Then she realized that he’d asked her a question. “I didn’t know that I was afraid of heights before. Then again, I’ve never been this high up or this close to the edge before. To two edges.” There was panic etched into every word. She chewed on her lower lip. Every muscle was tensed and ready but she had nowhere to go. Adrenaline coursed through her, but there was nothing she could do.

“Look at me,” he said. He sounded so calm.

She shook her head. “If I move, I’ll fall.”

“You won’t fall.”

“Oh yes I will. I can’t move. I need to stop talking now. I might fall.” Her voice quivered.

Coal chuckled softly.

“Don’t you dare,” she whispered. “This isn’t funny.” She swallowed thickly. “I can’t believe you brought me up here. We’re going to die… scratch that, I’m going to die. Now change back into a dragon and get me hell off this thing.” Definite panic but it wasn’t to be helped. A breeze ruffled her hair. It was probably cold up here but she couldn’t feel anything. She was too damned scared.

His hand cupped her jaw. “Neither of us is dying. Not today at least. I’ve got you, Julie. I would never let you fall.” His voice was deep and soothing.

Her heart slowed down just a smidgen. “Okay. Fine. Can we go?”

“No.” Coal tilted her chin and she felt her eyes widen. “Please no. Please.” Her eyes met his. Dark and stunningly beautiful. Those gold flecks held her captive. Like a few golden stars in the night sky.

“That’s it.” He smiled. “I would not allow you to fall but if you did, know that I would catch you.”

“You would.” She huffed out a breath.

His gaze warmed her, as did his words.

She felt herself tense back up. They were just words. Using every ounce of willpower she had, she lifted her hands and clutched his wrists. “I hate it up here. I’m so afraid.” Her eyes stung with the need to cry but she held back the tears. Don’t show weakness!

“Hate is a strong word. It is beautiful up here.” He turned his head to the left and seemed to scan the horizon.

Julie couldn’t move. Not even one muscle. “It’s too scary.” Her voice was high pitched. She held onto Coal with all she was worth.

“Sometimes we need to face our fears in order to see the beauty, to experience it.” He loosened her grip from his arms.

She whimpered as he pried her hands from around his. “Please,” she begged. Panic welled.

“Don’t fight me, female.” Coal said, his voice a deep timber. He gripped her hips and whipped her around.

Julie screamed long and hard. It felt like the floor disappeared. She was freefalling, he’d let her go and she was…