His heart lurched. Hearing her say that she couldn’t fly, feeling all the fight go out of her, made his stomach roll. He sensed her pain as his own.

She was a proud warrior, a leader of her clan. He didn’t like seeing her vulnerable.

He leaned toward her. “We’ll take my boat.”

She moved her body away from him and lifted her shoulders to hide her neck.

His lion wanted to go to her and comfort her.

He wasn’t sure she’d appreciate it.

Besides, he had to bide his time. He needed to lure her in, wait for her to come to him.

He turned to Leana. “The rest of you should stay and protect the city. Make sure the Elysians don’t hurt anyone else.”

He was going to rescue his sister and make sure no one had to face what he was going through now.

“You are strong, Cain, but Tibor is ruthless. He is power-hungry and strong enough to break through a dragon shifter’s shield.” Hope’s gaze darted from Eve to Cain. “Hurry before they break her completely.”

Fear coiled in his chest. “I must leave right away.” He raised his shoulders, his movements restless.

“Come back safe.” Leana clasped her hands together in front of her. “The monsoon is upon us, and the seas will be rough.” Her lips twisted.

Warmth suffused him. The mayor cared for him and his sister. She was worried about him. He was still getting used to that feeling.

Cain raised his palm, faceup. “I stowed away on a boat that brought me from Namibia to Bombay. It’s made me an expert at weathering rough seas.” Letting his hand drop to his side, he strode to the door.

Eve was right behind him.

Walking out of the building, they crossed the courtyard.

Cain headed for his room in silence. His skin tingled. He sensed the tension thrumming between them but he wasn’t going to be the first to break it.

“So, are you going to be the tall, brooding presence who doesn’t speak to me at all during this trip? In which case, it’s going to make the journey very uncomfortable.”

He lengthened his stride.

She had to run to keep up with him.

Drawing close, she grabbed his arm, her nails digging into his muscles. He came to a stop so suddenly she thudded into him. The feel of her skin against him sent a shiver of heat straight to his groin. He glanced down at her hand.

She let go, holding her hands up. “So I’ve been acting like a bit of a princess.”

He placed his hands on his hips, legs planted wide.

She blew out a breath that raised the hair over her forehead. “You haven’t been particularly easy to be with, either. You’ve been overbearing, protective, dominant…”

He narrowed his gaze. He wasn’t going to make this easy for her.

The tendons of her throat trembled as she swallowed. “Okay, that was a pathetic apology. I haven’t had much practice.” She laughed. The sound came out weak.

Something inside him flickered to life. Something simple and basic, something he’d forgotten even existed. His lion paced.

The beast wanted him to go to her, to gather her close and soothe her.

Cain clasped his arms behind his back.

“It’s clear we are attracted to each other.” She looked down at her feet. “My dragon reacts to you when you are near.” Her teeth gnawed at her lower lip.

The flesh glistened. He wanted to trace the shape of her mouth. He could still feel her lips on his. He knew she tasted of honey and cinnamon.

He wanted more, much more. The thought sent a pulse of guilt racing through him. Serena was being held by a monster. She was being tortured and in pain even as he was fixated by this dragon shifter.

He wasn’t going to let Eve take over his emotions. Wasn’t going to let his lion drive his reaction. “My sister needs me. She’s my priority. I’d give my life for her.”

She gripped her hands together in front of her. “If I could fly, I’d take you there in half the time, but given that my dragon is not awake, we don’t have a choice but to put up with each other on this journey.” Her movements were jerky. “You need my psychic shield to deflect the Elysian’s mind control. I need to do this to repay my debt to you.”

Cain scratched his jaw, forcing all expression from his face.

She shifted her weight from one leg to the other. “We’ll keep this business.” She looked at a point beyond his shoulders. “A signal to the Elysians that the dragons and the Council are working together.”

As if it would ever be just ‘business’ between them. Still, he could pretend.

“You’re a powerful dragon shifter, but you also have a delicate ego. You’re too used to people agreeing to everything you say.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “If you come with me, you have to pull your weight.”

“Partners.” She held out a hand.

He hesitated. Should he take the risk of touching her again? Fact was, despite everything, he still found her intriguing. She was the very first woman who was able to stand up to him.

If the two of them were to start butting heads, it could endanger his sister’s life. But she was also the best chance he had of saving Serena.

His chest heaved on a long exhale. “Agreed.” He turned to brush past her. “I’ll meet you at the pier in half an hour.”

Her shoulders slumped.

That was a deliberate brush-off, and she’d caught it. He’d hurt her. His lion pushed against his skin, telling him he needn’t be this cruel.

The man he was knew he needed to keep distance between them.