Page 63 of Monsters in Love: Lost in the Stars

Holding Dorin close was everything Neamhaí had ever wanted and more.

They cradled her head in their hand, savoring the feeling of connection with her and the softness of her hair.

After a while, Neamhaí bent and scooped her into his arms, carrying her over to the small bed. He set her down gently and laid down beside her. She nestled in closer, and he wiped away the wetness from her cheeks.

"I, uh, haven't really had anyone to talk to about any of this. It's been a long time, and I didn't realize how emotional it would be to talk to someone who knows about my home."

"I'm here, Dorin. For whatever you need." And Neamhaí meant it.

Dorin looked up at him, and his body responded. He felt a rush of blood down between his legs, and realized with no small amount of surprise that this must have been what the mortals called arousal. He wondered if Dorin experienced it too.

"Could we…" Dorin trailed off. "Never mind, that's a terrible idea."

"No, what? Tell me."

"I was going to ask if maybe you'd… go to the tavern with me? For fun?" Dorin sounded so unsure and her face looked even more confused than she sounded. He thought perhaps this brilliant goddess had never done anything just for fun.

"Of course I'll go with you!" Neamhaí answered with a broad smile.

She laughed, and the corners of her eyes crinkled so beautifully.

"You'll have to be a bit careful not to smile like that or you'll scare all the villagers," she said, still smiling.

"So what if they are a little scared? I am a dragon, after all," Neamhaí answered, savoring her mirth. "Let's go then, you lead the way."