Page 33 of Fallen for the Two-Headed Dragon

His body weighed down on hers as he continued to rock his hips with his release. As his body sagged, she gripped the bedding and clenched around his cock, rocking her hips and squeezing her inner muscles to force every last drop inside of her. She looked down and gasped at the sight of her belly, so full with his come that it ballooned out around his cock and sloshed with her heavy breaths.

“We’re going to need a bath every time we do this.” She giggled.

Rathym grunted an agreement and kissed along her neck as they caught their breath. A few moments later, he swiftly carried her to the waterfall, not letting her even attempt to walk. Which was definitely necessary.

When they returned, he carried her to the plush swivel chair and pulled one of the armchairs around to watch over her shoulder. They remained that way for the rest of the day until her head drooped over the keys.

Chapter Seventeen

Rathym

“Do you think they’ll like me?”

“Of course. You are my mate,” Rathym stated plainly, though he was nervous as well. Not that his friends wouldn’t like her—it didn’t matter if they did, but he knew they would anyway—but because he needed to explain his reaction a few weeks ago, on the day of the reckoning. “Besides, you are a joy. If they didn’t like you, they would be clods. It’s been centuries since I’ve socialized with them, but I do not believe they’ve turned into clods.”

His words seemed to ease her a little, but she continued to fuss with the hem of her rose-pink blouse. Every few minutes, she removed her spectacles and ran her cloth over each lens. The next time her hand flew to her face, Rathym plucked it from the air and kissed her knuckles. He kept her hand in his as he used the other to knock on the door.

Moments later, the door swung open and a shocked Anabraxus stood with her hands over her mouth. “Rathym? Why is Rathym on my doorstep?”

Dana sent Rathym a panicked glance. “Did you not tell them we were coming?”

“Oh, he didn’t need to. I’m just not used to him accepting my invitations!” Anabraxus threw back her head and laughed. “Come in, come in!”

Once inside, the living quarters opened into a vaulted ceiling tall enough for two dragons to live in comfortably in either shift, with a long hallway peppered with wide doorways. Rathym had always thought he would live like this, in a cozy home with breathing room plus a tad extra. The furnishings were tasteful and homey, their modern style was nothing like Rathym’s cave.

“And you must be Rathym’s mate,” Ana crooned. “We’re so glad the cantankerous old lump found someone.”

Rathym glowered at his old friend, but she only laughed and winked.

“How about some tea?”

Without waiting for an answer, Ana retreated to the kitchen and returned with a tray. Just as she set it on a dining table that was clearly too high for humans by the way Dana’s arms reached for her teacup, Ryuu’s thundering footsteps came from the end of the hall. After a pause, the footfalls lightened, faded back, then returned. Ryuu rounded the couch in a garment and a surprised smile.

“You really showed up. And with your date!” Ryuu beamed at Dana, taking her hand abruptly and kissing the back of it. “Charmed to meet you! We thought the day would never come!”

“This is Dana. Dana, this is Ryuu, and his wife, Anabraxus.” He knew his friends meant well, but the cantankerous old Rathym wasn’t the persona he wished to be known as anymore. Of course, his friends wouldn’t know that until they all became reacquainted with one another. “I was hoping for your hospitality while we’re in town for the celebration.”

His friends exchanged a look. Anabraxus was the first to recover. “Of course. We’d love the company. I’m in need of a shopping companion, if you’re interested, Dana?”

Dana lit up, her whole being radiating with excitement. “I can’t wait to see the shops!”

“Before you leave,” Rathym cleared his throat, “I would like to explain my actions on that day.”

He didn’t need to say which day. The room sobered immediately. Ana dropped her hand from his shoulder and stood beside Ryuu, both of them meeting his gaze with somber expressions.

“Rathym, you don’t need to explain,” Ryuu said softly. “Luvon was dear to you. Of course the reckoning was inadequate.”

Ana nodded. “It was bullshit, honestly.”

“I appreciate that, my friends. I would still like to say how grateful I was for your presence. For a long time, I thought vengeance was what I needed. That the death of his murderer would bring me peace.” Rathym squeezed the hand Dana had placed on his thigh. “I’ve come to learn that closure does not come from any external event. I could have had it this whole time. I was stubborn and foolish, but most of all, afraid. I could have been a better friend. Instead, I hid, and for that I am sorry.”

It was difficult to meet their eyes, so full of sympathy, but he forced himself to anyway. Ana was the first to lean toward him, and then they both embraced him.

“It’s okay. You’re here now.”

Dana’s hand slipped from his and she tossed her arms around him as well. Ana laughed and broke the hug, both her and Ryuu’s eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Right, then. Shall we be off?” Ana asked, though it wasn’t a question. She took Dana’s hand in hers and marched to the door.

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