with her fingertip. “It belonged to my mother. My father gave it to her when they first met as a token of his love. It’s all I have left of them.”

  “That explains a few things.” He held out a claw.

  Staring at his hand, her eyes took on a faraway look as if she fought an internal battle. “Fine.” She undid the clasp and held it out. “It’s only a piece of jewelry.”

  Before he hooked the necklace with his claw, a familiar tug yanked at his soul. He hissed and blinked. The gate shone before him with five goblins standing on the wrong side of it. Fuck a duck, he’d been transported from Sandra before he could get the necklace.

  He roared. The sound shook the cave walls and made the pebbles on the floor jig. “This is not your lucky day, boys.” He stabbed the first goblin through the chest with the tip of his tail.

  Damn it, he’d been so close to holding that necklace. He bit the head off a screeching goblin as it ran back toward the gate. If they had only waited another minute to cross, he would have had it. He deflected a sword strike with his claws, disarmed the creature and stabbed it with the weapon.

  One would think the pile of bones and decaying bodies he left at the mouth of the gate on the Outremer side would be a cause for concern before crossing. But no, they kept trying. He stepped on the next one until it popped underfoot.

  The last one made it back through the gate.

  He huffed and shook the body from his tail. What a mess. He couldn’t hunt Sandra before she changed her mind like this. The stench of rotting goblin was hard to clean off the skin. He had learned that the hard way in his youth, trying to court the local fairy princess. Twisting around, he spotted Urgle watching from his chained post in the other room.

  Stomping across the area toward his new pet, he shifted to his human form. He grabbed a leather collar from his worktable and waved a hand over it while speaking a few magic words. Goblins, as a whole, were stupid. Urgle probably wouldn’t realize magic didn’t work here. He exchanged the metal collar for the leather one and set the goblin free from the chain. “The spell I cast on this collar will make your head explode if you leave my lair or touch my treasure.”

  The goblin nodded and fell to his knees. “And if I went through the gate?”

  “Well, I’d be summoned, then I’d make your head explode. Do we have an understanding?”

  “Yes, Master.”

  “Toss
those bodies through the gate immediately, then clean the place.” This display of bloody carnage would keep Urgle in line for a few days. While the goblin took care of the mess, he could shower a few times and then find Sandra.

  Chapter 5

  Sandra stared out at the ocean, a half-empty bottle of sake resting on her lap. The first few sips tasted like dirty sock water and burned her throat like battery acid, but after a few more swallows it went down easier. Her sore feet, resting on the balcony railing, hurt a whole lot less.

  Twirling the necklace hanging from her throat around her finger, she tried to focus on the crash of the waves and not on the events of this afternoon. Metal bit into her flesh, cutting circulation in her finger, and she let the chain unwind once more.

  Damn Ishi for vanishing. What should she do now? In the morning, she’d have to hike the volcano and sing another flipping song. This time he’d hear her hearty rendition of Pop Goes the Weasel. Maybe she’d throw in the hand movements with it. She giggled and took another gulp of liquid fire.

  The last of the sun’s rays crested the horizon. She’d been on this island for twenty-four hours and done things she’d never considered trying. She’d taken a ride from a handsome stranger, met a dragon, then watched him vanish in thin air, and gotten drunk on sake. A nice adventure for a girl from Crab Apple, but she wasn’t here for fun. She’d almost refused his offer before she’d recalled the reality of Beth’s illness.

  Someone knocked on her hotel door. She glanced over her shoulder and sighed. The soft chair, the cool ocean breeze and the sunset had her reluctant to leave her spot. “Go away,” she shouted at the housekeeping.

  The pounding returned. “Sandra?”

  She jolted from the chair at the familiar voice, the bottle slipping from her numb fingers and crashing onto the balcony floor. “Koishi?” She stared at the door, unable to move yet. Had Ishi sent him, or was he here to see her on his own volition? She couldn’t decide which would please her more.

  “Do you plan on opening the door?”

  Smoothing her hair and straightening her dress, she tiptoed around the broken bottle on wobbly legs to let him in. She swung the door open, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. “What are you doing here?” He wore a crisp, button-down white shirt and khaki pants with his black hair combed to perfection. He’d been handsome yesterday in his farming jeans and t-shirt. Tonight he was edible. Or was that the sake talking?

  He gave her a slow, inviting smile. “You’ve been drinking.”

  “Just a little.” She pointed to the now broken sake bottle lying on its side on the balcony. The remaining contents had spilled on the concrete flooring.

  “Sure.” He stepped past her and circled her room. “Nice view.” Finishing his short tour, he held out his hand and fixed her with a stare. “I came for Ishi’s necklace.”

  She clasped it within her hands, disappointment dragging its red claws over her silly hopes. Why would someone as handsome as Koishi be paying her a visit unless forced by a dragon? “What happened to him? One minute he was making me a deal, then he vanished.”

  His smile turned feral for a fleeting moment. “The gate called him. There was an incursion onto this realm that he needed to…squash.”

  Her stomach clenched. “Is he all right?” While she’d been wallowing in self-pity and sake, Ishi had been defending the world.

  Koishi’s eyes widened. “Uh, he’s fine.” He rubbed his jaw and flinched.

  She looked closer and noticed a purpling bruise. “You’re not! Were you part of the fight as well?” She hurried to the bathroom and soaked a facecloth in cold water.

  He trailed behind her. “What are you doing?” Raising his hands, he retreated as she held the wet cloth to his face.

  “Don’t be a baby. The cold will help the swelling.” She followed his retreating form until the bed caught behind his knee and he ended by sitting on its edge. His legs were spread open and she stepped within the space. Pressing the cloth to his injury, she was suddenly aware of the heat emanating between them.

