"Tres, go back to the cathedral. I'll talk to Lian," Nevair's calm tone made Lian want to kick him.
"I can't believe you gave up all other choices for this." Tres stormed out. His stomping footsteps echoed in the almost empty building.
Lian started when Nevair touched his shoulder, he hadn't heard Nevair walk up behind him.
"I'm sorry," Nevair said, his tone heartfelt.
Lian turned around. "About what?"
Nevair gave a self-conscious smile. "I guess I have several things to apologize for. I'm sorry for wrecking your evening and for biting you without permission. But I'm more concerned that if our union is blessed by the goddess you'll hate me forever."
Lian winced as he remembered the fights his parents used to have. He didn't want a relationship like that. "I had a rough childhood. My parents loved me, but they grew to hate each other. On my home planet people didn't get divorces and I think my father felt the only way out was to kill them both."
"I'm sorry to hear about your parents. I'd like us to start again." Nevair wrapped his arms around Lian. "You're a handsome, intelligent, compassionate man and I'd be very lucky to have you as mine. Would you consider having dinner with me?"
Lian leaned back to see Nevair's face. His solemn expression showed how sincerely Nevair meant his words.
"I'd like that." Lian might not have done relationships in his past but he could at least date the man and see where things went. Besides, nothing guaranteed they would bond. It could be a fluke. Either way, he wouldn't mind getting to know Nevair better. If Nevair had saved himself all this time only to have Lian toss him aside, it could scar him for life. Lian didn't want to be responsible for that.
"How about tonight?" Nevair looked around at the knocked over tables and smashed in door. "I don't think you're going dancing after all."
"Sounds good."
The club staff returned. All ten bowed to Nevair.
"Have the owner send the bill to the cathedral. I will honor all reasonable charges," Nevair announced.
"Yes, Holiness," they replied in odd synchronization.
Lian shook his head and accepted the arm Nevair held out. "I'm surprised they didn't string you up for the damage."
Nevair shrugged. "They know I'll pay and I don't lose control often."
Glancing around at the staff, Lian noticed they gave him more attention than Nevair. Apparently they were used to the dragon shifter, while Lian still remained the unknown factor. "Let's go."
Stepping around the downed chairs and tables, they exited the bar. Lian's mind spun as he tried to figure out how to fit a holy religious icon into his view of the future. After his parents' tragedy, Lian had never thought to find a long-term relationship of his own and didn't even know if he could handle one. One sideways glance at the gorgeous man standing beside him and he knew he had to at least try.
He didn't pay attention to where Nevair led him until they stopped at the doorstep of an enormous cathedral. The stone edifice towered over them and Lian pulled to a halt. When they'd dropped Nevair off earlier, Lian hadn't really examined the building. Now the idea of having a lover who swayed the beliefs of an entire planet damn near stopped his heart.
"Don't panic now, my sweet," Nevair soothed.
Lian sighed as Nevair rubbed circles on his back.
"We don't have to do anything if you don't want to. I'm just going to show you my living quarters and we can share a drink while we talk and have a meal."
Lian hoped they did more than talk. Eying the large muscular man beside him, Lian gave his best seductive smile. "I planned on doing a lot more than talking. If you plan to be my mate don't you have to claim me?"
Nevair laughed. "I think I already claimed you quite thoroughly earlier but if you'd like to end up in my bed, you won't hear any complaints."
"Good to know." Lian smiled. He still had reservations about a permanent bonding but it wasn't like he couldn't find the spaceport if he needed to make a break for it.
Lian stayed silent as Nevair led him through a large chamber. Praying mats covered the floor, many of them filled with worshippers dropping offerings into the pots beside them and asking the goddess for special favors.
"Do you think she really listens?" Lian asked. He'd been to enough worlds where famine and fear were the prevalent forces that he doubted a goddess's benevolence.
Nevair gave Lian a sideways glance before continuing his journey. "Some goddesses listen better than others. We have one who likes to help."
Lian gave a soft snort at Nevair's careful answer.
