He considered her, just watching with that intent stare. She felt pinned under it, unable to leave until he told her she could. Weak, as always.
That thought had her baring her teeth at him. “It wasn’t my fault what happened to you,” she blurted, surprising him, she could tell, though she couldn’t see any change in his expression.
“Oh?”
“I had a bad feeling after talking to my mom on the phone. I just knew she was up to no good. So when she left for her conference, I went over to the island just to look. I had no idea she’d have anyone there in chains.”
“I wasn’t in chains.”
“You might as well have been.” She frowned, wishing he wasn’t so darned handsome in the water, his dark hair floating like a crown of night around his head, his eyes piercing yet clearly visible despite the darkness all around. In the water, Kaia was queen, able to see and hear clearly. “When I saw she had you under her thrall, I did my best to save you. Unfortunately, that translated to a swap of power, mine for hers. I had no idea how I even did it or that I could do it. But with me, you didn’t suffer. I did everything I could to leave you still you.”
“But am I me?” He snarled and swam up to her in a blink, grabbing her by the shoulders. “I still feel a connection, Kaia. To you, to the beauty with eyes that bind, a soul that beckons, and blood that makes me thirst.” He licked his lips, and she saw his fangs, bright in the midnight waters. “I want you to tell me something, honestly.”
“I haven’t lied to you, Orion.”
“Did we have sex?”
“I already told you we didn’t.” When he just looked at her, she blushed. “Not technically.”
“Iknewit. I know what you feel like inside. I tasted you.”
Soembarrassing. “Well, yes, but just with your hands and tongue. And lips.” She felt flustered and couldn’t meet his gaze. “I didn’t mean to, but I’m attracted to you. And you’re attracted to me.”
“So no sex.”
“No, not with anyone.” She huffed. “I guess you don’t remember that embarrassing conversation about my V-card with Macy then.”
His eyes widened. “Oh yeah. Now I remember.” He watched her, still holding her shoulders, though his grip had gentled. “You fit me, little nymph.”
“I’m not that little.”
“Compared to me you are.” He smiled, no doubt liking that fact. “If I asked for a kiss to remember, would you?”
“If you promise not to hurt me.”
He scowled. “I would never hurt you.” He blinked and scowled even harder. “I mean, I would never hurt such a weak creature unprovoked. I’m too good for that. We Night Bloode only accept worthy opponents.”
“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes, used to the arrogance of a vampire.
“Good.” He kissed her before she could blink, and she closed her eyes, missing this so much. Missinghim.
Orion hadn’t realizedhow much his lack of a connection to the beautiful nymph had bothered him. But now, with her in his arms, everything felt right. Nothing mattered but keeping her close, protected, a part of him tucked away, deep inside.
She sighed into his mouth, and he deepened the kiss, memories of their time together at the lake house filtering in. Of watching her smile, making her cocoa with those silly little marshmallows. Of seeing her naked, sliding his finger inside her and watching her come.
She yanked herself out his arms, staring at him with wide eyes. “Wh-what did you do?”
“Do?”
“Y-you put images in my head.”
“I did?” He hadn’t realized he’d done anything. At least, not on purpose.
“I bet you did too on purpose.” She glared at him with accusatory eyes. “I tried to help you to the best of my ability before. Nothing I did was to hurt you.” She blinked hard, and he realized she was crying. “I tried to help, and I gave you all I could.”
“Hush, female. Your tears are useless in the water and useless with me.”
She had to stop crying. Her unhappiness was pissing him off.
