The Knight of Her Dreams

chapter Eight



“I must be dreaming,” whispered Julianna.

A moment later, she remembered how true this was.

Smiling as she glanced down at her attire, she found herself standing in a gown of aquamarine, made of a material that felt softer than silk. No doubt a complimentary gift from her nightly—or rather ‘knightly’—companion.

She was a short distance from the castle they’d shared, located beside a beach of golden sands and a sparkling ocean that looked to be made of silver. Just in front of her stood a fountain that brought forth a similar translucent liquid through a shining marble statue. Glancing wide-eyed at the shimmering pool, she leaned against the edge and stared within. Through the countless ripples, she could see hundreds of rainbow stones twinkling up at her from the bottom of the fountain, like diamonds, winking back at the stars up above.

“Care to make a wish, my lady?” asked a softly familiar voice, causing her to turn. In formal white-jacketed attire, he looked even more handsome than before if possible, and she felt her heart beat faster at the loving look in his eyes.

“I don’t need to now,” she replied. “You’re already here.”

Smiling warmly, Dominick’s arms surrounded her, his tender yet impassioned kisses warming her like a hundred suns, stealing her breath away. Moments later, the sound of sweet music filled the air, and Julianna’s eyes opened with renewed surprise. What on Earth? she wondered, noting her companion’s look of amusement as he broke apart from her.

Just before she noticed illuminated rainbows cascading in endless directions towards the starry night sky. Something only a dream could create… or a dream companion.

“It’s all your doing, Julianna,” he said, smiling with mock innocence. “You said so yourself that there are rainbows and music when we’re together.”

“Yes, but I didn’t mean literally,” she laughed. “Thank you for remembering, my dear dream knight.” Leaning forward, she emphasized this with a deeper kiss.

“Be careful with your kisses, my lady,” Dominick replied smiling, breaking away long moments later, though not releasing her. “I had other plans for us this evening, but I’m only human when it comes to the charms of a most enchanting sorceress.”

“Ah, I see,” she replied with feigned seriousness. “Then you want me to be on my best undesirable behavior.”

“Minx!” he laughed deep in his throat, brushing a few kisses across her neck. “You can’t help but be desirable to me, Julianna,” he whispered. “Even if you tied back your hair, wore the drabbest clothes, and painted your face green, I’d still want you.”

She gave a slight pout at that. “Well, I certainly won’t agree to try out the last part of that theory. Knowing you, you’d trick me into using indelible paint.”

“And purposely hide such beauty from these eyes?” He thought for a moment, before adding, “Still, it might be useful to detract the attention of other admirers you might have.” She swatted his shoulder at the last, but he simply clasped her wrist and kissed her hand. “Really, Julianna, we must have a talk about this aggressive tendency of yours. It's fine for passionate moments, but surely not all the time.”

“You won’t be so smug when I display no passion at all, Sir Dominick,” she retorted.

“None at all?” he asked doubtfully, his kisses traveling down her neck while he hugged her close. A gasp escaped her lips and her eyes drifted shut, earning a soft laugh from him. “The hell with smugness then,” he whispered. “It’s definitely not worth the sacrifice.” Julianna smiled at his touch, even as he pulled away with a groan. “No, no, my temptress. There’ll be plenty of time for this later. Right now, I wish to follow through on my request last night that I learn more of your life. Come.”

Taking her hand, he led her up a few steps to where a decorated table with two soft chairs awaited, overlooking the ocean. Over a white tablecloth, two candles burned brightly beside each other. Like her and Dominick, she thought with a smile. If nothing else, he surely sensed her emotions, squeezing her hand once before stepping back to hold the chair for her.

The gentle echoes of the music flowed through Julianna like the sweetest melody she’d ever heard, complemented even more when Dominick leaned over her shoulder to kiss her cheek. As he took the seat adjacent to her, he reached out to hold her hand again, gently caressing her smooth fingers.

“I don’t remember when I’ve ever been treated so wonderfully,” she said softly. “And while I don’t know how or why you’ve suddenly become a part of my life, I certainly wouldn’t trade these past few days together with you for all the world.”

Raising her hand to his lips, Dominick brushed a whisper of a kiss against it. “How... would take a long time to explain,” he replied. “Though I will admit that Fate must certainly have had a hand in things. As to why, that reason should be more than obvious.”

“Tell me,” she coaxed.

For a moment, he looked about to reply, but then shook his head with a smile. “If we don’t get started on our dinner now, this dream will be over before we get to dessert. And I certainly wouldn’t want that to happen.”

