Ryu’s body relaxed until his length was pressed against hers, making Tate aware they were still connected intimately.
“That was—” Tate trailed off. She wasn’t sure she had the words to describe the experience.
It had been transcendent. Out of this world. Mind boggling.
Even now, Tate didn’t know how she’d survived. A part of her felt like her mind and body should have splintered and caught fire from the intensity.
Ryu lifted his head, dropping a tired kiss on her lips. Everything she needed to know was contained within that kiss. Love. Respect. Gratitude.
It felt good getting that from him. Sex was an important part of any relationship. It was the physical expression of the feelings two people had for one another, but it wasn’t the only part.
Knowing your partner had your back, that you shared more than just your bodies, and had an emotional connection was just as important to the long-term health of the relationship.
It was something you could hold close to your heart when despair set in. Otherwise, you’d just be two people helping the other get exercise.
Ryu moved to lie beside her, his arms pulling her closer as she nestled her face into his neck.
“That was a nice end to the night,” she said.
His chest shook under hers as he squeezed her tighter, careful not to hurt her.
After long minutes passed, Tate moved her head back, looking into his face. His eyes were closed, the sweep of his eyelashes brushing his cheek.
“If you want a round two, you’re going to have to wait,” he said without opening his eyes.
Tate sputtered. Who was asking for round two? She could barely even catch her breath and her limbs were close to muscle failure. Round two would probably result in her early death.
How embarrassing would that be? A dragon-ridden who was fucked to death. She’d be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Ryu’s arms came up, wrapping around her head and pressing her face against his chest. Tate wiggled in an attempt for freedom, only to find he wouldn’t budge. She sunk her teeth into his chest. Ryu jumped but didn’t release her from his hold.
She struggled harder, the battle turning her already messy hair into a rat’s nest. Finally, she managed to duck out of his head lock.
She popped free and glared, reaching up to smooth down the craziness of her hair.
Ryu watched her through half lidded eyes, a grin playing on his lips as he propped himself up on one elbow, and ran a teasing finger down her side. “Though I could always be convinced.”
She slapped his hand away. “Not on your life.”
“I think you’ve said that before.”
He curled his lip in a lascivious manner. On anyone else, the expression would have been called creepy and warranted a fist in the mouth. Ryu managed to seem playful and seductive.
It helped that Tate knew he would never trespass where he wasn’t wanted.
“I didn’t know dragons could do that.” Tate fell onto her side, resting her head on her hands as she looked up at Ryu.
His hummed in agreement. “It was rather enjoyable though.”
Tate’s lips quivered as she fought her urge to smile. The man didn’t need his ego stroked. He was already cocky enough.
“It felt like they were swimming through our bodies.” Tate reached one hand out to touch Ryu’s chest.
Rath was draped bonelessly across Ryu’s upper shoulder as if too spent to even move. It was the same for Ilith who Tate could sense was exhausted but smug. The dragon was quite pleased with herself, if what Tate was picking up was right.
“How is this possible?”
Ryu and Tate had spent months in each other’s bed but never had anything close to this happening before.
