Chapter 17 Beck
Beck
Everything looks bright and new this morning. Birds chirp gleefully in verdant trees and a tranquil breeze whispers through the tall grasses as Nori and I walk hand in hand along the cobbled path toward The Dancing Daisy.
In my chest, my dragon is stretched out on his back, lazing peacefully as he basks in the feeling of having Nori by our side.
It feels great not to be at odds with him lately, our hearts united in prioritizing Nori.
Neither of us even pushed to go for a swim this morning, not while there were so many other things we could do to bring a smile to Nori’s face the first time she stayed over.
Being with Nori like this feels so natural, so perfect, that I can’t imagine my future without her in it.
I’m already dreading having to say goodbye again later.
If I had it my way, she’d quit that job that makes her so unhappy, move in with me, and lie on the couch all day, reading to her heart’s content.
I can take care of her. I want to take care of her. We could—
Interrupting my daydream, Nori asks, “Does Lucille know about us?”
My brow pulls down as I consider that, wondering if I messed up.
“Yes. Is that okay?” Wanting to be as truthful with her as possible, I add, “I asked her to help me with ideas to court you, and she suggested the candies since you’ve been wanting to try them.
I also saw her early this morning for our weekly tea date, though I only dropped off her bread and couldn’t stay for actual tea.
But I did promise to have a cup during book club.
Besides, she shooed me away very quickly when she heard you stayed with me, and said she didn’t want me to leave you alone too long. ”
A smile lifts the corners of Nori’s mouth. “That’s really kind of her. I’ll be sure to thank her later. I’m sorry that I kept you away though.”
I shake my head. “I’m not. And don’t worry, we’ve decided to move our Saturday tea dates to Monday mornings.
” Lucille and I discussed the possibility of Nori staying over more frequently and that it might interfere with our usual schedule, so moving the date to a weekday made the most sense.
I’d hate being distracted while spending time with Lucille, which is a big possibility if I knew Nori was waiting for me in my bed.
Nori stops walking as concern bleeds into her voice. “I hope it’s not because of me.”
My dragon sits up and pushes against my chest, wanting to reassure Nori.
Reading my intention, he relaxes again as I brush my thumb across the back of Nori’s hand.
“Of course it is because of you. But in the best way possible. Lucille likes that I have a… special someone. And she’s happy that someone is you.
It was her suggestion to change the days. ”
“I also like having a special someone,” Nori says, her gaze bouncing between my eyes and my mouth.
Unable to resist, I band an arm around Nori and draw her against me.
She lifts onto her toes as I lower my head, our lips meeting in the most gentle caress.
We remain like that for a while, simply breathing each other in, before I reluctantly loosen my hold on her and we continue toward the island’s biggest hill.
After a short while of walking in companionable silence, Nori squeezes my hand. “Can I ask you a big favor?” The question is slow, her voice unsure, coming out like she’s doubted if she should even ask it.
“Of course,” I say easily, not seeing one thing I’d ever deny her.
Nori can’t quite meet my eyes as she asks, “Can you maybe write down some of the nice things you said last night? I’m going to need them to sustain me during the week until I get to see you again.”
My feet slow to a stop and I turn to Nori, tipping her chin up to meet her sparkling eyes. “Of course. I can come up with even more, because my muse never ceases to inspire me.”
Pulling her lip into her mouth, Nori tries to hide her pleased smile. “Really?”
I take a quick look around to make sure we’re still alone while my dragon scents the air. He gives me a nod of approval and sends scales flitting over my cheeks and down my jaw, relishing in the way Nori’s eyes track the peacocking move.
“I can write chapters dedicated to your scent,” I whisper against her neck, dipping low to nibble at the base of her throat. “Especially the way you smell right here.”
Nori tilts her head to the side, granting me more access. “Uhm, maybe you shouldn’t do that.”
I lift my head to meet her eyes again, confused at the different signals I’m getting. “I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong?”
“Not at all,” Nori says quickly. “It’s just… I’m not wearing any underwear, and if you keep touching me or kissing me, all of Starry Hill will probably smell it.”
“What happened to your panties?”
Pink steals across Nori’s cheeks. “They kind of got a little wet last night. Can’t really wear them again.”