“You’re putting cake before me?”

Dominick gave a short laugh. “I wasn’t referring to that kind of dessert,” he replied, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Personally, I prefer something far sweeter than cake.” Deciphering his words instantly, Julianna blushed. Flashing her a quick smile, he commented lightly, “Now to see about that dinner.”

*****

An hour later, Julianna found herself wishing she could live forever in the dream-state. Not only was the food catered perfectly to her liking, but Dominick assured her that she wouldn’t get sick from anything, either here or when she awoke, which only made sense since it was a dream.

Dominick merely asked what she’d like, and the food had materialized on silver trays, floating across the table, beside the neatly arranged china and silverware. He had good taste in everything she’d seen so far, this romantic dinner being no exception.

During dinner, Julianna told him of her family and life on Earth, hesitantly at first mentioning her brother-in-law and nephew. His warm responding smile soon eased any doubts from her mind, and she went on to assure him that her sister Crystal and Jerry shared a solid, happy marriage. At her continual references to Sammy, it was easy to see that she adored her nephew. Dominick’s expression became curious.

“Would you like to have a child of your own someday?” he asked.

Caught off-guard, Julianna froze. “I used to once.” Taking a sip of water to consider, she added, “But I could never see having a child if it wasn’t with someone I loved.”

He leaned closer, his eyes holding hers. “And if that was possible?”

Blushing, she forced a smile. “I’ve been monopolizing the conversation long enough. You promised to tell me more about you tonight.”

Sitting back in his chair, his eyes twinkled. “Fair enough,” he agreed. “Outside of the dream-state, I live with my brother on an island.” Julianna’s own eyes widened.

“You’re real?”

“Well, of course I’m real!” he laughed. “Hasn’t this past week made that clear?”

She shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. I mean, you said you exist outside the dream-state?”

Dominick took a sip from his wine glass. “Yes, as a matter of fact I do. You may have a creative imagination, Julianna, but you didn’t conjure me up.” At her surprised expression, he reached forward to squeeze her hand. “I’m as real as you are in the waking reality.”

She reciprocated the gesture. “How is that possible?”

“I’m known as a dreamphaser,” he replied, a smile forming. “As to the details, that might take awhile. You’d best keep eating while I explain.”

Still reeling from the knowledge that he existed in reality, Julianna barely noticed the taste of the food as he explained his dreamphasing ability.

Once he did, it made sense why she dreamed of him so frequently, as well as retained vivid memories of him when awake. It did add new questions though. In all her life, she’d never heard of dreamphasing before.

“You said earlier you live on an island?”

“Very astute,” he replied, raising his glass towards her. “I live on the island of Barokka, which is well separated from the distant shores of the outer regions. It’s not the easiest place to reach if you don’t know what you’re looking for, and there’s a protective mist farther out along the perimeter which obscures us from the outer area.”

Julianna thought quickly. “I’ve never heard of Barokka before. Is it outside of Europe?”

Dominick gave a short laugh. “I’d have to say, ‘Yes.’ It’s nowhere near that. More accurately, it’s not going to be found on any map of Earth.”

As he emphasized the last, she dropped her fork. “You’re from another world?” He nodded, allowing her to process this newest revelation. “That’s amazing!” she said finally.

Gladdened by her enthusiastic reaction, Dominick smiled. “Would you like to hear more about it?’

Eyes bright, she nodded. He told her of his home on the island, as well as some of outer Chavernos. Much as she had earlier, he spoke of his own family and friends there, of his grandfather Chaos and the palace. The more he shared, the more she wanted to know, and he was clearly pleased by her interest.

“This planet Chavernos of yours sounds far away,” she told him, earning a nod. “So tell me, what galaxy are you from?”

“Oh... this one,” Dominick replied lightly.

“This one?” she said incredulously. “But that’s impossible.”

“Not impossible. Just well hidden.” At her surprised gape, he started reciting the planets she knew of. “…and of course, there’s Mars, Venus, Earth, Jupiter, and Chavernos.” He nodded at the lack of recognition in her eyes. “I know. Your world doesn’t know of us. But then, it is a large galaxy.”

“Even so, how can you miss a whole planet?”

“I’ll try to explain, but you’ll likely find it hard to believe. There’s a mist obscuring our world. But not just an ordinary mist. It’s a field of magic, which both conceals and protects it. Our oldest scientists have speculated it’s always been there, although their own magic has enhanced it, and since all dreamphasers who have visited Earth have never heard mention of our world, apparently the mist is strong enough to conceal itself from even the strongest telescopes.”

