Chapter Thirty-Three
“Puppy,” Shale muttered.
“What?” I asked.
“You're acting like a puppy again. Like you did when we first met.”
We were walking down the castle corridor, heading toward the special sitting room that was reserved for important guests. And yes, maybe I was bouncing with excitement. But I didn't think it was at the same level as when I'd met Shale. Not that I was going to tell him that.
“Well, I'm excited to meet a Sea Dragon,” I said.
“More excited than when you met me?”
I bit the inside of my mouth to keep from smiling. “I had met a Dragon king before I met you.”
Shale stopped, his grip on my hand tightening, and glared at me.
I stared back, eyes wide and innocent.
He narrowed his eyes.
I smiled brightly.
“You're teasing me,” Shale said.
I grinned wider. “You're so easy to tease.”
“I don't like your excitement over this man.”
“It's not him in particular. It's his race. I was nearly as excited to meet the Litoto.”
“Only the Litoto?”
“Well, the Osomah and Zaknir too, but I love iridescence.”
“Iridescence?”
“Yes, the shimmering colors of their wings. I think it's beautiful.”
Shale frowned again.
“I would have taken a Litoto lover if we hadn't gotten involved.”
Shale growled.
“All right, enough, Shale.” I wrapped my arms around him and lifted my face. “I'm sorry for teasing you.”
He didn't kiss me.
“Come on,” I whined. “I can't help admiring something beautiful. But I only want you.”
Shale sighed and covered my lips with his.
With that soft touch, the castle vanished. It was just us, standing in a void, with only sensation to guide us. I could feelevery hard curve and dip of his body through his thin garments. He seemed to swell into me, his presence pushing through my skin until there was no separation. It was magical. I let myself get lost in it. Drowned in it. In him.
A throat cleared.
Still, we didn't separate immediately. That wasn't possible. Slowly, Shale pulled back, and I let go. Our lips lingered, brushing lightly before we gave up at last. Then Shale turned toward the interruption with a growl.
