Page 63 of Born in Fire

The casual mention of his age should shock me, but somehow it doesn’t. It fits with the ancient quality I sensed in his eyes from our first meeting.

“Hundreds of years,” I repeat, trying to comprehend such a lifespan. “That’s…”

“A long time to be alone,” he finishes quietly.

Something shifts between us, the air growing charged with unspoken emotion. I find myself moving without conscious decision, crossing to where he sits. His eyes widen slightly as I stand before him.

“Thank you,” I say, “for trusting me with the truth.”

“Thank you for not running away screaming.”

“I still might.” But my smile belies the words.

I don’t know why I do what I do next, but I lean to him, surprising us both by initiating a kiss. His lips are warm against mine, warmer than human temperature. When my hands frame his face, I feel the subtle difference in his skin—not quite scales, but not quite human either. The sensation sends a shiver of excitement through me.

His arms encircle my waist, drawing me closer without demanding more. The restraint in his touch speaks volumes about his character—power held carefully in check, desire tempered by caution.

When we part, his eyes have begun to glow again, the golden light illuminating his face from within.

“Sorry,” he murmurs. “Sometimes it’s hard to control.”

“Don’t apologize.” I trace the contour of his jaw with my fingertip. “It’s beautiful.”

He looks at me with wonder, as if I’m the miraculous creature rather than him.

“You’re taking this remarkably well.”

“I’m probably in shock,” I admit with a small laugh. “Ask me again tomorrow when I’ve had time to process that dragons exist and I’ve been dating one.”

“Dating?” His eyebrow rises, a smile playing on his lips.

“What would you call it?” I say, feeling a little foolish all of a sudden. Have I overstepped?

“Something more significant than dating, I think.”

More significant…

My God. This guy is all in.

Not sure if I’m ready to consider that right now, I trace the dragon tattoo twining around his immense bicep before changing the subject.

“So, this is not just for show, huh?” I grin.

“Nope.” His muscle flexes, bunching beneath my fingertip. The skin moves smoothly. “Nothing about me is for show, Juno.”

“Oh, I find that hard to believe, rich boy. You drive a red sports car.” Now that all the doubts and uncertainties are behind us, I’m feeling lighthearted.

“Touche.” He smiles. His expression grows serious again. “There’s so much more to tell you, Juno. About dragons, about why you might be feeling this connection, too.”

Curiosity flares, but a glance at my watch interrupts the moment. “I have to be at work in forty minutes.” I straighten reluctantly. “Rain check on Dragon Culture 101?”

“Of course.” He stands, keeping his hands lightly on my waist. “Tonight? After your shift?”

“I’m off at seven.” I step back, gathering my bag, but not quite ready to leave. “This is… a lot to think about, but I’m glad you told me. The truth is better than uncertainty, even when it’s unbelievable.”

“Most humans would disagree with that.”

“I’m not most humans.” I head toward the elevator, Dorian following. “And apparently, neither are you.”

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