Chapter 24 #2
He spoke the fish names slowly, and she mouthed it to herself, his language that sounded like a strange Chinese dialect to her. Anglerfish and lanternfish, respectively.
“You didn’t have to bring me anything. But I appreciate it.” She scooted to him and pulled him into a tight hug. He returned it, pressing his face to her neck.
“I wanted to.” His lips on her skin sent a burst of warmth racing down her shoulders and up her jaw.
Angie pulled away, giving him a gentle tug onto the smooth ground of dry, packed sand, and snuggled into him.
His arms were a comfortable safety net around her.
The brisk breeze caressed her cheeks, carrying with it the refreshing pineapple-like notes of sea buckthorn, mingling with the neighboring leaves’ musky-sweet scents.
This was Alaska, her home. Four years away, and now here in the natural beauty of her childhood town and snuggled up with the alluring, kind merman she was slowly falling for.
If only the humans and mer weren’t fighting, this would be her nirvana.
On the rocks ahead, harbor seals with their pups rested and stood guard, their faint barks filling the air.
“I wish I could stay here forever.” She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the light wind on her neck and face. “I don’t know where we are, but wherever it is, I love it.” The sounds and smells of the island melted her stress away like invisible hands massaging her body.
She knew the feeling of serenity was fleeting, and she’d eventually have to return to real life. For now, she was content to stay in her little, stress-free bubble.
Kaden squeezed her shoulder. “Do you enjoy being outdoors?”
“I go stir-crazy if I’m stuck in the house for too long.” She laid back down, on her side. “There’s so much beauty in the world, and I want to see all of Mother Nature’s marvels and creations.”
Kaden laughed, a hearty, deep sound. “I would agree.” His face fell, a shadow falling over it and temporarily marred his attractiveness. “But one or both of us may not live to see tomorrow. I am happy to steal whatever time I can.”
“Well, that got morbid quick.” Angie frowned. There was truth in his words, but she didn’t want to think about that now. She leaned in close, brushing the tip of her nose against his. “But, me too.” He exhaled, his breath warm and delicate.
She pressed her lips to his.
Kaden circled one hand around the back of her head, pulling her in deeper. Angie was a pool of liquid warmth in his arms, and she gasped when he laid her on her back. Her breaths trembled.
Tenderness and desire flashed in his eyes.
His strong arms framed her, forming a protective shield as he leaned down to drop soft kisses on her forehead, eyelids, and cheeks.
She parted her lips, a starburst of warmth rippling outward where his mouth landed.
One hand slid down to her waist, and a pleasurable, fuzzy tingle sparked at her bellybutton, shooting downward.
His kisses trailed across her jawline and neck, stopping at the corner of her lips.
He moved his head back and tilted her chin upward.
Angie’s heart beat like a black marlin sailing at top speed, breaths shallow and ragged.
Then he lowered his head, their lips crashed together in an explosion of passion.
Their mouths parted in tandem, tongues finding each other and joining.
She wanted him like she’d never wanted anything, or anyone else, like they were two opposite poles of a magnet refusing to be pulled apart.
She wanted more. Wanted Kaden to give her everything, and she’d do the same. The scorching fire ran wild and untamed.
“Angie,” he rasped in between heaving breaths. “How in the Sea Goddesses’ name do you taste so good? I will never get enough of you. You taste more intoxicating than the sweetest of candied sea peaches.”
Her lips lifted into a coy smile and pulled him back into another kiss.
Kaden draped the end of his heavy tail over her legs.
A sensuous growl escaped his throat when they had to come back up for air, both gasping, his lips flushed maraschino-cherry red.
“You make me crazy. I cannot think straight when I’m this close to you.
” His gaze slid southward. “I would see you every day, if it were possible.”
“I wish I could, too. But there would be too much suspicion.” The thought was an unhappy one, and she tried to shake it. “If there isn’t already.”
“Yes. My family have been inquiring where I’ve been disappearing off to.” He moved away from her, leaving one hand clasped in hers. Angie searched his eyes, waiting for him to continue. “I tell them I check on the fish in the sanctuaries, and they do not question me further.”
“The sanctuaries must be huge if they believe you’re checking on them for so long.”
Kaden straightened. “Would you like to see for yourself?”
“Would I?” Angie’s eyes rounded until they bulged out of her. Seeing the Arctic and Northern Pacific Ocean’s life in one place? An absolute dream. “Yes!”
“What was that you said? That you wanted to visit my world? You have already seen some of it. Now I will show you more.” Kaden fidgeted with his fingers.
“Would you like to see the palace, as well? Where I live?” The words tumbled out of his mouth, and he watched her expectantly after he asked. “A change of pace?”
Angie chuckled at his awkwardness in asking, though she found it endearing. Then she wrapped her head around his question. She wet her lips and squeezed her eyebrows together. “Sounds dangerous.”
“I’ll ensure your safety when we’re there. The palace is shielded, remember? My people don’t expect any landwalkers inside, so it’s not heavily guarded. I would not propose this if I thought we would be in danger.”
He sounded so earnest, so sure, and it begged her to believe him. After all, who would know the palace better than someone who lived there? She gave him a firm nod. “How about four days from now? I’ll have time off.”
“Great!” He stroked her cheek. “I look forward to it.”
She elbowed him gently in his shoulder. Glad the moody atmosphere had lightened, she kissed him again.