Chapter 203

Gus was not pleased.

"We're not taking that with us."

Arthur and Juan were on the other side of the boat, pressed as hard to the railing as possible. My scuba-diving-magic-fishbowl helmet had dissipated the moment Juan's hands had left the water.

"Aw, but we love each other, Gus Gus!" I hugged my arms around the dragon's neck just to prove it and got a rough, slimy lick on the top of my head. "See? That's dragon for 'I like you.'"

"No, it's probably dragon for 'you taste good.' I'm the dragon tamer here, I'm the one with the mind magic. The only reason that thing isn't snacking down on your face right now is because of that ring."

"Aw, now you're just being mean."

"No, I'm being practical. No dragon. You got the goods?"

I rolled my eyes. "Of course I have the goods."

"Grab my hand."

But before Gus could reach me, my new dragon friend slipped their back beneath my rump and lifted it. I was cackling as Gus grabbed hold of my waist.

"See? Totally likes me."