won’t be forgotten.”
After they were back on the shore, Aranka said, “Way to put your stamp on me.”
“That’s just how some people need things explained to them. Would you rather he be hassling you?”
“I’d rather I be able to say hey, not interested and he’d respect that because I’m a person, not property. And old lady? Holy shit, if Krysanthe, Princess Krysanthe heard you referring to her as an old lady—”
“Whoa, hey. This is a different culture. It’s not your culture.”
“It’s misogynist.”
“Look, there is a way the Drago Knights do things, and the way that other clubs do things. Even so, our culture and values has to operate within theirs. Give it a chance. And among us, calling a woman someone’s old lady is a sign of respect and deference.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s a good thing you don’t want to have sex with me.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I’ll punch your dick if you call me your old lady.”
“That would be your loss then, wouldn’t it? Because if you’re having sex with me, you’re not doing it with anyone else.”
“No?” she taunted and followed him deeper into the swamp. “You don’t want to have a ménage? I thought every guy wanted to watch two chicks doing it. And what’s good for the gander, sir, is definitely good for the goose.”
“I’m a one partner kind of guy.”
“Boring.” She snorted. “I mean, I guess you were right. That’s why we won’t work out. I still want to try all the things and you’ve already done all the things.”
That hit a particularly strange place inside of him. He could understand that she wanted to explore. Taking someone to mate didn’t change curiosity. Did it?
“So have you given this serious thought?”
“What do you mean? Having a ménage? Yes.” She grabbed his sleeve so he stopped and turned to look at her. “I think life should be an adventure all the time, right? I don’t want to have to miss out on experiences because of old school ideas about love.”
“So you don’t think people or supes can be faithful to one partner?”
“Having a ménage isn’t being un faithful. Of course there’s nothing wrong with being with one person forever, or sharing everything. I’m on board for that. But I think there are new ways to define what a relationship is. I know with dragons it’s all about the one true mate and that’s cool. But can’t one true mates try everything together? Even exploring new definitions of sexuality?”
“I never thought of it like that.”
“I guess it’s not for everyone.”
“Would you want to have a ménage with another woman or another man?” He didn’t mean to picture it, he only wanted to understand her thinking.
But now he was imagining her in every position a woman could possibly be into with all sorts of people. His cock was rock hard.
“Why? Would that change what you think of me?”
“No, of course not. I’m just trying to understand you.”
“See? That’s why I wanted you to be my first. You don’t judge me. You want to know me the way I am.”
“Aranka, I think you underestimate how intimidating you can be. You’re a wild thing, elemental.”
“Like a flower.” She laughed, teasing.
“No, like a hurricane.”
She paused and seemed to consider. “Okay, maybe you’re right.”
They walked for a little ways more before they came to a wooden dock lined with small boats and pontoons.
“Do you think the gators will bother us?” she asked.
“Nah, they don’t like how I smell. They give me a wide berth.”
“I like how you smell.”
He found the pontoon he expected would be waiting and helped her board. “That’s good, since you’ll be sleeping next to me tonight.”
“I’m so tired. I’m ready to sleep for ten hours.” She settled into one of the overstuffed lounger seats in the front. Good thing it was a double.
“Probably more like six. Sorry.”
“As long as there’s breakfast. There’ll be breakfast,