Skimming my hands down her sides, I let my palms rest on her hips, feeling no evidence of underwear under my fingertips. “So right now you only have this dress on. Nothing else?” I ask, my voice gruff with lust, barely resisting the desire to bunch her dress up and see for myself.
“Yup.” Nori pops the p as she traces the scales on my chest. There’s a teasing glint in her eye, almost like she knows the effect she has on me and is enjoying it very much.
Needing her to fully understand how much I want her, how much I desire to please her, to worship her, I cup her ass and pull her against me.
“Nori, if book club wasn’t one of the most important things in your life today, I’d be throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you home so I can lick your cunt over and over again until you come on my face. Then I’ll—”
“No. Don’t tell me,” Nori pleads with a laugh, pressing a finger to my mouth. “If you keep going I’m going to be dripping down my legs before we get there.”
I open my mouth enough to swirl my tongue around the tip of her finger, a tease of what I want to do. “I can always lick you clean.”
“Shinsu,” Nori gasps, her scent blooming beautifully.
Kind of seeing her point, and not wanting to share that part of her with the rest of the town, I relent. Partially. “Okay. After book club, and then all night long.”
“What about your game night with the boys?”
Oh fuck. I totally forgot about them. Should I cancel Knights and Castles tonight or would that be too rude considering we canceled last weekend too? I’m not ready to say goodbye to Nori so soon. But how to balance it all?
“I can take you home after?” I suggest slowly. “Or you can stay another night? They won’t mind if you hang out with us. You can sit on the couch and read while we play.”
“I’d like that,” Nori says with a coy smile. “But only if you’re sure.”
“With you, always,” I reply. In the back of my mind I wonder how I’m going to concentrate on books this morning and a campaign later when I have so much to look forward to with Nori after.
My dragon spins in circles a couple of times, elated at how well everything is going with Nori and excited about the prospects of our future. Together.
I help Nori set up for book club, carrying a couple of chairs over from The Singing Seahorse next door, but when I try to arrange them in a neat row facing the pair of orange chairs, she quickly takes over and rearranges them in a loose circle.
“I really appreciate your help, but I think maybe this way it looks more collaborative instead of like a lecture,” Nori says with a slight wince as she places her hand on my forearm.
“That makes sense.” I look around the room, shifting my weight from foot to foot, wondering what else I can do to distract myself so I don’t pull Nori into my arms and kiss those beautiful lips the way they deserve to be kissed.
Like Lucille can sense I need direction, she glances at me from the refreshments table where she’s laying out napkins. “Beck dear, would you mind restocking the candies while Eleanor and I finish setting up?”
“Of course.” I lean down and limit myself to giving Nori a quick kiss, lingering only long enough to enjoy the way she sways into me before I disappear into the back room and go about my routine of refilling all the jars for the display wall.
I’m on the second jar when my dragon lifts his head, sensing someone new arriving.
Halting my movements, I strain my ears and recognize Maisie’s cheerful humming.
My dragon relaxes again but remains wary, knowing there will be many creatures around Nori today.
It’s not that we distrust anyone in particular, but she’s our priority and keeping her safe and happy is of paramount importance to us.
Maisie gasps loudly as she enters The Dancing Daisy. “Fucking hells, Eleanor! You look magnificent. I love your curls! Is this your natural texture?”
Nori’s response is very demure. “Thank you. It’s definitely something to get used to, but I’m kind of enjoying how it feels.”
“That’s the most important thing,” Maisie says wisely. “As long as you’re comfortable in your body then it’s no one else’s business. Though, I hope Beck has been showering you with much-deserved compliments. You really do look beautiful.”
I want to shout, “Of course I am because my Nori looks like the epitome of feminine grace today.” Instead, I stay quiet and let the women continue their conversation.
A bashful huff of a laugh escapes from Nori. “He has been quite generous with his kind words.”
Hearing Nori say that makes me think back to last night and how much she enjoyed me telling her exactly what I think of every lovely feature of hers.
Not only will I write down some of the things I’ve already told her, but from today I’ll be keeping a notebook that I can fill with letters and thoughts I have of her each day.
I honestly think I won’t ever run out of complimentary things I can say about my Nori. Beyond thoughts pertaining to her beauty, there’s much to say about her sweet heart, her smart brain, and her quick wit too.