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“Shaer …”

“I’ame Come now, Radonio It’s Festival Mudo wants Her children to be happy It was a minor incident—don’t let it spoil your fun, o join in”

As the wo, Jondalar took Radonio’s hands “I … sorry I not think Not ive?”

Radonio’s first ier—melted when she looked up into his earnest face and deep violet eyes “It was a silly … childish joke,” she said, and, nearly overwhelmed by the full impact of his presence, she swayed toward hi, experienced kiss

“Thank you, Radonio,” he said, then turned to walk away

“Jondalar!” Cherunio called after hi?”

He had forgotten her, he realized with a stab of guilt He strode back to the short, pretty, vivacious young wo—picked her up, and kissed her with ardor, and regret

“Cherunio, I make promise All this not happen if I not so ready to break proet I hope … sory,” Jondalar said, then quickly strode toward the shelters beneath the sandstone overhang

“Why did you have to go and spoil it for everyone, Radonio?” Cherunio said as she watched hio

The leather flap at the door of the dwelling he shared with Serenio was down, but no crossed planks barred his way He sighed with relief At least she wasn’t inside with someone else When he pushed the flap aside, it was dark Maybe she wasn’t there Maybe she ith someone else after all Co, not since the ceremonies And she was the one anted no commitht with her Maybe she had other plans, or maybe she had seen him with Cherunio

He felt his way to the rear of the dwelling where a raised platform was covered with a feather-stuffed pad and furs Darvo’s bed along the side as empty That was expected Visitors were not frequent, especially those his age He had likely ht with the to keep themselves awake

When he neared the back, he pricked his ears Was that breathing he heard? He reached across the platform and felt an arm, and a smile of joy warmed his face

He went back out, picked up a hot coal fro it on a piece of wood He lit the moss wick of a small stone lamp, then placed two planks across each other at the door, the sign that they did not wish to be disturbed He picked up the la woently

The idea quickened his loins He re around her warentle strokes he caressed her, feeling her sleeping war her female scent He explored every contour: her arers, her sharp shoulder blades and ridged spine that led to the sensitive s swell of her buttocks, then her thighs and the backs of her knees, her calves and ankles She pulled her feet ahen he touched the bottoms He reached his arm around to cup her breast, and he felt the nipple contract and harden within his pale to suckle it, but instead covered her back with his body and began kissing her shoulders and neck

He loved touching her body, exploring and discovering it anew Not just hers, he knew He loved all wos they caused within his His er, but still controllable It was always better if he didn’t give in too soon

“Jondalar?” said a sleepy voice

“Yes,” he said

She rolled to her back and opened her eyes “Is it ?”