“You know of telescopes?”

“Of course. We have our own variant here, propelled by magic which can see through the field, but still a means of viewing what’s out there.”

“Just how far away is your world?”

“Not as far as you might think. Most times we’re opposite your own planet in relation to the sun.”

“A hidden planet,” she murmured. “Now I know I’m dreaming.”

He laughed good-naturedly, continuing to tell her more about his world. Like a child enraptured by a storyteller, Julianna couldn’t hear enough about it. Both on and outside the island, Chavernos harbored many unusual and wonderful beings, some of which she’d only read about in books.

Dominick mentioned having traveled in outer Chavernos quite often in the past, telling her of the very real elves, dwarves, sprites, trolls, and dragons, along with countless other unknown races and creatures.

“Then of course there are half-elves, half-dragons...”

“Half-dragons? Now you are kidding.”

“No, really. They’re not generally found in one specific place, but they do exist throughout the planet. You see, even most pure-blood dragons have the ability to take on alternate forms, such as human or elven, via a special magic. This magic is strong enough that it actually makes it possible for them to function completely in their alternate forms, so if a dragon should fall in love with a human or elf in that form, it is possible they can marry and have children.

“It is the children of such unions that have become known as half-dragons, who receive the traits of both parents. Of course, they can morph into dragon form at will when they learn how. However, while they usually maintain their human or elven form for outward appearances, they also have the inborn traits of: extended lifelines that rival the long-lived pure-blood dragons, resistance to fire and ice, and sometimes unique added magical powers.”

“What’s it like living on a world where magic truly exists?”

He shrugged with a knowing smile. “It has its advantages and drawbacks, the same as one might regard your world’s technological advances.”

“But magic, Dominick... real magic!” Julianna’s eyes shone with wonder. “It sounds like such a wonderful place. I wish I could see it someday.”

“Hmmm, maybe you can,” he mused, halting her instantly before she could reply. “Wait, love, don’t let me lead you falsely. I don’t mean in the real sense, of course. But instead to draw from my memories to show you a sample of Chavernos in the dream-state.”

Julianna nodded, a bit disappointed—partially because she would have liked to be with Dominick in reality—but still accepted his proposition for the future.

“Your world has its advantages too,” he continued. “I’m glad I have the ability to reach it, even though it’s only as one looks through a window, or I wouldn’t have met you. In which case, I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of masquerading as a mysterious rogue that second night in order to pursue a most tempting Earth damsel who ended up chasing me instead.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever live that down,” she admitted. “I must have appeared so desperate.”

“Not to me,” said Dominick, shaking his head. “What I saw that night was a beautiful, unhappy woman that looked like she could use a shoulder to lean on.”

“And you most certainly provided that.” He gave a mischievous shrug, but didn’t discount it, allowing a soft smile to cross his expression.

“To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever been more touched than to find you remembered my name, when I returned two months after our first meeting.” He leaned closer to stroke her cheek. “Ever notice how a name can sound a thousand times more endearing when spoken by the one you care for?”

“Yes,” she agreed softly.

As he brushed his lips against her cheek, her eyes shut blissfully.

“My Dominick...” she whispered.

“Always to you,” he said, cupping her chin in his hand. “And you, my sweet lady, will always be my Julianna. A beautiful name that expresses the beautiful woman you are.” He drew nearer to kiss her lips sweetly, lingeringly, earning a soft sound of agreement from her as he absently began stroking her waist.

She felt pleasantly lightheaded even as he gently disengaged from her to sit back in his own chair. In moments, he had the empty dishes and trays on the table vanish.

Despite his earlier words—although Julianna suspected his spoken motives would resurface soon enough—Dominick did bring out a few edible desserts for them. One of them was her favorite—and his, coincidentally enough—devil’s food cake. Dominick told Julianna of the never-ending joke among his guardian friends Buddy and Jarissa that although Buddy’s kind was supposed to appreciate angel food cake, he didn’t, preferring the ‘devil-cake’ version instead.

“Another good thing about the dream-state is that eating this cake won’t add a pound to your real body,” he told her, noting her appreciative expression.

“Mmmm, I’m definitely moving into the dream-state permanently then,” she decided, earning a laugh from him. Once they finished eating, Dominick zapped away the rest of the dishes and silverware, leaving only the candles upon the table. “This was nice. You really surprised me tonight.”

“I’m glad,” he replied smiling, “but it shouldn’t surprise you that I’d desire something more between us than just the physical aspects of a relationship.”

Julianna felt her heart skip a beat. “What do you mean?” she asked softly.

