Dragon's Touch (Book 1 Linty Dragon Series) by J.M Griffin, Kristina Paglio Read Free Book Online

would have whiskey.” Mrs. Douglas snickered at the idea of Gran drinking whiskey and dried her hands on the towel I offered.
    The job done, I sauntered into the foyer when a sharp rap sounded on the door. I peeked through the window panes and drew a breath. Dad had arrived, along with Uncles Charles, and Aunt Elizabeth. None of them looked happy. Oh, boy.
    I bade them enter, stood on tiptoes to kiss my father’s cheek as he stepped inside and saw his blue-eyed wink when he glanced at me. A tall, handsome man, Dad and Uncle Charles didn’t have much in common in the looks department, and were different as day and night. If I were a stranger, I wouldn’t believe they were even related, and smiled at the thought.
    Tentatively, I said, “You three are up early. Have you eaten?”
    Three heads turned in my direction and they all nodded at the same time. I held back a grin and asked, “Did you all stay at the inn?”
    My father took the opportunity to speak before Uncle Charles could start complaining. The grumpy look on my uncle’s face told me he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep after all.
    “I got in around midnight, your aunt and uncle were already tucked in for the night, and I met another person who ambled in shortly after I did. A Mr. Vaughn, he said his name was. The innkeeper had a busy time of it, especially as it’s still off-season. How are you managing, Linty?”
    “It was quite a shock to find Gran had gone before I arrived. It was great to get a decent night’s sleep, though you should have come here instead of stopping at the inn, Dad.”
    “I wasn’t sure if you were asleep or not and didn’t want to disturb you. I realize you must have lingering jetlag.” Dad put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a gentle squeeze. Unused to affection from him, I gently moved away and invited the trio into the living room.
    A rattle of cups, and a greeting preceded Mrs. Douglas, who wheeled a wooden tea cart loaded with a coffee carafe, cups, and pastries, through the doorway.  “Here you go, a light repast for you.”
    She glanced at the family members and abruptly turned toward the kitchen to make a fast getaway. I grinned, knowing she didn’t care for my aunt and uncle. I made my way to the cart and began serving them.
    Uncle Charles tittered cheerfully while he polished off three pastries, two cups of coffee, and was about to select another delicacy when there was a knock on the door. He glanced up, a look of curiosity on his features. I excused myself and went to see who it was.
    My mouth must have hung open over the fact that two unlikelier men would arrive together. Cullen Vaughn placed a fingertip under my chin and eased my mouth shut. His face held no smile, though his eyes twinkled with what I thought was humor. Alongside him stood a cold-faced, stiff-backed, Mr. Smythe. The two men measured one another and then gave me the once-over before they endeavored to enter the house at the same time. Finally, Vaughn stood back and said, “After you.” For which he received a haughty glare from Smythe. It was as though I’d entered a weird zone and wondered how bad things would get. The whole gang was here, and I dreaded what might be in store for me next.
    As the group mingled, words of sympathy passed to and fro, and Uncle Charles took stock of the attorney and Cullen Vaughn. His gaze lingered on Vaughn a moment or two before his attention returned to the refreshment table. I held back a grin, but not soon enough. Vaughn saw everything and didn’t miss my humor over the fact that my uncle was a glutton. While the others chatted, I slipped into the kitchen and asked if there were more pastries to be had.
    Mrs. Douglas chortled, said she’d be right in, and mentioned how Uncle Charles had always been the sweets lover of the family. I thanked her, and returned to a full-blown, heated argument between Charles and my father.
    “You don’t deserve this place, or any of its belongings,” Uncle Charles