“Possibly. I didn’t realize there were rules against that.”
Javelin laughed and said, “We don’t have a dress code, but you might be more comfortable in less.”
“Why?” she asked, clutching the fabric on her chest. “What do you have planned for me?”
“I thought we could just have a chat and get to know each other better. That would be a little nicer than our first meeting, wouldn’t you agree? I don’t know all your Earth customs, but I’m pretty sure you don’t just walk in and start rubbing someone’s tail.”
“Not unless you’re a dog.”
“Excuse me?”
“Dogs. They sniff each other. Not the same as rubbing, but anyway … you don’t have pets here. I guess you could count the chameleons, but they’re really not the same.” She caught herself and looked down in embarrassment. “I ramble. Sorry.”
“Do I make you nervous?”
“All of the Vizalians make me nervous, but especially you.”
“Would you be more comfortable if I brought out my dragon?”
“No! This is fine.”
Javelin tried not to laugh at her quick response. “Okay, what would you like to do?”
She bit her lip as the thought for a few moments. “Would it be possible to visit the settlement? My father is ill.”
“Oh … um, sure. We can provide transportation…”
“No, with you.”
“Me? You want me to go to the colony?”
“Why not? You don’t have to meet everyone, but I’d like to check on my family.”
Javelin was flattered by the request. “I don’t see why not,” he said. “I’ll meet you in the main room.”
Madeleine nearly started skipping on her way to the first floor. The others stared at her while she whistled and smiled broadly in every direction. She was waiting for almost fifteen minutes when the people around her started pointing towards the higher levels. Her mouth dropped when she looked up and saw human Javelin riding on the back of a dragon. They circled gracefully like a hang glider until they landed softly in front of her.
“Give me your hand,” Javelin said, reaching towards her.
“We’re riding a dragon?”
“Unless you want to walk.”
She shook her head and took a few cautious steps before grabbing his hand. He easily hoisted her in front of him and wrapped one arm firmly around her waist.
“Hold onto this piece of his neck,” he said, tapping his finger on the thick fold directly in front of her. “I won’t let you fall.”
The moment her hands dug into the flesh, the dragon took off. Madeleine shrieked when the creature first went airborne and slowly settled in as Javelin’s grip tightened. She thought they would fly directly to the colony, but the creature went higher until they were soaring over the cliffs.
/> “I thought you’d enjoy a tour,” Javelin said into her ear.
The heat from his breath sent tingles down her spine. She was already getting turned on from the vibrations she felt coming from the beast below her and the tension caused by gripping her legs.
“Why is he vibrating?” she asked over her shoulder.
“He’s harnessing his energy to fly. We all vibrate to varying degrees depending on what we’re doing.”
She nodded, trying not to focus on all the thoughts racing through her head. Every part of him vibrates? This could get interesting.