head to toe. There were loops and buttons down the front of the well-made cloak and a large hood that could be tied in the upright position. He’d done well with that landlord and Nico would remember the man if and when they made it out of Skithdron.
Buttoning her into the cloak while she finished eating, Nico couldn’t help but notice when the backs of his fingers found the swells of her breasts. She gasped, sucking in air as he touched her. Daring greatly, he lingered over the softness of her, allowing his fingers to move slightly from the button between her breasts, experimenting with how far she would let him go.
“Nico—”
He moved back at her breathy protest, though he didn’t want to. Still, they were in danger every moment they stayed on the ground. They had to get moving.
“That’s for a later time, my lovely.” He winked and grinned, enjoying her flushed face in the uncertain light of a crescent moon. “For now, we should be going.”
“What’s the rope for?” She seemed desperate to change the subject and he let her. For now.
“You’ll see,” he promised. “You’ll have to hold the basket steady, but it’ll be worth it when you’re hungry. Feel free to eat as we go. I ate in town, so don’t worry about saving anything for me.”
“Nico—”
“Don’t argue. It’s time we were going.” He moved a short distance away, allowing the change to come over him. “Pick up the rope, sweetheart, and put the large loop over my head.”
He watched understanding dawn over her face. “Won’t that be uncomfortable for you?”
“No, sweet. But it would make me very uncomfortable if you were to fall off my back or lose our basket of goodies. Come now, tie it on and let’s get moving.”
She complied with only a few murmurs of protest, following his instructions. Soon he had a harness of sorts around his chest and forearms that would allow her to tie the basket handle—and herself—securely to his back. Riki wasn’t an experienced rider and Nico had worried about her safety last night but had no recourse. This would work, and it would help ease his mind about her safety in the sky.
“Mount up and let’s get out of here.”
Riki kissed his dragon cheek before doing as he asked, surprising him with the soft gesture. She climbed up on his bent leg and settled against his back with easy familiarity, tying herself to the harness as he’d instructed. A few moments later, he lifted into the air, glad to feel the wind under his wings once more. They were safest in the night sky—at least until they could get out of Skithdron.
Riki wrapped the voluminous cloak around herself, tucking in the edges and securing the hood over her head. It was so beautiful up here in the sky, skidding along with the wisps of cloud and riding so close to the twinkling stars. She would never forget this experience as long as she lived. The sheer delight of dancing among the stars on a dragon’s back was breathtaking and she sat back, simply enjoying the incredible moment of freedom, savoring a kind of peace she had never before known flying with Nico.
“How are you doing back there?” Nico asked warmly in her mind.
“I’m fine. Just enjoying the night air. It’s so exhilarating.”
“If you get hungry, there’s fruit in the basket and more bread and cheese.”
Riki was used to hunger pangs but knew she needed to get her strength back. Reaching into the basket, she pulled out an apple. It had been so long since she’d had fresh, unblemished fruit. The sight of the dark shape in her hand as they flew through the starlit night brought tears to her eyes. The past hours were like a dream, but she was living the reality of it. This man—this dragon—and the wonderful, thoughtful gestures he’d made. He was already so special to her. Nico somehow filled her heart with light, and a hope that hadn’t been there for many, many years.
“Riki? Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, Nico. Just admiring one of the apples you bought for me.” She tried to sound as normal as she could, though her trembling emotions threatened to boil over.
“Good.” His voice sounded through her mind with a rumble of satisfaction. “I asked the innkeeper to pack his finest and freshest for you. That basket and everything in it is yours, Riki. I want you to eat well and often, to keep your strength up