  He leaned in close. Too close. Close enough for her to notice how dark his eyes had grown.

  “Don’t bother telling me you didn’t help.” Her voice had grown low and husky.

  “I won’t.” Amusement twinkled in his dark stare. “But I’m fine as well.” Placing his hand over hers, he removed the cold compress. “Your concern is considerate.”

  She licked her dry lips and noticed his gaze tracking the movement with intense interest. “Tell me about it.”

  He chuckled. “Goblins have been trying to take over this island for as long as he, Ishi, has been guarding the gate. It’s been unusually quiet until today. Some dwarves have been stirring trouble on the other side and driving the goblins through.”

  The world tilted to the side and a wave of heat spread over her body. “Dwarves?” What would have happened if the dragon hadn’t stopped them? She blinked at the concerned expression on Koishi’s blurry face. A hand slipped under her elbow and guided her to the bed. “As in Snow White?”

  “Sit.” He knelt and took the compress from her hand and ran it over her forehead. “No, more like chop-your-head-off-and-steal-your-gold. When was the last time you ate?”

  “Dwarves?” She couldn’t pull her gaze from his. So dark and intense, his eyes ate at her soul.

  “Yes.” He nodded and slid the cloth to the back of her neck. “Breathe slower, Sandra. Easy, it’s safe. All the gates are guarded well. Ishi wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

  “He wouldn’t?”

  “You still have a trade to make.”

  She shook her head. “I never knew about all this stuff until a few days ago. It’s a lot to take in.”

  “Most mortals don’t understand and I think, after watching your reaction, it’s best they remain in the dark.”

  “Mortals?” She raised an eyebrow and took a deep, settling breath. “That’s an odd word to use. Are you from Outremer?”

  “No, I’m from here. I meant to say humans, but Ishi calls us mortals. It rubs off when you hear it enough.” He cleared his throat. “You never answered my question.”

  “You asked me something?” She rubbed her clearing head. The booze hadn’t helped with the shock.

  “When did you last eat?”

  “This morning. I was too upset to eat after Ishi disappeared.” The cold of the cloth felt good against her skin. So did Koishi’s confident hands.

  “Let me buy you dinner.” He helped her rise and paused, his lips close to hers. “Why did his leaving upset you?”

  “We never finished the deal.”

  He nodded and stepped away. “That’s why he sent me. I’ll bring him the necklace. Tomorrow he’ll meet you at the rock and give you the saji.”

  “Just like that?”

  “What were you expecting?”

  She shrugged. More of a struggle, or a fight to make the deal? Maybe the saji didn’t work and he was swindling her. She didn’t have much of a choice at this point. It was her only hope. “Koishi.” She took his hand. “Can I trust him?”

  “With the deal? Yes. With your virtue?” He laughed. The low, smooth sound caressed her with unspoken promise. She seriously doubted a dragon would care for her virtue, but she wasn’t sure about Koishi.

  “My virtue was compromised a long time ago to a smooth-talking senior in high school.” She released Koishi’s hand.

  * * * *

  The loss of her touch left his palm cold and wanting. When was the last time he’d spent so much time talking to a female? The late 1920s? Geishas shouldn’t count. They’d been paid to spend time with him.

  The life of a gatekeeper’s lover wasn’t glamorous. Mortal women were entertaining to a certain extent, naked and in his bed, but their needs and wants never had anything in common with his. It left a lack of conversation or growth in a relationship. On the other hand, supernatural females came on occasion, with their sharp wit and high demands, but none stayed. This world held
nothing of interest to them, not even him, and the journey through Outremer to his gate was a dangerous one.

  He was trapped and alone. Battle his only true companion, death his only release.

  “Enough worry for one night.” All this concern for a saji? He kept his gaze on his new toy. She really had brightened his last two days. It deserved some kind of reward. “I know the best sushi place on the island.” Maybe after a little more sake, he’d find out what her trip to his home was truly about. No one would travel halfway around the world to confront a dragon for a little healing magic. His treasure room contained much more valuable trinkets. This had to be a trick.

  She made a sour face. “I don’t think I can eat raw fish.”

  Grunting, he shook his head. “Sushi is a delicacy, not raw fish. First, you must try it, then you can give me your opinion.” He took her hand once more, pleased at how comfortable she seemed with the gesture, and led her out.

  The restaurant was within walking distance and the evening still held some of the day’s warmth. He didn’t release his hold on her and soaked in the amicable silence. Glancing over his shoulder, he halted at Sandra’s grim expression. “What?”

  “Why are you being so nice?”

  “Is it against the law?” He kept from laughing as she considered the idea.

  “You were such a jerk when we first met.”

  “I gave you a ride. How was that being a jerk?”

  “You charged me.” She scowled at him, but didn’t yank her hand from his. Such a contrary and spirited creature, in comparison to everyone he had contact with.

  “You dared me to give kindness a try.” He tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear as an excuse to touch her more. Reaching inside his pocket, he pulled out the silver earrings she’d paid him to drive her. “I will start with this. And dinner.”

  The small twitch at the corner of her lip told him he’d won. It was good thing he’d thought to bring the earrings. “We’ll see if I like sushi first before you can add it to your list of good deeds.”

  Setting the hoops on her outstretched palm, he chuckled. “It’s amazing what the world will reveal if you keep an open mind.” Oddly, he was applying that philosophy to himself. Should a gatekeeper show kindness? Mercy could lead to devastating consequences. Then again, it was only a set of poorly made earrings and dinner.