The seaside stores and restaurants were decked out for the season, advertising Christmas gifts and food specials.We stopped for lunch at a mom-and-pop sandwich shop that I frequented with outdoor tables shaded by palm trees.The scent of grilled fish and spices hovered in the air, making my mouth water.
After we ordered, I eased back in the chair and glanced out at the sunlight shimmering on the sea.The calm breeze ruffled my hair and not a cloud dotted the blue sky.I should have felt at peace, but inside, I was unraveling, caught between instinct and reason.
Every time Darius looked at me with those intense eyes, my pulse skittered up.Each time his fingers brushed any part of me, I melted into his heat.And the primal urge that called louder, especially with my panther’s constant purring about our mate, warred with my common sense, warning me to remain detached.
The sound of waves against the shore mingled with easy conversation and laughter from nearby tables.I longed for that breeziness, yet a storm twisted in my gut.
When the server brought our drinks, I raised my piña colada and toasted, “To temporary pleasures.”His slight frown made me instantly regret it.
“Is that what you think this is?”
“Isn’t it?”I pushed my hair off my shoulders and took a sip of my drink.The delicious coconut and rum flavors rolled over my tongue.Because if I admitted how I was growing attached to him, it would mean trusting the universe not to rip him away.Which I couldn’t do.
“But you know the bond.You sense it,” he insisted, his expression now serious.He straightened.“Especially after last night.”
He’s right, my panther agreed.
I knew they were right.That didn’t mean it changed the outcome when he sailed away after Christmas was over.
“You were married, Darius.Wasn’t she your mate?”
He winced.“Bria…”
When he didn’t continue, I prodded him.“Darius.”
He tipped his head back and swallowed.“What happened with my wife happened decades ago.Losing her hurt me tremendously, but I can’t live in the past.”
I didn’t know what to make of all this.Being married meant they’d had a commitment.But what did Darius and I have?A week-long cruise.We didn’t talk about what would happen after it ended because we both must have known on some level that it wouldn’t go anywhere.
“It’s better if we keep things from getting complicated.”I forced a smile.“Don’t look so serious, dragon.”
The server arrived with our sandwiches, a Reuben for him and a roast beef with boursin for me, my favorite.Her interruption gave me a reprieve from the heavy conversation.I took a healthy bite and moaned at the familiar tasty flavors.“I love this and get it almost every time we dock,” I said, an attempt to avoid answering a question I had no idea how to answer.“How’s your sandwich?”
“Fine,” he mumbled.Darius was quiet while we ate, and a worry line creased between his eyes.
I adjusted in my seat, looking for something to say.So I rambled on about the weather and my favorite spots on the island.“After lunch, I need to let my panther roam in the forest.”
Darius lifted his head and his eyes gleamed with interest.“I’d like to meet her.”
My brows arched.“You want to meet my panther?”
Yes!She cheered.
“Of course.”His voice lowered to a husky whisper.“I want to learn everything about you, Bria.”
Oof, the way he said my name with a slight, delicious roll of his R sent a heated shiver over my skin.My mind flashed to last night and all the decadent ways we’d explored each other with our shields down.And again this morning.
I hesitated, chewing my lower lip.I turned toward the tree line in the distance, where the island was quiet, the shade soothing.
Curiosity and my panther’s jubilation won out.“All right.”
Conversation came easier after we’d made that next plan.When I asked Darius to tell me more about his island, his eyes gleamed as he detailed the intricacies of the distillery, his successes, his plans.
“What about the island itself?”
He cocked his head as if surprised.“Oh, it’s paradise.White sand, lush greenery, the air thick with sugar.I love to walk barefoot in the sand, feel the sun on my skin, and take flight after the sun sets.”
After we finished our meal, I led him down the narrow trail leading into the wooded area.The air grew thick with the scent of foliage, soil, and the small beat of wildlife hiding under camouflage.When we reached a spot with storage space for shifters to disrobe, I turned to Darius.“Don’t freak out.”
