There’s a strange tension in the room. I’m trying to respect her space and boundaries, but the instinct to protect her is strong. It’s a delicate balance, one I’m trying desperately to maintain.
“I’ve never had a man wait for me… in my bed before,” she admits, a small smile playing on her lips. The way her cheeks are slowly turning a darker shade of pink entices me. “It’s nice… to know I’m desired.”
My heart flutters at Rey’s words, her shy admittance that she likes knowing she’s desired. I am taken aback, pleased that she is enjoying my company. Her confession sets a fire inside me, and I find myself fighting the urge to pull her back into bed, to show her just how deeply my desire for her runs.
“Rey,” I reply, my voice husky with the force of my feelings, “know this: I desire you more than you can possibly imagine. And if you’ll allow it, I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know you, cherishing you. I’d even worship you if you let me.”
She grins at my words, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and something deeper, something I dare to hope is the beginning of mutual affection.
“We’ll see.” She winks at me before slipping into the bathroom, the door shutting softly behind her.
Her teasing wink and the tantalizing promise of what might be to come sends a jolt of pure joy through me, and I chuckle deeply. The sound echoes around the empty room, a testament to the happiness brewing within me.
Shaking my head with a grin, I climb out of bed and search for the vidtablet that Sage had thoughtfully dropped off for me. I couldn’t wait to share my good news. Rey was giving me a chance. We were giving us a chance. The thought of it fills me with a hope that I’ve never felt before.
I could tell that she was hesitant, perhaps even stressed, about the whole situation. I am not going to pressure her, only to push her away. But I won’t stand by and let this opportunity to prove myself, and a future we can have, without proving to her that we were meant to be together.
I have six days to make her mine.
I find my vidtablet on a nearby table. Picking it up, I prepare to report to Svea and check the weather, my mind humming with thoughts of Rey, and the precious opportunity I have been granted.
Seven
Rey
Istand before the mirror in the bathroom, scrutinizing my reflection. My hair is a tangled mess, and I can still smell the salty tang of the ocean on my skin. I can’t believe Zethe finds me attractive in this state. But then, he’s a creature of the sea. Maybe to him, the scent of saltwater is as appealing as a fine perfume.
There’s a pull toward him I can’t ignore.It’s sudden and something I can’t put into words, but somehow, I’m okay with that.
My heart flutters at the thought of his strong arms wrapped around me, of his tentacles caressing my skin, of his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss.
The male saved my life. I owe him everything.
Brushing off the wild thoughts, I step into the luxury shower. The warm water relaxes me as I work the knots out of my hair and cleanse myself of the remnants of the sea.
Once I’m clean and dry, I slip on a lightweight sundress, perfect for the day ahead.
As I step out of the bathroom, my heart skips a beat at the sight of Zethe. His eyes darken with desire, and he tosses his vidtablet onto the freshly made bed. There’s a predatory grace to his movements as he approaches me.
He towers over me, his gaze intense. There’s no fear in me though. Instead, a warmth spreads through my chest. “I want to kiss you,” he murmurs, his voice low.
A sudden thrill shoots through me, and I can’t resist the urge to tease him. “Then why don’t you?” I challenge, lifting my chin to meet his gaze.
As the words leave my lips, the air in the room becomes electric. My heart pounds in my chest like a drum, and my breath catches in my throat.
The anticipation of his touch sends an electric shock through me, but I stand my ground, awaiting his next move.
I see the desire flare in Zethe’s eyes, and for a moment, I wonder if I’ve gone too far.
But then he closes the distance between us. His hand finds my waist, his touch searing hot through the thin fabric of my sundress. His tentacles twitch in what I assume is anticipation. An involuntary shiver courses through me. His other hand cups my cheek, his touch gentle despite his strength.
“Rey,” he murmurs, his voice husky with longing. He leans down, closing the space between us. His eyes flicker to my lips, and I find myself holding my breath.
The connection between us is palpable, an electric current that ignites a fire deep within my core. I need to know how it feels to kiss him, if his touch sends a comforting pulse through me.
A tentative step forward, closing the distance between us, my eyes never leaving his. My voice is barely above a whisper as I confess, “I need to know… I need to feel you.”
His gaze intensifies, his desire mirroring my own. Without hesitation, he closes the remaining space between us, his hands gently cradling my face. I feel his touch, warm and electrifying against my skin, and I lean into it, craving more.
