Page 77 of Stealing the Dragon's Heart (Dragon Lords 3)

“I've only ever flown with one other person like that. I never thought to do it again. Others of my kind will find it shameful, but that’s not…I couldn’t care less about cultural backlash.”

She thought of the woman in the photograph. Was she the one he referred to?

“I never thought I'd experience that again with someone I…admire.” When a wide grin spread across her face, he rushed on. “Don’t let that go to your head. I just find you to be brave. That’s all.” Her continued grin caused him to grunt out an expletive under his breath, and he turned to resume their trek.

She matched his stride. “Well I’m glad to have been the one to experience it with you. I’ve never seen anything as marvelous as you in your dragon form. Likely never will again.”

“I’m sure you’ll see many more magnificent things.” He paused before adding, “Once we part ways.”

She halted for a moment before matching pace with him again, noting the sudden drop in her stomach. Up until now, the only other constant in her life had been Caryn. Caryn had always been there for her, and she would always be there for Caryn. She never imagined another person could ever hold equal stature, but Aiden was vying for a position in her heart.

She realized leaving him would bring her pain.

But it was inevitable. She wouldn’t make the mistake of risking her and Caryn’s anonymity because of her own dimmable desires. That meant she could never be completely honest with Aidan. And he deserved someone who would unfold herself to him completely. Which was something she could never do. Too often, letting others into their little circle had backfired. And yet, some part of her wanted to do just that.

Too late, she noticed Aidan’s penetrating gaze. Was he studying her reaction?

She gave him a cool smile. “You’re probably right. It’s a big universe. Full of wonders.”

His lips flattened into a tight smile. “Sure is.”

They reached the table where Caryn and the others were nursing drinks. Priya, Zeek, and Vin had joined them. Caryn looked rather uneasy, eying Aidan warily, as if she expected him to transform at any moment and chomp on her with his mighty teeth.

“You two really know how to put on a show.” Zeek appeared thoroughly impressed. Then he cheekily asked, “How did you like your forbidden flight?”

“Forbidden?” Onnika repeated.

Aidan claimed one of the empty seats. “Yes, many dragons watching the feed will find it dishonorable that I let you ride atop me like that. Isn’t that right, Lear?”

Lear shrugged. “I didn’t design our social constructs. And you’re well aware I rarely followed them. In fact, Caryn, if you’d ever like to fly with a dragon, I’m at your service.”

Caryn stiffened. “N-no, thank you.”

Lear’s features sank in disappointment.

“Smart girl,” Asher blithely interjected. “There’s nothing special about it.”

“How would you know?” Lear challenged.

“I fly spacecrafts. Couldn’t be any better than that.”

Lear turned to address Onnika. “You have better insight than most. What do you say to that?”

“Sorry, Ash, riding a dragon is waaaay better. Caryn, I highly recommend it.”

Pursing his lips, Asher glared at her. She merely shrugged in response.

Aidan added encouragingly, “And therearetwo vouchers to be had.”

Caryn looked down in contrition, perhaps reminded that she’d yet to bring in a single voucher.

“I’d fly very smoothly,” Lear said, sounding hopeful. “None of those reckless maneuvers performed by Aidan and Onnika.”

Aidan countered, “Who’s the one signing up for extra fights just to show off?”

“I wasn’t showing off. I was honor-bound to outperform Ash.”

Asher cracked his knuckles. “Let’s see you outperform me one on one.”

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