Meghan filed away the last few pieces of documentation. Her desk was still a mess but it couldn’t be helped.

“Are you just about ready?” George asked, already halfway to the door.

Her stomach gave a growl before she could answer and they both laughed. “I’d say that’s a yes,” she said.

“I’d say it’s …”

“Actually, I need to have a word,” Tide spoke from his place on the far side of the room. He was looking at her. When she didn’t reply, he turned to George. “You guys go ahead. We’ll meet you in the dining hall in a couple of minutes.”

“Okay, sure.” George looked hesitant but agreed. “We’ll see you in a few?” He raised his brows, looking at her. It was sweet of him to double-check with her before leaving.

Meghan sighed softly and nodded. What crazy, idiot request did he have for her now?

Ice fell in behind George, they closed the door behind them as they left. “Do I need to sit down?” she asked, turning to face Tide.

“No, it’s nothing like that.” He smiled. “I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been reassigned.”

It took her a few seconds for his words to sink in. “Reassigned?” As in, leaving? No longer her guard? What?

Tide nodded. “Yeah, reassigned. Bay will take over from me, we still need to finalize my replacement and then I’m out of here … out of your hair.”

“Oh, I see.” She widened her eyes. It was weird, she’d grown used to his company. A couple of weeks ago she would’ve been thrilled to see the back of him. Now, she wasn’t so sure.

“I thought you’d jump up and down once you found out.” He was frowning.

“So did I,” she said, simply.

“So,” he folded his arms and gave her a cocky half-smile, “you’re sad to see me go, aren’t you?”

She choked out a laugh. “I wouldn’t go that far. I guess I’m used to having you here, it’s going to be weird not having you around.”

“You’ll miss me, won’t you? Might as well admit it.”

She laughed again, this time rolling her eyes. “No … forget that. You have the biggest head.”

“Yeah, I do.” He gripped his … his cock.

Her mouth went dry and dropped open. The air in her lungs rushed out.

Tide let go of his cock, the outline of which had become easy to see through the thin cotton of his pants. Especially since he was semi-erect. As hard as she tried, she couldn't make herself look away. She really should look elsewhere on account of her making a fool out of herself.

Tide sniffed the air. “Berries and cream. You really shouldn’t look at me like that. You won’t like where it would lead.”

“Maybe I would.” It slipped out and she instantly regretted it. She didn’t try to take it back, how could she when she meant it?

Tide clenched his jaw, his eyes darkened. “You’ll have to trust me then, doc, because you wouldn’t. I know you wouldn’t, so don’t tempt me.”

“Like I could tempt you. You already had me remember?” She smiled, trying to make light of it.

“You’d be wrong on that note, very wrong.” His pale blue gaze was intense. His whole stance was tense. He pushed a breath out through his nose. His words were unexpected. The shock must’ve registered on her face because he quickly added. “Maybe we should talk about something else. Something less dangerous.”

“What’s your new assignment?”

“That’s strictly need to know and you don’t need to know.”

“Fair enough.” It was a reminder. They were nothing to one another.

“We’d better get to lunch.”

“Yes, let’s do that.” The atmosphere had turned from heated to awkward. “Good luck! I know you didn’t really want this assignment, babysitting me. I hope whatever you do next is more exciting.”

“I hope so too, not that I minded this assignment.” He said it like he had no idea where he was going next, which was nuts. What was all of that ‘need to know’ nonsense?

“You said you’ll leave as soon as a replacement is found?” she asked as they walked to the exit.

“Yes.”

“So, tomorrow then? I’m sure there are a ton of guys who are more than capable.”

“No, there aren’t.” His voice held a gravelly edge. “I don’t trust most of them … make that all of them. You are important to my people. Not just the Water dragons, all of us.”

“Hey …” She touched the side of his arm and he sprang away like he’d been burned by her touch. “Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “What is it you wanted to say?”

“Our deal will still stand … after you’re reassigned. I’m not going to jump into bed with anyone, so you can put anyone onto this detail. You just have to trust me, that’s all.”

Tide nodded. “That’s good to know. I do, I just wish I trusted myself.”

“What? Why?” What did he mean by that? She’d pretty much offered him sex just a few minutes ago and he’d turned her down flat. He could trust himself. Maybe he wasn’t talking about trusting himself around her. Maybe he was talking about trusting himself with other women. What then?

“It’s not important.” Tide pushed out a heavy breath. “Let’s get to lunch. They’ll start to wonder where we are soon.” He walked ahead, stopping and waiting for her to catch up. Then he fell in behind her. Resuming his position as her guard and putting an end to their conversation.