He grins, the expression equal parts wicked and sexy. "Nah, you're too much of a pain in the ass to be a damsel in distress. But that doesn't mean I don't want to know every part of you and those delicious thoughts and claim them."
I arch an eyebrow, my lips curving into a smirk. "Is that a promise or a threat, Rhy-Pie?"
God, he's a work of art. All hulking muscle, tan, and irresistibly handsome. His white shirt is slightly open at the neck, giving a tantalizing glimpse of his tattoo. His dark hair is cut high and tight, emphasizing his chiseled, bearded jaw. And those eyes—those stunning, ocean-blue eyes that could make my knees buckle with just one look.
He leans in close, his lips brushing against mine. "It's a fucking guarantee, baby. Now, why don't you stop being such a tease and tell me what you and Seraphina were talking about?"
I laugh, pushing him away playfully. "Not a chance, Bitey Boy. A girl's got to have some secrets, after all. Keeps things interesting."
Rhyland shakes his head, a rueful smile on his face. "You drive me crazy, woman."
I grin, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "Ditto."
And with that, I stroll away, leaving him standing there with a look of pure hunger in his eyes.
Oh yeah, this is going to be fun.
I'm suddenly knocked off balance, my ass meeting the deck in a less-than-graceful display of coordination. Meanwhile, Rhyland's playing a game of "pin the tail on the barrel."
Oh, for the love of Poseidon's soggy balls! One minute, I'm getting cozy with my Norse beefcake, and the next, this ship's pitching and rolling like crazy.
The crew's in full panic mode, rushing around like headless chickens as they peer overboard to see what's rocking the ship. I see a tentacle thicker than a redwood slithering up the vessel's side like a perverted python.
"Kraken!" some genius pirate screams behind me. No shit, Sherlock. What gave it away? The giant, ship-molesting appendage?
Pirates are scattering like roaches, and the Kraken's tentacles are slithering all over the ship like a handsy date you can't get rid of.
Holy shit—Is this the same sushi-craving son of a squid that tried to make Rhyland its personal chew toy? Because I swear, it wasn't this ginormous last time. What, did it hit some underwater gym and bulk up on protein shakes made of unfortunate sailors?
Well, not today. This overgrown calamari platter isn't going to have us for dinner—not if I have anything to say about it—time to channel my inner Carrie and go full-on Firestarter on this aquatic asshole.
Summoning all my strength and focus, I call upon my powers, feeling the familiar surge of energy coursing through me. With determination, I unleash a powerful blast combining searing light and intense flame, aiming straight for the creature.
As my attack races toward the massive beast, the air crackles with heat and energy. I hope this will drive it away or make it think twice about messing with us again. My heart pounds in my chest, and fear and adrenaline fuel my resolve to protect us from this terrifying threat.
The Kraken screeches like a banshee, its tentacles recoiling from the ship. But the damage is done. The ship's rocking like a cradle in a hurricane, and I'm starting to think we might take an unplanned swim. I'm on my ass, clinging to anything within reach to keep from sliding into the ocean's not-so-gentle embrace.
Rhyland is at my side in an instant. "What the fuck?" he exclaims, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Looks like our friendly neighborhood sea monster is stopping by for round two of your delicious ass," I quip.
Suddenly, a tentacle slams down next to us, and Rhyland has none of it. He unleashes a telekinetic blast that sends the slimy appendage flying back. But the tentacle's not going down without a fight. It tears through the ship's side like tissue paper, leaving a hole big enough to drive a truck through.
Shit.As if we didn't have enough problems.
Erik and Lucian burst onto the deck, ready to throw down with our unwelcome sea monster party crasher. Erik, the overachiever he is, immediately starts going fullGinsu on the tentacles, slicing and dicing them like he's auditioning for Iron Chef: Kraken Edition.
"Friend of yours?" Lucian quips, his trademark smirk firmly in place.
I shoot him a withering glare. "Oh, totally. We were just about to sit down for a nice chat over some tea and biscuits. You know, catch up on old times, swap recipes, the usual."
"Ah, my mistake. I didn't realize you two were so close. Should I give you a moment alone, or...?"
"Just get your snarky ass up to the helm and help the Captain," I snap over the deafening roar of the Kraken and the splintering of wood. "And try not to get eaten. I'd hate to explain to Seraphina why her boyfriend is now calamari."
Lucian gives me a mock salute. "Aye, aye, Captain Sassy Pants. I'll ensure our fearless leader doesn't steer us straight into Davy Jones' locker."
With that, he bounds up to the top deck, ready to play first mate to the Captain. I can only imagine the bullshit pearls of wisdom he's dropping.
