I know deep down it wasn't his fault, but holy hell. What else am I supposed to say right now? I was scared out of my ever-loving mind, so sue me for having a momentary freak-out.
Your brain doesn't fire on all cylinders when your man is inches from becoming some watery hellspawn's dinner. It's not like I had time to consult my "How to Gracefully Handle Near-Death Experiences" handbook.
I'm running on adrenaline, fear, and whatever's left of my sanity at this point.
He holds me tighter, his breath warm against my ear. "You won't," he promises, his voice fierce and strong. "I'm not going anywhere, baby. Not without you."
And I believe him. Because if there's one thing I know about Rhyland, it's that he's a stubborn son of a bitch who never breaks a promise. Not to me, not to anyone.
Rhyland looks down at me, his dark hair a wet, sopping mess dripping over my face. "Thank you," his voice rough with emotion. "I probably would've been that fucking thing's dinner if it wasn't for you."
Before I can even open my mouth to respond, he's crushing his lips against mine, kissing me with a desperate, hungry intensity. I can taste the fear and the relief on his tongue, feel the way his body trembles against mine with the aftershocks of adrenaline.
Of course, I'd save him—what, did he think I would let him become fish food? I didn't even think; I just acted. It's not like I had time to weigh the pros and cons of diving into monster-infested waters. "Save hot vampire boyfriend" was pretty much at the top of my to-do list.
He breaks away, his eyes so blue and intense they could melt icebergs. "But if you ever do something so fucking reckless again," he growls, his voice low and dangerous, "I will bend you over my knee and spank that sexy ass of yours until you can't sit for a week. You hear me, Angel?"
I can't help but roll my eyes, even as a shiver runs down my spine. "Oh please, like you could stop me. Someone's got to keep your stubborn ass alive, and it might as well be me. Besides," I add with a smirk, "is that supposed to be a threat or a promise?"
Rhyland's eyes darken, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Oh, it's a fucking promise, baby. And you know I always keep my promises."
I arch an eyebrow, ignoring the heat pooling in my belly. "Big talk for a guy who just got his ass handed to him by the Loch Ness Monster's ugly cousin. Maybe you should focus on staying alive instead of making empty promises."
He growls, the sound sending tingles to my clit. "Empty promises? I'll show you empty promises, little angel." He leans in closer, his body radiating heat. "How about I bend you over right here and now, show you exactly what happens to naughty girls who don't listen?"
I swallow hard, my heart racing. But I'm not about to back down. "As tempting as that sounds, Sailor Stud, we've got bigger issues. Like, you know, saving the world and all that crap. But rain check?"
Rhyland chuckles, the sound low and dangerous. "Oh, don't you worry, baby—I'm going to cash in that rain check. And when I do, you will be begging for mercy."
I grin despite the heat in my cheeks. "Promises, promises. Now, how about we focus on getting out of this watery hellhole before you start writing checks your ass can't cash?"
Rhyland smirks, crushing his lips to mine again and kissing me with so much want and need that I'm pretty sure my toes are curling inside my soggy boots. When he finally pulls away, I'm left more breathless than if I'd just run a marathon underwater.
As much as I want to lose myself in the moment—and boy, do I want to—I know we don't have time for a steamy makeout session in the middle of this aquatic nightmare. I break away from the kiss, my chest heaving as I try to catch my breath and remember how to form coherent thoughts.
"Easy there, Sir Seduces-a-lot," I quip. "I know I'm irresistible, but we have a job to do. You can thank me properly later, preferably somewhere with a bed and a distinct lack of murderous sea monsters."
Rhyland's eyes flash with a heat that could probably boil the water around us. "Don't tempt me, woman," he rumbles, his voice low and dangerous enough to make my insides do a little happy dance. "I'll throw you over my fucking shoulder and find a bed right now if you keep looking at me like that."
I can't help but laugh, the sound echoing off the walls like a gunshot. "As much as I appreciate the caveman act, I think we both know that's a terrible idea," I say, my tone dry as the Sahara. "Besides, I'm not into exhibitionism. At least, not when there's a risk of tentacle monsters joining in."
He shakes his head, that infuriating smirk still playing at the corner of his mouth. "You sure about that, baby? 'Cause I seem to recall you getting all hot and bothered at the thought of me bending you over that table in the bar and showing everyone who you belong to."
I punch his chest, my face flushing hotter than a sunburned tomato. "That is so not true," I protest, but even I can hear the lie in my voice.
Because the truth is, the idea of Rhyland taking me like that, claiming me in front of everyone like the possessive alpha he is? It has me tingling in all the right places, a rush of heat pooling low in my belly.
Rhyland's eyes darken, his gaze raking over me like a physical caress. "Don't try to deny it, Angel. I can smell how much you want it, how much youneedme to fucking own you."
I bite my lip, my thighs clenching together as I try to ignore the ache building between them. "You're delusional," I manage to get out, but my voice is breathy and weak, even to my ears.
Rhyland chuckles, the sound dark and wicked. "Keep telling yourself that, baby. But we both know the truth."
He leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. "One of these days, I'm going to bend you over in front of everyone and show them all who you belong to. I will make you scream my name so loud they'll never forget it."
I shudder, my eyes fluttering closed as his words wash over me. I can picture it so clearly—Rhyland's hands on my hips, his body pressed against mine as he takes me hard and fast, not caring who sees or hears.
It's wrong. It's dirty. It's so fucking hot I can barely stand it.
