With a sheepish smile on my lips, I confess, “I don’t have much to bring. I’m hardly ever home, and most of my belongings are already second-hand. I’m thinking of donating them since this house is already so beautifully furnished.”
Zethe nods, his expression understanding. “It’s completely up to you,” he reassures me, his voice filled with warmth. “Just let me know what you decide, so I can prepare accordingly.”
A thought crosses my mind, and I ask, “Do you have any other plans for the day?”
A mischievous grin spreads across Zethe’s face, and he replies, “Actually, I was thinking we could go swimming in the ocean.”
I tilt my head, a playful glint in my eyes. “But Zethe,” I tease, “I can’t breathe underwater.”
His grin widens, and he leans closer, his voice a low rumble. “Don’t worry, Rey. I have a solution.”
I can’t contain my curiosity as I look at Zethe, anticipation bubbling within me. “What is it?” I ask, my voice brimming with excitement. “What’s the surprise?”
A mischievous glint dances in his eyes as he replies, “One of my Mermaid friends owes me a favor, and you’ll understand once we get there.”
The curiosity intensifies, but I trust Zethe enough to let the surprise unfold naturally. I won’t press him any further, content to let the mystery unravel in its own time.
“When do we leave?” I inquire, excitement lacing my words.
Zethe’s eyes sparkle with excitement, mirroring my own. “We can go right now,” he responds, his voice filled with enthusiasm. “The more light we have the better.”
A surge of exhilaration courses through me as I leap to my feet. “All right,” I exclaim, a wide smile spreading across my face. “I’ll get ready. How should I dress?”
Zethe’s gaze sweeps over me, his voice carrying a playful tone. “Wear a swimsuit, and if you have any water shoes, bring those too.”
With a nod of understanding, I quickly make my way toward the bedroom. I retrieve my swimsuit, slipping into it with practiced ease, and wrap a towel around my waist.
As I slip into my sandals, a thought occurs to me. We need to swing by my villa to gather my things.
I return to the kitchen, ready to embark on this adventure, only to find the space spotlessly clean. Confusion flashes across my face, and I voice my surprise. “Zethe, the dishes… I was supposed to do them.”
He meets my gaze, a gentle smile gracing his lips. “I took care of it,” he says, his voice warm and reassuring. “I wanted to ensure that the house is clean before we get back. Besides, if you did the dishes, it would have taken longer for us to reach the ocean.”
Understanding washes over me, realizing that this small act of kindness is meant to make our time together more enjoyable. I nod, a soft smile tugging at my lips. There’s no need to argue over something as trivial as dishes this one time.
With excitement coursing through my veins, I take one last look around the house before locking the door behind me.Hand in hand, Zethe and I make our way toward my villa, the anticipation of the surprise stirring in my chest.
We cross the threshold into my villa, the beach sand still clinging to our feet.
Grabbing my pineapple-themed suitcases, we start to fill them with the colorful clothes I’d strewn across the dresser.
As I fold a floral-print sundress, I find myself glancing at Zethe, curiosity gnawing at me. “Zethe, do you have any family?” I ask, watching his expressive eyes for any sign of emotion.
He hesitates only a moment before answering, “I’m an only child. My parents… they work for an oceanic recovery company. They’re called to action whenever there’s a water disaster, whether it’s retrieving lost items or helping rescue survivors.”
His eyes take on a distant look, as though he’s recalling countless memories. “They’re often traveling, going from project to project. That’s something they’ve been doing for as long as I can remember.”
“Sounds like they have important jobs,” I say, trying to offer a supportive smile. But the weight of his solitary upbringing tugs at my heartstrings. “It must have been tough though, growing up with them away so often.”
He meets my gaze, the hues of his eyes swirling like the ocean in a storm, full of emotions I can’t quite decipher. “It was,” he admits, his voice a low rumble, “but it taught me independence and the importance of being self-reliant.”
I nod, understanding blooming within me. The strength in his character, his steadfast determination, it all makes sense now. His upbringing might have been challenging, but it shaped him into the powerful, caring Kraken he is today. And somehow, I find him even more endearing.
Zethe’s gaze on me is unwavering, a silent question lingering in his eyes. “What about your family, Rey?”
I take a deep breath, folding my last piece of clothing. “My parents,” I begin, “They’ve always been… unconventional.” I smile at the thought, the familiar warmth of their love wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.
“My father is a successful businessman,” I continue, “Always seen in a suit and tie, always armed with a strategy.” I glance up, catching Zethe’s curious gaze. “And my mother… well, she’s a well-known courtesan. A woman of elegance, charisma, and intelligence.”
