Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“So what did she decide were her wishes?”
“The girl’s eyes sparkled with hope and wonder as she spoke, ‘My first wish is to go home.’”
I nodded, thinking that wasn’t a bad wish at all due to her circumstances.
“The dragon’s eyes softened. ‘And your second wish?’ It was in that moment where she looked around at his vast collection of wealth and showed him her tiny hands, ‘I wish for a small amount of your treasure, just enough to fit in my little hands.’” Lei placed his view back on me. “The dragon chuckled. ‘Very well.’”
“I’m glad he wasn’t mad at that.”
“He knew that those hands would only be able to scoop up a few glittering gold pieces and precious gems. That would change her family’s life forever, but be no loss to him.”
“Perfect.” I quirked my brows. “What was her last wish?”
“Well. . .the girl hesitated, then after a silent minute, she smiled up at the dragon with pure, heartfelt warmth. ‘My last wish is that. . .I wish to be your friend.’”
“That’s a twist.”
“When my mother first told me the story, I was shocked too. I thought she should wish to have the power to fly or be invisible whenever she wanted to.”
I laughed at Lei’s younger thoughts.
Grinning, Lei let out a happy sigh. “Anyway. . .the dragon’s eyes widened in surprise, and then a genuine, deep smile spread across his face. All of his sharp fangs showed. “You have a wise and kind heart, little one. All three of your wishes are granted.”
As Lei finished the story, his eyes met mine. “My mother explained that the little girl saw the value in a friendship with the dragon over greed. She chose a tiny bit of gold, knowing the dragon would never want to give it all away, and she chose returning to her family over any super power he could give her because she understood the true magical power of family.”
“I like that breakdown.”
“I always thought about that story as I grew up, and the more I aged the more I knew that the little girl understood the importance of having a flying, fire-breathing friend who could offer more than just material wealth. He could offer her a future of adventure.”
“That’s true too.”
“In the end, the little girl had the purest intentions—love, decency, and loyalty.”
“I like that.”
“You should because this week, I want to give you three wishes.”
My heart swelled with emotion as I looked into his eyes, feeling the weight of his words, and the promise they held. “Three wishes?”
“Yes,” That sexy gaze was unwavering. “Anything you want. Just like the dragon in the story, I’ll do my best to grant them.”
Slowly, I looked at his towering muscular frame, sliding my gaze up and down and enjoying every delicious detail. “So right now. . .I’m the little girl and you’re the dangerous dragon.”
“And unlike in the story, after you get those wishes. . .I do plan to eat you.”
Desire drummed through me. “Nasty dragon.”
“Very nasty.”
I studied him. “Why are you giving me three wishes?”
“Why are you choosing to rule by my side?”
“Because. . .I want to. . .I need to. . .”
“That’s the same for me. I need to spoil you.”
My heart fluttered. “Three wishes?”
“It could be money. A plane. New car. Shopping spree. Another house.”
“No. . .” I thought of the little girl and how she stood on the treasure looking at that dangerous dragon.
She could have tried to take all of his treasure.
Had she asked, would he have simply ate her up or obliged?
And would it have been worth it to be so greedy to piss off a dragon?
Naw. I’m thankful for this house and this position because. . .with it, I can get my own plane and whatever else I need.
So I thought deeper about those three wishes Lei offered me.
“Alright.” I sighed. “I have my first wish.”
Lei placed his hands in his pocket. “What is it?”
“Your aunts get released within the hour.”
He frowned. “Really? You’re going to use a wish on them?”
“Like the little girl, I choose the return to family.”
“They’re my aunts, not yours.”
“They’ll be my aunts one day.”
His face went from a stoic mask to a look of shock, eyebrows raised and mouth slightly agape. Then, slowly, his expression softened and a small, loving smile spread across his face. “Okay. You’re right. They will be your aunts one day.”
“Glad you’ve come to your senses. Now, please go ahead and text Chen.”
Sighing, he pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Are you sure you don’t want to rethink that first wish?”
“You better get my aunts out of that dungeon.” I scowled at him. “You were bugging with that decision.”
He rolled his eyes and began to text. “I wanted to make sure they never thought about kidnapping you again.”
“They didn’t kidnap me. They brought me here to get answers.”