Page 89 of The Edge of Dawn

He might have despised humans back then; in fact, he’d despised most other alien species, believing them to be weak and primitive.

But that was just what he’d always been told.

That was then.

This was now, and he was free to choose.

How he should be.

He waited.

And at last, slowly, infinitesimally, she lifted her foot from the water and placed it on the smooth, burnished stone, leaving a trail of delicate droplets. “I can hazard a guess. I… didn’t expect this, you know.”

“Neither did I.”

“Is there anything wrong with it? Am I going to cause trouble for you?”

He couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. “You’ve already caused me enough trouble. A little more won’t be a problem. But you shouldn’t even be worrying about any of that.” He reached out and allowed his fingers to brush against hers.

Abruptly, she took his hand into hers and turned to face him. “This is what I think it is. It really is. If it’s in dreams…”

“We can.”

“Then… what are you waiting for?”

He hesitated. He didn’t know, really.

She squeezed his hand and pulled him toward her. He had no choice but to turn. And then, all of a sudden, he couldn’t help but put his arm around her waist; around the supple, elegant curvature of her back.

He pulled her toward him.

She was warm, as expected, and lush. Her scent—still present in their dream—was intoxicating.

How unbelievable this was. To have this delicate, clever, human female in his arms, and she was willing.

He had no right to be here.

And yet, he was.

“Dragek…” She leaned in again, her upturned face oh-so-lovely, her lips parting slightly, revealing glistening temptation. “Since this is a dream, I think we’re allowed to do whatever we want.”

“Oh?” He pulled her even closer so their bodies were pressed together, and he could feel her rapidly beating heart. “I didn’t think you’d be so reckless, but then again, what do I know about humans?”

“Nothing, really,” she smiled, her body relaxing, melting into his.

At last.

Then she surprised him even more. Impossibly, she moved before he could anticipate. Since when had that ever happened?

“There’s a lot you need to learn,” she whispered. “For starters, this is a kiss.”

And then her lips met his.

THIRTY

She couldn’t believe she’d just done that.

What on Earth had possessed her?

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