Page 17 of Solar Bound
The compliment, so specific to her unique talent, touched something deep within her. Dani had never felt particularly special or valued. Fire had been her only constant companion, the only thing that didn't leave or disappoint her.
Until now, perhaps.
"I have seen this on your television." When Solar leaned down to kiss her, it felt inevitable. His lips were surprisingly soft, but that same heat radiated from them, sending sparks of pleasure racing across her skin. Dani pressed closer, her hands moving to his shoulders, feeling the strange, smooth texture of the skin beneath his shirt.
The kiss deepened, and Solar's initial hesitancy gave way to a hunger that matched her own. His hands found her waist, pulling her against him with careful strength that suggested he was holding back.
Her heart beat fast and hard. She wanted to explore the danger churning inside him.
"It's okay," she murmured against his mouth. "I'm not fragile."
Something seemed to break loose in him at her words. His arms tightened around her, and the temperature between them rose noticeably. The kiss became more demanding, his tongue meeting hers with a skill that suggested some aspects of attraction were definitely universal.
Dani's fingers found the buttons of his shirt, working them free with growing urgency. She needed to see more of him, to understand what lay beneath the human disguise.
As the shirt fell open, she gasped. The skin armor of his chest was perfectly sculpted, muscular, and smooth, but it was the shimmering gold luminescence that pulsed through the barrier like a heartbeat that held her gaze. Intricate patterns, like muted solar flares, moved beneath the surface.
"You're magnificent," she breathed, trailing her fingers over the living light of his torso.
Solar shuddered at her touch. "The skin-suit is failing," he said, his voice strained. "Your proximity accelerates the deterioration."
"Then take it off," Dani suggested, boldness overcoming caution. "I want to see the real you."
Uncertainty flickered across his face. "My true form is intense. The light may be too much for your human perception."
"I work with fire," Dani reminded him, stepping back to pull her own shirt over her head. "I'm not afraid of a little brightness."
Solar's eyes widened at the sight of her bare body, the movement of the light beneath his skin quickening. With deliberate care, he removed his shirt completely, then reached for something at the back of his neck. There was a soft hissing sound, and the skin-suit began to peel off like a membrane.
As it fell away, pure golden light filled the room. Solar stood before her, his true form revealed, a being made of contained sunlight. The patterns she had glimpsed beneath his skin now danced freely across his surface, solar flares and cosmic fire swirling in mesmerizing patterns.
Dani's breath caught. She had expected something alien, but not this living art, this embodiment of fire and light. His body maintained a humanoid shape, perfectly proportioned and masculine, but composed entirely of golden energy that pulsed and flowed like liquid flame.
"You're not afraid," Solar observed, his voice deeper now, resonating with power that made the air vibrate around them.
"Should I be?" Dani asked, unable to look away.
"Most species find our true form overwhelming." His light dimmed slightly, as if he were consciously restraining himself. "It can be dangerous to touch."
Dani smiled and stepped closer, the heat from his body washing over her skin. "I've been playing with fire my whole life. Danger and I are old friends."
Reaching out, she placed her palm against his chest. The sensation was unlike anything she'd ever experienced, warm but not burning, solid yet flowing, like touching the heart of a candle flame that somehow held form. Energy tingled up her arm, spreading through her body with a pleasure so intense it bordered on pain.
Solar trembled beneath her touch. "Your body conducts my energy," he said, wonder in his voice. "This is unexpected."
"Good unexpected?" Dani asked, trailing her fingers across the living light of his torso.
In answer, Solar caught her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her palm with careful restraint. The touch sent a jolt of heat straight to her core. "Very good," he murmured against her skin.
His hand moved to cup her face, fingers tracing the line of her jaw with reverence. The sensation was incredible, each touch sending ripples of pleasure through her nervous system. Dani leaned into his palm, wanting more.
"I have studied Earth mating customs," Solar said, his reserved tone at odds with the intimate moment. "But I find myself uncertain of proper protocol. Your species has many complex rituals."
Dani couldn't help but laugh. "Protocol?" She reached behind her back, unclasping her bra and letting it fall away. "How's this for protocol?"
Solar's glow intensified, the light in the room brightening in response to his reaction. His eyes, now pure golden fire, traveled over her exposed skin with undisguised hunger.
"Very efficient," he managed, his voice strained.