He was silent for long moments.

“Julianna…”

“Yes?”

“Have you ever stood at the top of a rainbow before?”

Despite her inner frustration at his evading her question, Julianna’s curiosity was piqued, and she admitted having no knowledge of such. Dominick took her hand and led her along the beach to where one section of a rainbow seemed almost tangible, despite its colorful misty appearance. When he started to walk directly towards it, she pulled back apprehensively.

“If we walk straight through that, we’ll head right into the ocean,” she protested.

“Have faith in me, Julianna,” he replied, gently coaxing her to follow him.

To her surprise, as soon as they stood directly in the rainbow mists, an invisible ground began to rise beneath their feet. Rather like walking up an invisible ramp. Sensing her slight apprehension due to the height looming before them, Dominick moved to her side, placing his arm comfortingly about her waist as he beckoned her onward. Whether due to its being a dream, or Dominick himself, Julianna felt her reservations ease, replaced by marvel at their present location.

“How is this possible?” she asked.

“A good imagination, the appropriate dreamphasing conventions, and a most pleasant companion to be with.” Julianna somehow felt he’d evaded another of her questions, but said nothing. “You have to let go of your conventional knowledge, love. Being in a dream is like taking a trip in your mind, and there’s no limit to the possibilities.”

She was about to agree, but instead nearly lost her footing, prompting her to clutch Dominick while his hold on her strengthened protectively. “I think I’d rather not just let go as you say.”

Not minding their current embrace, Dominick merely smiled as they walked on. As the top drew nearer, the lights became brighter. He mentioned this being since the tail ends of a rainbow usually seemed to disappear first, so the colors were more vivid higher up. Julianna wondered if he wasn’t simply teasing her, but it seemed an amusing—if not completely logical—explanation. When they reached the top, he stopped them to gesture towards the view below.

Julianna knew she shouldn’t look, but of course curiosity got the better of her. One glance, and the overwhelming reality of the dizzying height took hold, her hands tightening around Dominick like a vise, earning a chuckle from him.

“Remember, love, it’s only a dream,” he told her comfortingly. “And even if heaven forbid you fell from here, I’d keep you safe.”

“Right,” she whispered, slowly calming down as he began to gently massage her tense shoulders. In no time at all, she’d forgotten just where they were standing, shutting her eyes and smiling.

“Feel better?” he asked, continuing his ministrations.

“Mmmm, I like what you’re doing.”

“Really?” he murmured against her cheek. “Then I suppose I shouldn’t stop now, should I?”

She turned about to face him, so he could bring his mouth to hers, making no protest as his arms surrounded her. Nor when he reached down long moments later to place his arm beneath her knees, lifting her up before he gently lowered her amidst the dazzling colors of the rainbow’s surface, sliding down beside her so as not to break their kiss.

“Dominick,” she breathed, “We can’t do this here. The rainbow...”

“Is the perfect place,” he finished, gazing into her eyes. “Don’t worry, love. The span of this rainbow is broader than it seems, and there are invisible borders along the edge to keep us safe.” Sensing her relax, a mischievous smile stole across his face, as he ran his fingers lightly along her arm. “So, my lady, I take it you’ve never done this at the top of a rainbow before.”

“Before last night, I’ve never done this at all.”

“I know. I was there.”

His mouth descended on hers again, expertly parting her lips to reach the softness within. Between his deep kisses and his strong hands sliding down to caress her, Julianna nearly forgot where they were, except for occasional glimpses of the soft colors that played around them. Although the ground had seemed highly solid on the trek up here, the surface they were lying on now seemed endlessly softer, no doubt thanks to her companion’s forethought.

“Julianna… I want this time to last forever,” he murmured, holding her easily with one arm, while his other hand reached within the top folds of her gown. At his warming touch there, Julianna found herself gasping, one bare knee revealing itself when it raised up, her gown falling back enticingly.

In response, while continuing his kisses, his hand retreated to move lower, skimming down along her waist to her bare thigh, stirring a tremor from her. Deftly stealing under the gown, he began to stroke upward, causing her to stir restlessly, breathing his name.

Smiling knowingly, Dominick withdrew to embrace her again, brushing soft whispers of kisses across her mouth. She returned them eagerly, reaching towards his chest to tug at the fabric she encountered. Gently assisting her in removing both his jacket and shirt, he then guided her hands back to his bared skin.

Her fingers ran across his strong muscles, marveling at this. “You must take good care of yourself to be this fit,” she whispered in admiration. “Do you lift weights?”

