Nim allowed himself to be distracted for a few minutes as they walked. “I thought you said you wanted to talk?” Joanne finally said. “Sorry. There’s so much going on here. I want to apologize for before.” “I should apologize. I’m the one pushing you,” Joanne said. “If I hadn’t drawn that picture, you wouldn’t have thought I wanted to sleep with you.” “You don’t want to sleep with me?” Joanne asked. “I do, but it’s complicated.” He explained about the bonding. “I can’t have sex with you. I can’t bond with you and then leave. You think it was hard before. Until we figure out a way to be together, we have to wait.” Joanne walked in silence. It was a lot to take in. She held his hand. “Do you want me to come back with you?” Nim shook his head. “I can’t ask you to do that. You gave up a lot to do what you do, to help the women and children you help. I can’t ask you to give that up for me.” “So instead I have to give you up?” Joanne asked. “Can you stay?” “I don’t know. Perhaps. But there’s something here that’s going to make me sick soon.” “How sick?” “I don’t know.” “Can you avoid it?” Nim smiled. “Can I avoid copper? Where is there a place where there is no copper?” “Copper makes you sick?” “It does something to magic, ruins it. Magic is a part of me. If my magic is messed up, I’ll get sick.” “Is there anything you can do?” “I don’t know. Shunati’s one of the best healers in Menthanla. He’s going to try to help us.” “Ann didn’t get sick.” “It doesn’t affect humans. Their magic is different somehow.” “But she’s half dragon.” “Most times half-breeds are protected from things that only affect one of their races by their other race.” “How long are you planning on staying?” “Depends on how fast we accomplish what we came to do. After that, it’s how long you want me to stay.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “Why did you all come?” She asked as they started walking again. “I’m not really supposed to tell you, but I think you’re kind of involved. We’re looking for someone. I won’t tell you more except that it’s probably the man who’s calling you.” She looked up, surprised. Nim grew concerned. “He didn’t call you again did he?” “No. He hasn’t.” Joanne shook her head. “Good.” He put his arm around her. “Nim, it’s too hot,” she said pulling away. She held his hand instead. “It’s got to be like 100° out here.” “Is that hot?” Nim asked. “You’re not hot?” Joanne asked surprised. “You asked a fire-breathing dragon if he’s hot?” Nim laughed. “I know you’re affected by heat,” Joanne said. “I am. It just needs to be more than this.” “You’re running around in long-sleeve black leather, and you’re not hot?” “It’s not leather. It’s dragon skin.” “Like there’s a difference?” “Dragon skin doesn’t deteriorate over time.” “It still heavy and black.” “It’s not black either. Look close. It’s dark green. At least I’m not running around in my underclothes.” He smiled looking her up and down. “These are not underwear. They’re clothes.” She leaned close. “You saw my underwear before. Do you need to see them again?” He put his arms around her. “Oh please don’t. I may mate with you right here.” “Oh, not in the heat.” “Does the heat really bother you?” “When it’s this bad, yes. This is where I work.” She gestured to one of the doors. “And this is the karate studio Andy used to work at. You know, I left something there. Let’s stop and pick it up.” Nim shrugged. “Okay.”