Page 108 of Heimlock

But it’s touching someone all night.

But it’s touching her.

But it could get out of control.

But I have full control over what we do.

She watches me work through all of this with a curious expression. Grimacing, I say, “Sorry. I’m just trying to process here. I can’t tell if this is taking it slow or not.”

Kyrielle smiles. “We don’t have to do anything. In fact, I don’t want to. I’m revoking consent for the entire evening unless it’s directly related to fully clothed little spoon, big spoon activities. You can kiss me, but nothing below the neck.” The sassy flame pauses, then adds, “And anything else I might change my mind about, because that’s how consent works.”

Laughing, I fluff the pillow. “So I can sleep holding one of your breasts?”

She shrugs. “I hold my breast for comfort sometimes. You might as well get the same benefits.”

This time, I’m laughing so hard I can barely talk. “So breast holding is big spoon privileges?”

She smirks. “Of course.”

“What are my other privileges?”

“I get to thrust my ass in your general direction and you’re allowed to poke me a little with your mini-Trinte.”

None of this sounds chaste. Leaning against my knees, still laughing, I ask, “And if mini-Trinte gets too familiar?”

“Impossible,” she says firmly, not even smiling. “Little spoons are required to provide warm thigh houses for just that scenario.”

I shake my head in dismay. “Get in bed, Firefly. I’ll figure out the rest of my big spoon privileges as we go.”

She hops into bed with enthusiasm, watching me as I pull back the blanket on my side. Before I get in, she says, “Um, could you do something?”

Freezing, I ask, “Yes?”

“Could you … lock the door?”

I straighten, smiling. “Of course.”

When I’m done, I pick up the blanket. Heart thundering, blood roaring, I slid into bed with her. She’s wearing another set of skimpy pajamas — to torture me, no doubt.

Kyrielle wriggles her body toward mine, like a tiny, sexy worm. Grinning, I gather her into my arms, mindful of her injury. She’s mostly healed now, thanks to the tonics and healing speed of Sprites. But I can never be too careful when it comes to her.

When she’s snuggled into my chest, I tuck my tail around us. Kyrielle lets out a happy sigh. My heart nearly explodes with emotion. Fear. Worry. Joy. Love. Lust. Cravings. Yearning.

Today has been one of the best days of my life. No, it’s the best day of my life. Beginning and ending with her, with every emotion in between.

***

The Speed Dating Event

I’m shaking with need as I pay the bill. Kyrielle stands beside me, watching silently, flushed and panting. Where the Hells are we going? My apartment is too far. The front door of this restaurant is too far.

Since this bar top is out of the question, as are the tables filled with an unconsenting audience, there’s only one option.

After checking to make sure we have all our belongings, I grab her hand. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” she says breathlessly, following me with blind trust.

“Where I can worship you,” I clip, determined to get us to said destination. We weave through the crowd. Some people sense my urgency; the crowd parts like a hot knife through butter.