Tawera’s hands wandered everywhere, stroking her back, her arse, and her thighs.Heat built in her as they continued to kiss.She’d thought Tawera would hurry since he’d mentioned his eagerness.But he didn’t push for speed.He seemed content to build their passion layer upon layer before it overwhelmed them both.Nyree shuddered and gasped, dug her fingernails into Tawera’s back.
He grunted in return and hastened the pace of his strokes.With each thrust, he hit the right spot, and Nyree couldn’t hold on any longer.
She plunged into her orgasm, the pleasure/pain so sharp, she froze.
Tawera thrust twice more and stilled too, his big body shaking.He held her tight—too tight—but his possessive touch was exactly what she needed right now.The comfort and intimacy that came with sexual release had always eluded her with Ari.It was different with Tawera because she could be herself instead of worrying if she’d set off his temper.
He kissed her shoulder and separated their bodies before tugging her back against his chest.
“Do you ever lose your temper?”she asked.
“Most people do at some stage,” he replied, his finger tracing patterns over her upper arm.“Whenever I think of what Rawiri did, my anger rises.”
“Not surprising,” she said lightly.“How are you now?”
“The pain has vanished,” Tawera said.“It faded as soon as we started kissing and touching.”
“That’s weird.Do you think the sexual high helped, or is this just a coincidence?I wonder if you can shift without discomfort now?Perhaps the cursehasdisrupted your taniwha, and your needs have changed.You said your brother didn’t know of your dragon heritage.He wouldn’t have factored this into his curse.This might be the reason you’ve come to life now.”She pulled a face.“I guess you’ll never understand what he did or the effects of the curse.You must go with the flow, as we say here.”
“In the past, flying or sex helped to control my taniwha.My shifts were the same as yours.I’ll experiment tomorrow while you’re working.I worried that I’d fade again, but my body is remaining solid and visible.”
“All the better for me.It’s more satisfying making love to you now that I can see you properly.”
Tawera kissed her shoulder.“Sleep.You have work tomorrow, and it’s past midnight.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” Nyree whispered, her eyes refusing to stay open.She sank into sleep, happy and content.Secure in Tawera’s arms.
Tawera woke her in the morning, not long before her alarm was due to go off.He kissed her breasts and trailed his fingers through her dampness.They rocked together, gradually scaling the heights before dropping into freefall and pleasure.As their heartbeats slowed, Nyree lifted her head and offered her lips.
Their kiss sent another surge of pleasure swooping through her.She pulled back and stared into his eyes, studying his face for signs of pain.
“How are you this morning?”
“Better than I have been since you broke the curse,” he said.“Cavorting with you is good for my health.”
She laughed, then groaned when the alarm on her cell phone signaled it was time for her to hustle.She turned it off, dallied to kiss Tawera again before she forced herself to slide out of bed.Nyree padded into the bathroom and stepped under the shower.It didn’t surprise her when Tawera joined her.
“Are you still going flying this morning?”she asked as she picked up the soap.
He took the soap from her and turned her to wash her back.“Yes, it’s important for me to understand this new reaction to moonlust.If I wish to fit into this world, I must understand my physical needs.I am lucky I found you, or you found me rather than a man.I am beyond lucky that you like me enough to share your body with me.”
“You’re helping me too,” she said, but she comprehended his meaning, and she wondered if she’d have been as generous with him if he wasn’t an attractive man.Thankfully, she hadn’t needed to face that dilemma.
After showering, they ate breakfast together before Nyree departed to start her morning of work.Tawera left at the same time, and after grabbing a quick kiss, he slipped into the shadows, slowly making his way through the settlement and walking toward the church.
Carolyn was already at the museum and busy dusting when Nyree arrived to do a walk-through.
“Did I see you kissing a man a few minutes ago?”Carolyn asked, her tone both curious and full of humor.
Nyree froze.Yikes.What should she say?
Carolyn laughed.“I didn’t get a good look at him.Which scientist is he?A few of them were showing interest in you.”
“Um,” Nyree said, stalling for time while she frantically tried to work out a reply.
“Ah, you’re keeping things on the down-low.”
“Yes,” Nyree agreed.Luckily, Carolyn seemed content to tease Nyree.
