‘‘Dragon etiquette demands that mates be treated with the utmost respect in public,’’ Gabriel said solemnly. ‘‘Excessive shows of affection are frowned on when in the company of other dragons.’’

Gabriel’s words might have been staid, but his eyes were downright molten with desire.

‘‘Screw etiquette,’’ I said, grabbing his head and pulling him over to me. I groaned into his mouth as his tongue immediately twined itself around mine, sliding with sinuous, teasing movements that made me want to crawl on top of Gabriel.

‘‘Fire,’’ I whispered, tugging on his hair, and I felt his lips curve as I was bathed in dragon fire, filled with it, consumed by it. I reveled in its heat, in his heat, returning it to him with a joy that threatened to set my very soul on fire.

‘‘I hesitate to point out that the upholstery, while fireproofed, does have its limits, but this car is a favorite of Aisling’s, and I would hate for it to be out of commission.’’

Drake’s voice acted as water on the flames of our desire.

‘‘I should chastise you for such a breach of etiquette,’’ Gabriel said, his lovely voice husky with all sorts of sensual promises.

‘‘It won’t do any good,’’ Drake said, sighing. ‘‘I have tried many times to school Aisling, but she refuses to listen. It’s a very annoying trait in American women, I’ve found. Perhaps you will have better luck with May.’’

I snorted, giving Gabriel a gimlet eye. ‘‘Don’t even think about going there.’’

He grinned. I melted.

‘‘American women,’’ Drake said, shaking his head.

‘‘What’s going to happen to Cy?’’ I asked Gabriel as the gravity of the moment returned. ‘‘Does this plan of yours that she couldn’t tell me about include her rescue, as well?’’

‘‘She will rescue herself in about’’—he consulted his watch—‘‘two hours. Enough time for us to get you safely to England. Then she will reveal herself as the true naiad, claiming you drugged her in order to escape.’’

‘‘Won’t they notice that she hasn’t, in fact, been drugged.’’

‘‘She will be,’’ he answered cheerfully, his fingers stroking my leg. ‘‘She has a small vial containing a sleeping draught, which she most likely took as soon as you left the cell. Once she wakes up, she will no doubt make a demonstration of her naiad abilities, and since the committee has nothing with which they can charge her, she will be released.’’

‘‘That is pretty smart,’’ I said, giving him an admiring glance before doubt returned to worry the edges of my mind.

‘‘We thought so. And now that you are free, perhaps you would tell us how it is you came to be there in the first place?’’ Drake asked.