Page 87 of Suncatcher

“And now I am healed.”

“I didn’t mean like that.”

Driz boldly placed one hand on Pearl’s arm and one on her hip as she swayed near the edge of the cliff. Was she trying to get away?

“I’m scared.” Pearl’s whisper was almost inaudible.

Horror gripped Driz. “Of me?”

“Of myself. I’m no good, for you or anyone.”

“I do not know why you say these things. You are everything.”

Pearl covered her face with her hand. “I’m not, and you saying that won’t make it true. I’m a closed-off piece of shit who’s done nothing but hurt you.”

“That is untrue.”

“Driz…”

“You have hurt me,” Driz agreed. “But you have made me happy too. With each night, I want you more. I did not know that was possible. But I do.”

Pearl’s breathing quickened.

“I want you, Pearl. In every way.”

Pearl stood frozen, a coiled viper. “Fuck,” she muttered, and then she whirled and struck with her lips.

Driz welcomed the attack, and wasn’t about to let her go. Pearl wasn’t hesitant anymore, however, as her hands tore open Driz’s shirt and fumbled desperately at her skin, finding her breasts and her ribs and her arms—anything in reach.

Driz’s heart soared. Pearl still desired her.

As their worn clothing fell away, Driz’s gaze raked over Pearl, newly stunned by the perfection of her form and the patterns of more freckles she had yet to memorize. She reached out, relishing the heat and smooth skin that met her own, but Pearl slipped from her hold, sinking to her knees. When Driz started to follow her to the ground, Pearl stopped her with a firm palm on her abdomen. “No. Stay there.”

Driz frowned, but she obeyed. Then she choked when Pearl leaned forward, running her tongue between Driz’s legs. Her wings snapped open in shock. Her thighs tensed and she curled her fingers behind her, not sure what to do with her hands.

Gazing up at her, Pearl did it again. Driz almost came apart just at that.

Pearl braced her hands on Driz’s hips, pressing her hot, exploring mouth closer. Pleasure hummed and gathered in Driz’s belly.

Before it could resolve, Pearl sat back on her heels with a wicked grin. “Alright. You can come here now.”

Driz dove on top of her, tasting herself in Pearl’s mouth. She liked it. She wanted more.

Rain started to fall, dampening everything around them and Driz’s overheated skin, adding to the desire filling her. She wound her arms beneath Pearl’s back, protecting her from the earth as she rocked into her. A need continued building, her body seeking it on its own.

“You told me goyles mate in the sky, right?” Pearl breathed against Driz’s neck, her teeth skimming tantalizingly along the skin there.

“Yes,” Driz managed.

“Take me flying.”

Heat swept through Driz, every part of her singing and screaming in consent. “Are you sure?”

Pearl bit her neck. Hard.

Driz didn’t need any more encouragement. She launched them into the sky, climbing upward as Pearl continued to grind their bodies together. Driz moaned in delight, every raindrop colliding with her in blissful ascension. Clouds surrounded them, embracing them as they tangled.

Pearl gripped one of Driz’s horns while curling fingers inside her, and instinct took over. They were not two beings anymore. They were the sky, and the storm.