45
Okay, so it's been a whole goddamn day, and we still haven't heard a peep from Dani and Rhyland. Who the fuck knows what kind of trouble they've gotten themselves into this time? Probably off battling some ancient evil or trying to solve some cryptic-ass riddle to find this stupid key. I swear, it's like they're on a never-ending episode of"Scooby-Doo,"but with more sexual tension and less talking dogs.
If something terrible happened to them, I'd know. I felt Dani's fear earlier, like a kick in the nuts from the universe itself. But it went away quickly, so I'm guessing they're okay now. Whatever fresh hell they stumbled into, they probably punched it in the face and walked away like the badasses they are.
Thanks to this blood-sharing deal, I'm a mood ring for Dani. I can feel every little thing she feels, which is about as fun as a root canal when I'm trying to focus on my little piece of heaven right here. Don't get me wrong, I love Dani like a sister. I'd take a bullet for her, jump in front of a train, the whole shebang. But when her fear hits me, it's like this primal urge to go full-on superhero mode.
And then there's Seraphina, my precious little worry-wart. She's like a broken record, constantly asking me if Dani is okay or out of danger. Her concern is so strong it's like being crushed by a giant teddy bear. I get it, though. She loves Dani, too. Guardian angel duties and all that jazz. But we both know Dani's a tough cookie. She stared death in the face and flipped the bird. She's like a damn cockroach, impossible to kill. So, Seraphina and I keep reminding each other of that, trying to keep our minds out of the gutter of worst-case scenarios.
After Seraphina had her mind thoroughly blown by our little makeout session on the quarter deck, she surprised me by being the one to put the brakes on. Don't getme wrong, the girl was clearly into it. Her skin was flushed and hot, and the scent of her arousal was so thick I could've cut it with a knife and spread it on toast.
But even though every fiber of my being was screaming at me to keep going, to give in to the primal need that was consuming us both, Seraphina had the presence of mind to slow things down. She asked me, all sweet and polite, to step back. And as much as it pained me to do so, I had to respect her wishes.
I mean, I may be a lot of things—devastatingly handsome, charming as hell, and hung like a horse—but I'm also a man of my word. I promised her I'd be a gentleman, take things slow, and let her set the pace. And damn it all to hell, that's precisely what I'm going to do.
Even if it kills me, which, let's be real, it just might.
Just as I was about to suggest we take a cold dip in the ocean to cool off, Seraphina's stomach let out a growl that could've woken the dead. And that's when I realized, in my haste to devour her delectable lips, I'd forgotten that my poor girl hadn't eaten in who knows how long.
So, being the attentive and doting mate I am, I took it upon myself to rectify the situation immediately. What kind of gentleman would I be if I let my lady love starve?
I took her hand in mine, marveling at how perfectly it fit, and led her back below deck to the galley. As we walked, I couldn't help but think about all the other firsts I wanted to experience with her.
We're now chilling below deck in the mess area with our little ragtag group of misfits: Gideon, Erik, and some other crew members who probably don't deserve to be in the same room as my celestial goddess. But hey, who am I to judge?
Seraphina is going to town for this fish dinner as if it's the last meal she'll ever eat. Watching her devour everything in sight is like watching a fucking masterpiece unfold. Who knew watching someone stuff their face could be such a turn-on?
Barnaby, the ship's resident Gordon Ramsay wannabe, whipped up this spread of fish, potatoes, greens, and these rolls that are so damn good, they'll make you want to smack your grandma. And Seraphina? She's making noises that should be illegal in all seven realms.
"I've never tasted anything so delicious," she moans, her mouth full of food, and it's so fucking cute. I want to feed her, like some cheesy romance novel hero. But you know what? I'm totally down for that role.
I can only imagine the kind of boring-ass food they serve up in Atheria. Probably some magical kale smoothie that tastes like a unicorn's ass. But down here? We've got the trifecta of deliciousness: fat, salt, and carbs, baby. And my girl is experiencing it all for the first time, like a virgin on her wedding night.
"Aye, thank ye, lass," Barnaby says, looking all proud of himself. "I do enjoy me some good fish."
Barnaby, who looks like the unholy lovechild of Chunk fromThe Gooniesand a pirate who hasn't seen a bar of soap in a decade, is shoveling food into his face like it's his day job. He's eyeing my angelic goddess like she's the main course, and I'm about two seconds away from stabbing him with my fork.
Meanwhile, Gideon and Erik huddle in the corner, talking strategy and chugging rum like it's the elixir of life. They're probably discussing some super serious, world-saving shit. Still, all I can focus on is the way Seraphina's hair catches the candlelight, making her look like a fucking renaissance painting come to life.
"It's wonderful," Seraphina gushes, swallowing her food like a champ. "May I have some more?"
Before Chef Boyar-ugly can even think about getting up, I'm already out of my seat, ready to cater to my girl's every whim. "Allow me, Cupcake," I purr, laying on the charm thick. "You can have all you want and more. And I do mean more."
I give her a wink that's so loaded with innuendo it could make a porn star blush. I pile her plate high with seconds, thirds, and fuck it, fourths. My baby girl wants to eat, then I am sure as hell going to make sure she's satisfied.
As I set the plate down in front of her, I lean in real close, my lips practically grazing her ear. "Eat up, gorgeous," I whisper, with promises of things to come. "You're going to need your energy for what I have planned later."
The way she shivers and blushes tells me she's picking up what I'm putting down. And hot damn, I can't wait to follow through on all the filthy things running through my mind.
How her breath hitches, and cheeks flush tells me she knows exactly what I'm implying. And fuck, I can't wait to make good on that promise.
But for now, I'm content to sit back and watch her enjoy her meal, marveling at how she savors every bite like a religious experience. And who knows? Maybe it is.
And the best part? I'm the lucky son of a bitch who gets to be here for all her firsts. Her first taste of real food, her first kiss, her first... well, let's say I've got a whole list of firsts I can't wait to introduce her to.
After a while of watching her and discussing boring-ass ship repairs with Gideon and Erik, Seraphina leans back in her chair, patting her stomach like a satisfied lion after a big kill. "I'm full," she declares, and I can't help but grin at the contented look on her face.
After watching her put away enough food to feed a small army, the rest of us can't help but laugh. "I'm sure you are, baby girl," I chuckle, standing up and offering her my hand. "Come on, let's go walk off that food coma."