He shrugged slightly. “Some of the time, but I get more exercise just from attending to the many matters regarding the island. Always places to go, people to see.”

“Women to see?” she queried, glancing up at him.

“Now look,” he laughed, brushing a hand across her hair, while leaning on one arm. “I’d think it’s perfectly clear which woman I desire to see around here. Any others I meet are strictly business, Julianna. You have no need to feel jealous of them.”

She looked skeptical. “Except for this Sionne you mentioned, who seems to want you served up on a silver platter and bound to her by a wedding ring.”

“I don’t look at Sionne in that way and never will,” he said seriously, continuing to stroke her hair as it fanned out about her, shining and fiery against the rainbow’s glow. “If I ever do choose to get married, it’ll be for love. Not an arranged marriage by my persistent family.”

“Well, at least one of us can still keep an open mind about marriage,” Julianna sighed, shaking her head. At his apparent confusion, she explained, “Although knowing men’s egos, I suppose I shouldn’t say this... but I find it highly unlikely a man like you exists on Earth, and I could never settle for a lesser marriage.”

Dominick’s eyes held hers as they glittered. “Maybe you were never destined to marry a man from Earth,” he said softly, brushing the top of her gown aside to kiss along her neck. “A woman who looks to the stars long enough might one day find her heart’s desire among them instead.”

“Maybe…” she agreed breathlessly, arching back as his kisses went lower.

Raising up slightly, Dominick’s hands moved to her shoulders, sliding down the length of her. As they did, the gown melted away beneath them. Mildly surprised by this, she glanced up at him with glazed eyes, but unabashed this time as his gaze roamed over her.

He gave a low murmur of appreciation, pressing heated kisses against her neck again, and then traveling lower to do the same with her sensitive breasts, spurred on by her responding sounds of yearning.

Feeling her skin turn as hot as flames beneath his touch, his hands began to explore her body anew. It was when his kisses went lower to trace the same path as his hands that Julianna’s soft cries of pleasure suddenly heightened, this intimacy so provocative to her reawakened senses.

“Dominick...” she pleaded.

“Shhh, I’m right here, love,” he murmured gently, moving back to kiss her mouth again. Smiling seductively at her unbridled response, he discarded the last of his clothing and pulled her close.

Cradling her face in his hands, his kisses became feverish. The same fever caught hold of Julianna, her hands tangling in his hair to make sure he didn’t leave her. A possibility that Dominick knew was impossible, fighting his impatient body to lengthen their loving as much as possible.

It proved to be a losing battle.

Soon possessed by desire so overwhelming, there was only one way to quench it, his eyes sought hers questioningly, expecting hesitation but receiving none. Instead, Julianna’s fingers slid across his back to encircle his neck eagerly, murmuring his name as her eyes filled with unspoken adoration.

Mesmerized by her response with a tenderness even stronger than the night before, Dominick lowered his mouth to hers again with gentle reassurance, enfolding her in his embrace, long moments before he carefully eased within her. His prolonging this only heightened their senses, both shutting their eyes with soft cries of passion, their expressions sharing the same look of ecstatic joy.

This time there was nothing but mutual pleasure in their loving, as their bodies already knew each other, communicating this knowledge most sweetly. They slowly moved together as one, kissing each other leisurely, teasingly, sharing everything.

Their desire gradually built, until Julianna’s hands ran along Dominick’s back, hugging him closer, silently expressing what she couldn’t in words.

He understood all too well what she was feeling, and how new these feelings were to her, clasping her hand. Kissing her passionately again, she sweetly responded, as his free hand slid beneath her leg to pull her still closer. They ascended new heights together, while the softly continuing music blended in harmony with the sounds of their yearning.

“Dear heaven, Dominick,” she breathed. “Is it always this wonderful?”

Reveling in her response as he rained kisses upon her, Dominick’s glazed eyes slowly lifted and held hers, even as a new wave of pleasure softened both of their expressions. “Yes, love,” he replied softly. “Always with us.” Touching her cheek with a smile, he gazed at her lovingly. “Now, dearest...” he murmured encouragingly, “Let me show you the stars.”

His mouth closed over hers, swallowing her sounds of wondrous joy as he drove deep within her.

Julianna held fast to him, feeling as though she was melting, arching up against Dominick as he brought them to an intensely powerful release. Their hands still clasped, they soared through the shimmering heaven they’d shared, and then... gradually, drifted back against the surface of the rainbow, their fingers still intertwined loosely.

For several minutes neither even thought of moving, remaining entwined together in their intimate embrace, even as the music about them faded. Dominick stirred first, kissing Julianna as her eyes fluttered open to stare at him.

