Page 168 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
His brows shot up before he could school his expression,whichmayhave been rude.
She winked solemnly. At least there were no hard feelings.
Kyrie tugged at Mikoto and explained, “You will need to betouching if you want to hear her voice.”
Startled by this development, Mikoto offered his palms inthe usual way.
When their fingertips met, he thought he caught a whisper,but it was too faint. So he clasped her hands securely, and furrowed his browsin concentration.
All that came through was a laugh. But it meant therewasa connection. And she sounded happy.
Mikoto’s own happiness spilled over, more inwardly thanoutwardly, and Tzefira swayed into him. Reaching up with both hands, she pulledhim into a kiss.
“Mikoto.”Her voice was light and teasing as thebreezes that had always tugged for attention.“Does my voice reach you now?”
He managed a small grunt.
She laughed again, then repeated his name in reverent tones.
Would pulling away be like refusing to listen? He didn’twant to be rude. There were probably lots of things they should talk about, butwords were quickly fading in importance. She was all soft curves and familiarscents. There was silk and the sound of bells, and the swirl of her tongueagainst his.
Mikoto hadn’t meant to tend her, not specifically.
He was willing enough. Maybe even eager, because she wasn’tlike anyone else he’d ever touched. The Amaranthine were deep and dense, a darknessthat craved his light. But she was luminous, with a sparkle that slipped in andsuffused his mind.
“More,”she sighed into his thoughts.“Oh, lovelyone … more.”
A throat cleared, and hands closed around Mikoto’s shoulders.“That will do for now, my boy.” Glint’s smile was sympathetic. “I take it sheis willing to have you?”
Radiance, who had Tzefira by the shoulders, sported adecidedly rakish grin. “And have him you shall, you brave and beautiful breeze.But there’s your bridal attire to arrange, and your lovely boy has dignitariesto greet and a wedding announcement to make.”
Jostling him slightly, Glint asked, “What did she say?”
As if their kiss had been nothing more than a conversation.Mikoto wasn’t sure he wanted to attempt an explanation, so he chose thesimplest answer. “Yes …?”
“You sound uncertain,” Radiance said lightly. “Did you needmore time to … talk?”
Mikoto blushed, but Tzefira’s gaze was as steady as her handover his heart.
“You are willing?”
He covered her hand. “I am willing.”
With an impish smile, she ordered,“Bend.”
“Like this?” he mumbled, bowing at the waist.
Her hand slipped into his hair, and her lips pressed hisforehead.“Lovely one, you are mine.”
“Oh, that’s done it.” Radiance actually giggled. “I wonderif it will show up on camera?”
Glint turned Mikoto’s face, studied his forehead, andhuffed.
Someone—Mikoto was fairly certain it was Ginkgo—gave apiercing whistle and started off a round of applause. There was much stompingof feet, and everyone wanted to ogle him and meet Tzefira. Amaranthineintroductions being what they were, Radiance slid into the role of mistress ofceremonies.
Mikoto watched from the sidelines, relieved that his friendsand family did all the talking. Tzefira didn’t seem inclined to kiss anyoneelse.
“Brings back memories,” murmured Glint.
