Slumber overtakes me for a few seconds before I wake up to Reed cleaning me off with ocean water. Sand is in my body crevices and my hair, but none of that matters. Not while this kraken shifter cleans me, then proceeds to spoon me. We lie there for some time, and Reed gently kisses the back of my neck. His tentacles gently caress me, slowing down from earlier, but never staying still.
“Merry Christmas, Skyler Dillinger,” he whispers.
“Mmm…Merry Christmas, Reed Sung.”
“Sleep tight. I’ll carry you to the car in a few minutes. We’ll get you cleaned up and in bed in no time.”
“Okay, my love,” I say through a yawn, not caring that I let it slip how I really feel about him.
Because I do. I have thoroughly fallen in love with this sea monster, and I have no intention of loving anyone else this way as long as I live.
CHAPTER 17- REED
WALKING TO MYkitchen in only boxer shorts is not a common Christmas morning occurrence. Still, I can’t help the jovial pep in my step as I stride to the fridge and get bottles of water. I need to keep Skyler hydrated after all.
Last night was amazing. Having sex and letting my kraken out to play and taste Skyler was a literal dream come true. Then we came home, and I got to bathe him before we stumbled into bed.Best Christmas ever.
And once my guy wakes up, we’ll eat and possibly get ready for another round. I may be encroaching on forty, but dating Skyler has made my refractory period wane. I can’t say I mind.
I’m grabbing as many water bottles as I can when I spot Aisen in the corner of my eye, rooting around the pantry as he often does in the morning.
“Where do you keep the Blob Tarts, Uncle Reed?”
“They’re in the bottom shelf!” I holler with my head inside the fridge. If I told that kid once, I’ve told him a hundred times where I keep his favorite pastries.
It isn’t until I’m returning halfway through my kitchen when it hits me like a ton of bricks. My body freezes in shock as Aisen stares at me, and I drop my three plastic water bottles.
He’s here.
“Ai…Ai…Aisen?” I yelp.
He gives an apologetic smile as a water bottle rolls to his feet. He bends down to pick it up, and I do the same. In moments, I’m standing before him, and he puts the waters in my hand. Iwant to hug him, to ask him so many questions, but my tongue is frozen. Plus, I’m down to only my boxer shorts, and I never walked around half-naked when he lived here.
What is going on?
He scratches the back of his head, and I take in how shaggy his hair has gotten in less than two months.
“Hi, Uncle Reed,” he says in a meek tone.
I cover my body with the bottles and shake my head. “Aisen? How did you…?”
“Um, you gave me a spare key. And I know the security alarm code.”
Looking around, I reply, “I understand the concept of how you got in. I just…”
“Baby, what’s taking so long?” Skyler walks in, thankfully wearing his boxer briefs. “I want my Christmas present round two, so let’s get back to?ACK!”
I startle at Skyler’s loud but appropriate reaction. He grabs the nearest object, a loaf of bread, and covers his crotch with it. Meanwhile, Aisen has the decency to look away.
“Hi, Mr. Dillinger. Merry, uh, Christmas.” Discomfort is written all over his face, and my cheeks burn. None of us considers this to be the ideal Christmas morning.
“Merry Christmas, Aisen!” Skyler yelps and exchanges a shocked look with me. His face is an adorable shade of red, but this is no time to be turned on.
I stand in front of my boyfriend to give him privacy, then turn to my nephew. “What brings you here?”
“You said I could come by whenever.” His fingers idly trail the kitchen island. “And I wanted to celebrate Christmas with you.”
He seems so distressed, and I can tell this is only a half-truth. As he stares at his hand, I exchange a look of sympathywith Skyler. Then, I clear my throat. “You came in early this morning?”