“A bit tired, sweetheart?” he whispered knowingly.

Julianna nodded with a languid smile, unable to speak. He smiled back in understanding as he shifted to move beside her instead, gently pulling her halfway across his chest, one leg protectively surrounding hers, while covering them with a swiftly conjured blanket. Murmuring soft acknowledgment, she snuggled closer.

Dominick stroked her shoulder possessively, thinking that she seemed more beautiful than ever, her passion-weary expression looking so innocent and content as she curled up against him. He was amazed at how she still exuded such an aura of innocence, after they’d certainly gone far beyond that tonight. Never before had he felt so soul satisfied, for Julianna was not only highly passionate, but he loved her for her mind and personality as well.

He loved her. This time he didn’t shrug it off with hesitation, but smiled in acceptance. After tonight, he was certain it was the truth. He’d enjoyed their conversation over dinner, and she’d displayed a gift for imagination that rivaled his own. Not to mention, they were compatible in many other ways.

“Will it always be like this between us?” he heard her ask softly.

“I wouldn’t object if it was,” he murmured, turning to lean on one arm to gaze into her wakened eyes. He began to sense uncertainty behind her expression. Does she still doubt my feelings for her? he wondered. “Sweet Julianna,” he whispered, caressing her back. “Intelligence, beauty, humor, and passion. What more could any man ask for in a companion?”

A companion, her mind repeated, feeling a twinge of pain.

She’d too often been regarded as that, but never found someone who loved her as well. And while she certainly enjoyed spending time with Dominick, and felt him to be a wonderful lover, Julianna felt a still deeper hurt. Despite his simple surface attraction to her, she knew that she loved him. He was undeniably handsome, intelligent, and she loved his sense of humor and personality, even when they disagreed on matters. And he was so romantic. Surely a woman couldn’t ask for more either.

But she still desired one thing... a mutual love.

Yet could she leave what she had now with Dominick, simply because that emotion didn’t exist for him towards her? Glancing up at him, nearly with tears, Julianna shook her head absently. Better a short time of happiness with him now than nothing at all, she decided, leaning her head against his chest again.

“I’m glad for the times we’ve had,” she said quietly.

Dominick nearly flinched at her words, sounding disturbingly as if she’d determined their relationship would soon be over. Had he said something to make her believe that? If so, he wasn’t about to let it remain that way. Kissing her forehead quickly, he moved from beneath the blanket to walk over to the rainbow’s edge, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he contemplated what exactly to say.

In response, Julianna looked up with sudden concern. Had she done something wrong? Oh, great! He must have sensed that she wanted more of a commitment from him, chasing him off as she’d originally lost Roger. Clasping the blanket to her chest, she got up to stand beside him, leaning against his shoulder. He glanced down at her with a brief smile, but then returned his gaze to the ocean.

“What are you thinking?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“Various things,” he replied softly, evading a direct answer as he seemed to do quite often.

She bit her lip, but murmured, “Anything involving us?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. This relationship of ours isn’t at all what I expected it to be.”

The pain nearly choked her heart. As she’d suspected from the beginning, he only regarded her as a temporary paramour. And now he was no doubt trying to find the right words to break things off between them, perhaps trying to minimize her pain.

“Maybe I should leave then,” she whispered, the words catching in her throat.

Dominick’s gaze whipped to face her. She was heading into that infuriating despondency again! It wasn’t that he couldn’t deal with it, but he hated seeing her in pain of any kind. She needed to understand how he felt.

“Julianna...” he began.

“Yes?” she asked hopefully.

“Care for a swim?”

Care for a what? her mind echoed blankly. “I... I don’t know.”

“Oh, don’t worry. We’re the only ones here. No one else is present to notice or object to two skinny-dippers enjoying a leisurely swim.” At her blush, he took her hand and added softly, “It’s all right, love. Although admittedly, I’m a fairly uninhibited individual myself, I understand your feeling differently.” Before she could blink an eye, she found herself wearing a two-piece bathing suit beneath the blanket. Dominick wore a suit of his own now too, gently taking the blanket from her to send it back into the unknown. “Is this more to your liking?”

Admittedly, Julianna had always worn one-piece suits in the past, but seeing as they were alone and Dominick seemed to approve, it seemed silly to mention. Especially since her companion had already seen her several times now. Still, she did find comfort in the suits, smiling up at him.

“Yes, this is fine, thank you,” she replied. Squeezing her hand once, Dominick brought her nearer to the edge of the rainbow, but she pulled free of him when they reached it. “What are you doing?” she asked in sudden alarm. “Aren’t we going to walk down again?”

