This feels like one of those summer beach romance movies. I’m just waiting for the camera crew to jump out and tell me this is all staged.
“This is all too much,” I mutter, gently shaking my head. As the words fall from my lips, they taste wrong.
As if understanding my inner turmoil, Zethe sits up, his muscular body casting a long shadow over the bed. He reaches out with strong, sure hands and captures my own, gently cradling them.
His eyes hold a depth of emotion that takes my breath away—regret, longing, hope.
“I’m sorry, Rey,” he whispers. He swallows visibly, his gaze intense. “I’m sorry I failed you. As a lifeguard… and as your fated mate. I’ve waited all my life for you and now that you’re here… I can’t bear the thought of losing you.”
His heartfelt confession twists something in my chest. I see the guilt etched in his features, the way his hold tightens around my hands as though he’s afraid I’ll disappear.
I grip his hands tighter, my heart aching to comfort him.
“Zethe, there’s no need for guilt. We both made mistakes and we can’t change the past. Let’s focus on moving forward together. I don’t want any lingering guilt or reminders of what happened between us. I want to fill the rest of my time here with positive experiences.”
His dark eyes hold mine, looking for confirmation, hope flickering within them. “Does that mean… you’re willing to give us a chance?”
A small smile forms on my lips as I meet his hopeful gaze. “I leave in six days. You have that long to make me fall in love with you.”
Six
Zethe
Ibrush back a strand of hair from her face, my heart beating wildly as her brown eyes meet mine. A smile finds its way to my lips. “Thank you, Rey,” I murmur, my heart beating faster in my chest. “Thank you for giving me a chance. I’ve arranged to be your guide while you’re here. I want to give you the best experience possible… and make sure nothing else goes wrong.”
Her eyes flicker down to her purple bikini and then back up to my bare chest. A blush creeps onto her cheeks, and her embarrassment is endearing. “So,” she starts, leaning her head into the palm of my hand, “what’s first on our agenda?”
Her trust and willingness to let me guide her is more than I could have asked for.
“We’ll get you dressed first,” I tell her, trying to keep my gaze steady. “Then, we’ll head to the resort’s hospital to get you checked out. After that, we can go to any restaurant you like.”
She laughs, the sound like music to my ears. “Well, you need to let me go first,” she teases, her eyes dancing with mirth.
The urge to pull her closer, to kiss her, to wrap all my tentacles around her, is strong. But I resist, pulling away and releasing her.
She climbs out of bed and I keep my eyes on her, ready to assist her if she shows any signs of weakness. Yet, she seems strong, resilient.
Just like her spirit.
My heart is filled with relief when I notice that Rey doesn’t seem startled or uncomfortable waking up next to me. After carrying her to her villa, I couldn’t bear to leave her side. I needed to be there to periodically check her oxygen levels throughout the night. I wanted to be there when she woke, to make sure she was all right. I hadn’t intended to fall asleep, but the rhythmic cadence of her breath was just too soothing after a stressful afternoon.
The last thing I wanted was for her to think I had ulterior motives for staying. My concern for her wellbeing is genuine… even if I can’t deny the pull I feel toward her. The desire to be closer.
The tenderness I feel for her is overwhelming, but I also know I must respect her space if she requests it.
As Rey moves around the room, selecting clothes, I watch her with fascination. She moved with a natural grace, every movement effortless. I admire the way her dark hair fell in gentle waves down her back, the way her eyes sparkled in the morning light.
My fated mate is a treasure, a masterpiece among humans.
When she moves toward the bathroom, she pauses at the doorway, glancing back at me with a curious expression. “What are you going to do now?” she asks, her voice soft.
“I’ll check in with Svea to let her know you’re okay, and tell her our plans,” I answer, trying to keep my tone casual. “And then I’ll check the weather forecast.”
Her brow furrows. “And… you’re going to just stay here while I get ready?”
I tilt my head, considering her question. “I could leave,” I say slowly, “but I would worry something might happen to you. Unless, of course, you want me to go…”
I let the words hang in the air, ready to respect her decision, whatever it might be.
