Chapter 17
Beck
Everything looks bright and new this morning. Birds chirp gleefully in verdant trees and a tranquil breeze whispers through the tall grasses as Nori and I walk hand in hand along the cobbled path toward The Dancing Daisy.
In my chest, my dragon is stretched out on his back, lazing peacefully as he basks in the feeling of having Nori by our side. It feels great not to be at odds with him lately, our hearts united in prioritizing Nori. Neither of us even pushed to go for a swim this morning, not while there were so many other things we could do to bring a smile to Nori’s face the first time she stayedover.
Being with Nori like this feels so natural, so perfect, that I can’t imagine my future without her in it. I’m already dreading having to say goodbye again later. If I had it my way, she’d quit that job that makes her so unhappy, move in with me, and lie on the couch all day, reading to her heart’s content. I can take care of her. I want to take care of her. We could—
Interrupting my daydream, Nori asks, “Does Lucille know about us?”
My brow pulls down as I consider that, wondering if I messed up. “Yes. Is that okay?” Wanting to be as truthful with her as possible, I add, “I asked her to help me with ideas to court you, and she suggested the candies since you’ve been wanting to try them. I also saw her early this morning for our weekly tea date, though I only dropped off her bread and couldn’t stay for actual tea. But I did promise to have a cup during book club. Besides, she shooed me away very quickly when she heard you stayed with me, and said she didn’t want me to leave you alone too long.”
A smile lifts the corners of Nori’s mouth. “That’s really kind of her. I’ll be sure to thank her later. I’m sorry that I kept you away though.”
I shake my head. “I’m not. And don’t worry, we’ve decided to move our Saturday tea dates to Monday mornings.” Lucille and I discussed the possibility of Nori staying over more frequently and that it might interfere with our usual schedule, so moving the date to a weekday made the most sense. I’d hate being distracted while spending time with Lucille, which is a big possibility if I knew Nori was waiting for me in my bed.
Nori stops walking as concern bleeds into her voice. “I hope it’s not because of me.”
My dragon sits up and pushes against my chest, wanting to reassure Nori. Reading my intention, he relaxes again as I brush my thumb across the back of Nori’s hand. “Of course it is because of you. But in the best way possible. Lucille likes that I have a… special someone. And she’s happy that someone is you. It was her suggestion to change the days.”
“I also like having a special someone,” Nori says, her gaze bouncing between my eyes and my mouth.
Unable to resist, I band an arm around Nori and draw her against me. She lifts onto her toes as I lower my head, our lips meeting in the most gentle caress. We remain like that for a while, simply breathing each other in, before I reluctantly loosen my hold on her and we continue toward the island’s biggest hill.
After a short while of walking in companionable silence, Nori squeezes my hand. “Can I ask you a big favor?” The question is slow, her voice unsure, coming out like she’s doubted if she should even ask it.
“Of course,” I say easily, not seeing one thing I’d ever deny her.
Nori can’t quite meet my eyes as she asks, “Can you maybe write down some of the nice things you said last night? I’m going to need them to sustain me during the week until I get to see you again.”
My feet slow to a stop and I turn to Nori, tipping her chin up to meet her sparkling eyes. “Of course. I can come up with even more, because my muse never ceases to inspire me.”
Pulling her lip into her mouth, Nori tries to hide her pleased smile. “Really?”
I take a quick look around to make sure we’re still alone while my dragon scents the air. He gives me a nod of approval and sends scales flitting over my cheeks and down my jaw, relishing in the way Nori’s eyes track the peacocking move.
“I can write chapters dedicated to your scent,” I whisper against her neck, dipping low to nibble at the base of her throat. “Especially the way you smell right here.”
Nori tilts her head to the side, granting me more access. “Uhm, maybe you shouldn’t do that.”
I lift my head to meet her eyes again, confused at the different signals I’m getting. “I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong?”
“Not at all,” Nori says quickly. “It’s just… I’m not wearing any underwear, and if you keep touching me or kissing me, all of Starry Hill will probably smell it.”
“What happened to your panties?”
Pink steals across Nori’s cheeks. “They kind of got a little wet last night. Can’t really wear them again.”
Skimming my hands down her sides, I let my palms rest on her hips, feeling no evidence of underwear under my fingertips. “So right now you only have this dress on. Nothing else?” I ask, my voice gruff with lust, barely resisting the desire to bunch her dress up and see for myself.
“Yup.” Nori pops thepas she traces the scales on my chest. There’s a teasing glint in her eye, almost like she knows the effect she has on me and is enjoying it very much.
Needing her to fully understand how much I want her, how much I desire to please her, to worship her, I cup her ass andpull her against me. “Nori, if book club wasn’t one of the most important things in your life today, I’d be throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you home so I can lick your cunt over and over again until you come on my face. Then I’ll—”
“No. Don’t tell me,” Nori pleads with a laugh, pressing a finger to my mouth. “If you keep going I’m going to be dripping down my legs before we get there.”
I open my mouth enough to swirl my tongue around the tip of her finger, a tease of what I want to do. “I can always lick you clean.”
