CHAPTER 15: Flying high...

Ryu
I lift off from the ground with Celeste's soft warm body pressed against me. Even through the heavy layers of clothing she has on, I can feel her every curve. They are amazing too. Every line of her body that touched mine seems to nestle into it, like they fit perfectly together. My dragon is a very happy boy right now. I can't keep a small growl from escaping.
I fly above the house for a few laps at first. I want her to get used to it before going any higher. I admit that's not the only reason though. I can see Randol on his balcony looking up at us. I know Celeste can't hear him, but having my keen dragon senses, I can hear him yell, "This is bullshit!" before stomping back inside. That is just the cherry on top of this night. Taking the cocky alpha pup down a notch.
"I'm going to fly higher now. Are you ready?"
I feel her lay her cheek down on my back. I am assuming she is closing her eyes, "Okay, I'm ready now!" She squeezes me a little tighter. I slowly climb higher into the sky. I finally breach the clouds and level out.
"Celeste, open your eyes." I feel her slowly start to sit up, and I can actually hear the moment she opens her eyes.
Gasp! "Oh my god, Ryu! Look at all these stars. And that moon. It looks huge from up here."
"Hahah, yes, it's beautiful up here. This is what I wanted to show you. I guess you could say it's my calm place. I like to go for a fly when I'm upset or I need to think. I thought, maybe you could use some calming after all the stress we went through today."
"I can't believe you did this for me, Ryu. It's amazing, but wouldn't you rather come to your special place alone?"
Man, I could not have planned for her to leave me a better opening. "No, actually. I've never shared this view with anyone else, but tonight it was all I could do to make it through dinner." Oh god, there's that giggle. "Oh, you're going to have to stop that."
"What? Am I squeezing too tight? Am I hurting you?"
"No, that cute little giggle of yours makes my toes curl." Ah! She did it again.
"Well, I guess we're even then because that low throaty voice you use from time to time does the same thing to me." While she says this, though, she is running her hand across the scales on my back, and my whole body shivers.
Hold it together, Ryu! You hold her life in your hands, well above the cloud line too. "Ahem. At least I have one redeeming quality."
She lays down on my back, with her cheek resting against it, and drops her voice to a sexy whisper, "Trust me, Ryu, you have way more than one." Okay, I can't take it anymore. I have to land and get my arms around this woman.
I slowly descend out of the sky, so that I don't scare her. When we reach the ground, I lay down so she can climb off. When she's down and backed up to a safe distance, I shift. She watches me the entire time with a smile on her face. I love that smile. "Well, did you have fun?"
"It was amazing, Ryu. Thank you."
"Less stressed now, too?"
"I mean, how could I not be after that. Spending time with you didn't hurt either though."
"What do you mean?" I study her face as my brows knit in confusion.
"Honestly, I'm not sure why myself, but being around you makes me feel calm and secure." She turns that incredible smile on me, and before I can even think I have my arms around her and I'm pulling her to my chest. I'm squeezing her and breathing in that luscious scent that is uniquely hers when I realize what I'm doing.
"Oh, uh, I'm sorry. I guess I couldn't help myself."
I start to loosen my grip to let go, but she surprises me. She puts her arms around me and returns my embrace. Damn it! Her touch sets me on fire. "You know, Ryu, most of the time you're completely serious, almost stoic."
"Yeah. I've heard that a time or two."
"I'm glad I got to see the sweeter, softer side of you." I smile down at her.
"Thanks," I say in that low throaty voice I know she likes. She smiles back at me. "As much as I hate to, I better get you back before you freeze." With much difficulty, that's what I did. Now, I need a cold shower.