Page 56 of Suncatcher

Driz frowned. “You are cold.”

“A little.”

Driz pulled her against her once more, so Pearl’s nose was tucked into Driz’s neck, her cheek on Driz’s broad shoulder as wings curled around them both. “I will keep you warm.”

The promise made Pearl’s eyes sting. How annoying. It must’ve been the dust.

Pearl knew she shouldn’t be here. She was losing sleep and starting to desire things she couldn’t have. It would all crumble soon, like everything else. The world wouldn’t let Pearl keep someone as good as Driz.

She tilted her head back, peering through the wild mane of hair at the plateau and star-studded sky beyond.

“I should go home,” Pearl whispered.

Driz’s hold tightened ever so slightly before it loosened.

Pearl sat back and did up her buttons. Driz didn’t stop her again, but she still watched her closely. Pearl avoided her eyes and noticed Driz did not redo her own shirt. When she stood and pulled Pearl to her chest to fly back, Pearl could still feel all of her pressed against her.

“Let me take you to town,” Driz offered.

“No, the ravine’s fine.”

“It is easy for me to—”

“I can walk.”

Pearl couldn’t let anyone know who she was meeting. Or allow anyone to get within shooting range of Driz.

Driz brought her back to the ravine as directed, landing and straightening with Pearl still around her, setting her gently on her feet. It was indeed late, and Pearl had a mile walk back to town. She reluctantly unwound her arms from around the strong, warm neck.

Driz chased her as she stepped back, pressing one more kiss to her lips.

Pearl smiled, tempted to melt back into her. But Pearl wasn’t that woman. She needed to put space between them. “Good night.”

“Will I see you tomorrow?”

Pearl hesitated, knowing she shouldn’t promise, but foolishly wishing she could.

“Please?”

“Maybe.”

The front door creaked as Pearl closed it slowly.

“Where’ve you been?”

Pearl jumped out of her skin. Her mother sat at the kitchen table in the dark. “Have you been here waiting for me all night?”

“Answer the question.”

“I’ve been out.”

“Where?”

“None of your business.”

“Don’t do it again.”

“Since when’ve I had a curfew?”