Velador still pondered what the night could become while I waited for him to undress me before I tore myself out of the gigantic, uncomfortable outfit. He stood up and turned me around to unlace the back. It loosened and breathing became normal again.

“Much better,” I whispered.

His strong hands pushed aside the dress from my shoulders and we both pulled it down towards my belly. Still from behind he said, “You’re so cold.”

I smiled and turned my head towards ...