“Julianna,” he laughed softly, “remember where we are. A dream. Now, let me show you what’s possible.” As he held out his hand, she hesitantly stepped forward to accept it, earning another reassuring squeeze from him. “You never have to fear anything with me, love. Now come with me to the edge.” Once they stood against the invisible border of the color array, he continued. “On the count of three, we’re going to jump.”

“Jump?” she exclaimed loudly.

“One…”

“No, wait, I’m not sure about this.”

“Trust me, love. Two...”

“Dominick, you can’t be serious.”

“Sure I can. Three.”

“I don’t want to...”

Julianna screamed as she was pulled along with Dominick when he jumped. She knew she should shut her eyes, but couldn’t, even as it sank in that they weren’t plummeting towards the sands below at a hundred miles an hour. Instead, they were gliding slowly downward, arcing back towards the beach.

“How?” she gasped, suddenly clutching him fiercely.

He didn’t seem to mind.

“Dreams are capable of many things, flight being just one possible aspect.” As their feet touched the sands gently, Dominick placed his hands on her shoulders and smiled at her. “You see? We survived. That’s one less fear you’ll have in the future of your dreams, love.”

“I guess so,” she murmured, half in amazement as she glanced back at the distant rainbow’s peak. His hands fell away from her, but she was too surprised at the revelation of safe flight to notice. Before she could ponder it long, she heard the sound of splashing water. “Dominick?” she asked, whipping around. He was wading into the ocean, but at the mention of his name, he turned to her with a grin.

“Come on in, Julianna!” he called out. “These waters will be perfectly attuned to your comfort, so you can’t give me that excuse, and if you can’t swim, I’ll teach you!”

“I can swim!” she called back.

“Then what’s the delay?”

Not one to ignore a challenge, Julianna strode forward, yet stopped at the water’s edge to tentatively dip her foot within. Dominick’s words were true. The waters were like those in a heated swimming pool. And despite the silvery appearance, the water droplets were crystal clear against her foot as she looked down upon it... just before a large splash of water soaked her, bringing a startled scream from her.

“This year, Julianna,” laughed Dominick.

“Oh, you’ll pay for that, dreamphaser!” she replied with a smirk, splashing him back and drenching him completely. As he brushed his eyes clear, Dominick strode forward with a grin, picking her up while she was lost to her own laughter.

“You’re all washed up, my dear lady. Or soon will be,” he chuckled, carrying her towards the deeper water.

She gave a mock display of protest, while he asked her what she’d be willing to do in exchange for his placing her back on the dry sands again. Some of her suggestions certainly seemed tempting enough! he thought, just before he tripped—truly by accident—dumping them headfirst into the waters.

They both reemerged laughing, just before they continued a playful contest of splashes. One that was abruptly dismissed shortly afterwards when Dominick picked up his opponent and began kissing her. Fortunately, she could stand here, although only her head and shoulders were visible, unlike Dominick who was taller.

Despite the aspect of water, it didn’t deter certain desires in the dream-state, so in no time, the pair ended up skinny-dipping after all. Inwardly, Julianna had doubts about his intentions. After all, weren’t they running the risk of drowning?

As usual, Dominick’s persuasive confidence won out as he pulled her close, caressing her thoroughly beneath the waters, while kissing her thoroughly above them. Not certain what to expect, she let him take the lead, putting her arms about his neck to kiss him back.

“My sweet Julianna...” he murmured, smoothing her wet hair back against her forehead as he continued to kiss her hungrily.

She responded eagerly, even as he abruptly lifted her from the ocean floor, so he could reach her neck and the softness of her breasts without being hindered by the water. Helpless in his arms, she arched back and gasped, hearing as well as feeling him laugh in a seductively knowing voice against her bare skin. She decided it was a good thing it was dark out, so her newly flushed face wasn’t so apparent.

He lowered her to kiss her mouth again, erasing any discomforting thoughts she might have felt. Even with the water all around them, Julianna was very conscious of the sensations her body felt as it slid down along his.

Apparently, he felt it too.

“By Chavernos,” he groaned against her mouth. “I can see how mermaids like you might entice a man to risk drowning for them.”

“I’d rather have the enticement without the drowning, thank you very much,” she laughed.

“Even if it’s merely a drowning in passion rather than water?”

“Mmmm, now that sounds tempting.”

He gave a low chuckle against her cheek. “Then allow me to show you, my beautiful mermaid.”

