A few marks still peeked at Melissa' body as evidence to what battle she'd fought with the dragon which she satisfyingly lost.
Phei's gaze flickered to marks off his making.
Melissa noticed immediately.
"Don't."
"I said nothing."
"You thought something naughty, didn't you."
"My thoughts are private and I won't say what I just thought to anyone, love."
"Your face is public."
"That feels unconstitutional."
"Your face can appeal in the morning."
He smiled.
Her knee brushed his. Melissa's eyes had already sharpened again, cutting through the afterglow like a blade through silk.
"So," she said. "This important person."
"Yes, Mel?"
"Does this person have a heartbeat?"
Phei paused for a moment.
Melissa closed her eyes briefly. "I hate that pause."
"I was preparing a careful answer."
"That pause belonged in a horror trailer. Or a very expensive divorce proceeding."
"She is—"
Melissa opened her eyes. "She?"
"Yes."