After a few more kisses, such playful teasing became more serious, as he lifted her again to follow through on his words. She caught on instantly, keeping her arms about his neck as her legs hugged him most affectionately. Even more when Dominick’s hands supported her as he skillfully joined them underwater, earning a gasp of delight from her, and warm agreement from him.

They moved together as smoothly as the ocean waves, their voices blending softly as they did.

Spurred on by their passion, the pair allowed their desire to carry them through a whirlwind sea of emotions. When they soared over the final crest, she murmured Dominick’s name, complementing his ecstatic reply.

Still clasping him to her, Julianna’s head fell forward against his shoulder, tired again but blissful as she felt him kiss her neck and whisper endearments that she couldn’t quite hear. The tenderness there was enough, she decided, still feeling a bit dazed as he shifted her in his arms slightly to carry her from the waters.

To her surprise, she glanced down to see them garbed in their swimsuits again. How on Earth does he keep doing that? she wondered absently.

As he knelt to place her gently on the sands, settling down beside her, while continuing to hold her close, Julianna felt such a wave of contentment and happiness flood through her, she decided to finally tell him of her feelings. Regardless of the outcome, at least she’d always have tonight to hold onto with fond remembrance.

“Dominick...”

“Shhh,” he interrupted, placing a finger against her lips. “Before you say a word, I wish to continue our earlier conversation regarding what I said about being unsure of our relationship as it stands now. Julianna, after tonight, I’m even more convinced of this, since it seems to have gotten so... well, out-of-control very quickly and unexpectedly.”

Her love-filled heart now felt close to shattering, and she could only pray he wouldn’t notice the shudder that tore through her. He was about to sunder their relationship, and here she’d been about to tell him that she loved him.

Again, I’m a fool! her mind mocked her.

“I understand,” she told him softly.

Dominick stared at her in surprise. “You do?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “Will you leave now, or wait until this dream ends?” As his eyes widened silently, she bit her lip and continued. “I’d prefer it if you wouldn’t mind waiting, since I’ll certainly miss you in the future. Unless... maybe it would be better for you to just leave now, and break things off quickly.”

“No,” he interrupted.

“No, meaning you’ll stay until I wake up?” she asked hopefully.

He shook his head. “I meant no, as in I don’t want to lose you at all,” he said seriously. “Julianna, I don’t know where you got the idea that I wanted to leave you after tonight, but I can assure you I don’t. I happen to love you, my little temptress, and if you think I’m just going to sit back and let you share our intimacies with some other oaf like Roger Collins, then you’re out of your pretty little mind!”

“You what?” she gasped, her heart nearly stopping in anxious anticipation.

“You heard me, Julianna. I won’t allow another to...”

“No,” she interrupted. “Before that. When you called me a temptress, you said that you...”

“That I love you?” he asked gently, earning a silent nod. His expression softened with a smile. “Yes. I love you, Julianna Sherborne,” he murmured, kissing her tenderly. “And of course I want to keep seeing you, whether for long chats, candle lit dinners, or anything else.”

“For how long?” she ventured.

Dominick’s eyes held hers. “Indefinitely,” he whispered. “I wish to see you night after night.” His elation was soon dampened upon seeing tears in his companion’s eyes. “Julianna? What have I said to upset you now? I thought...”

“No, no,” she laughed, brushing her eyes clear. “I’m not upset; it’s just the opposite. You see, that’s what I wanted to tell you before. I love you too.”

After a brief pause, Dominick echoed her laughter, pulling her close to kiss her cheek. “I think it’s safe to say we deserve each other,” he told her, noting thankfully that her shining eyes were happy again. He reached forward to clasp her hands, kissing them quickly. “My lady, this night is only the beginning. I promise I’m going to make all our future evenings as wonderful as this one.”

Tears blurred her vision again, although her smile shone through them. “How could any evening be other than wonderful as long as you’re with me?” she whispered.

In response, he embraced her again, rocking her gently in his arms as he gestured for the music to play softly again, both content with the revelation of their shared love. Dominick knew it would surely cause its own problems, and his grandfather would never understand. But despite his daytime separations from Julianna that loomed before him, he could only see that a few hours with her each night would be more precious to him than all the fulltime availability of any woman Chaos might prefer for him, including Sionne.

When daybreak prepared to separate the lovers again with its disturbing inevitability, it no longer mattered to the pair. Even as they kissed with a familiar desperate longing, feeling themselves gradually losing touch with each other, they knew it would only be a brief separation until the morrow would reunite them. The truth of their love remained strength enough until then.

Gone were any other worries.