“Scared?” His brow scrunches, his touch gentle as he cups my face, his dark blue tentacles subtly shifting around us, loosely cradling me. “Tell me, what frightens you, Rey?”
His concern is palpable. Doubt gnaws at me. I find myself leaning into his touch, seeking comfort. “It’s just… I keep thinking about asking Svea for an interview. Will she really be interested in a new app for the resort?”
“Rey,” Zethe says, his thumb stroking my cheek in soothing motions. “Svea would love to have you on her staff. To bridge our worlds together—she needs more humans like you on staff to make guests feel welcome. And your talent…” He pauses,his gaze intense. “Designing an app for the resort could change everything.”
“Do you think I can do it?”
“Without a doubt.” His confidence in me is unwavering. “You’re brilliant, Rey. You’re what this place needs… and what I desire.”
“Your faith in me…” I close my eyes and lean into him. “Thank you, Zethe. Your confidence in my abilities—and our future—means the world to me.”
“Only the best for you,” he whispers, his breath warm against my ear. “We’ll make it work if it doesn’t, but I know Svea. She’ll listen to your pitch, and will at the least, give you a trial. But, like the Merfolk said, they would love to have you create something for them, even if Svea doesn’t hire you as the resort’s official app creator.”
“Then I will speak with her tomorrow,” I mutter, opening my eyes to meet his. “I won’t be able to rest if I wait any longer. I hate waiting. It only gives me anxiety and fills me with doubts.”
“Do it,” he says sternly. “But right now. Tonight. Let me care for you. Let me make those worries disappear.” His voice is low, the invitation clear. His smile is predatory, full of promise and passion.
Zethe gently cups my other cheek with his other hand, holding me in place as his piercing blue eyes gaze into mine with tender concern. “I would feel better if I could check you over, just to be sure you’re all right before I have my way with you tonight.”
“Please.” I nod in agreement.
He releases me and turns away, and I find myself momentarily lost in the mesmerizing swirls of blues and grays adorning his form. It’s as if he was a body of water, as his tentacles gracefully move on the floor.
He gives me another grin as he returns from retrieving a medical scanner and oximeter from an emergency kit, and delicately places the devices against my skin.
As the steady beep of my vital signs fills the charged air between us, Zethe’s fingertips linger, tracing tantalizing patterns that leave goosebumps in their wake. “Everything looks good,” he murmurs, voice low and husky. “But you should really shower, cleanse yourself of all that seawater first to make yourself comfortable.” His words dance along my spine, more suggestion than statement, as his intense aquamarine eyes darken with unspoken desire. “I’m happy to assist in any way I can to ease your… tension.”
Zethe moves closer, crowding me with his imposing frame, his tentacles circling me. I inhale sharply, his briny, masculine scent flooding my senses and sending my heartbeat into overdrive.
His hands skim my waist, thumbs rubbing maddening circles that make me ache for more. “Please, allow me.” His ocean-blue eyes darken with desire, lips curving into a seductive smile, issuing an invitation I’m powerless to refuse. “I insist.”
“Good thing you’re a Kraken lifeguard,” I tease, trailing my fingers along his muscular arm. “Because I may need your help in the water.”
“I’d be happy to assist,” he purrs, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.
Zethe takes my hand, his touch electric, and leads me to the steamy bathroom. I feel his penetrating gaze roaming over my curves as I slowly peel off my clothes, revealing inch after inch of bare skin.
He moves closer, his broad chest rising and falling with quickened breaths. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs reverently, callused hands skimming my waist and igniting my body.
I press against him, relishing the hard planes of his body, aching with need. “Show me,” I whisper. “How I should clean myself.”
With a growl, he pulls me flush to him, crushing his mouth to mine in a searing kiss. His tongue delves deep, claiming and consuming me. I moan into his mouth, my fingers tangling in his silky hair.
Zethe breaks the kiss, both of us panting. His ocean eyes are nearly black, pupils blown wide with lust. “Let’s get you nice and wet,” he rasps, guiding me into the shower.
Steam fills the shower as Zethe moves in behind me and closes the large glass door, his muscular blue body glistening under the warm spray. I gasp softly as he presses close, his powerful chest against my back, skin on skin.
The heat and wetness heighten every sensation as rivulets trickle down my sensitized flesh.
I’m trapped inside this enormous stone shower, with a bench and multiple heads from the ceiling pouring down on us. A single glass panel blocks us from the rest of the elegant bathroom.
And yet, it only adds to my desire. This Kraken—my fated mate—makes me feel safe, cherished, and loved.
“Let me wash you,” Zethe rumbles in my ear, his deep voice sending shivers through me despite the hot water.
His large hands gently turn me to face him. My breath catches at the intense smolder in his eyes. Zethe takes the soap and begins slowly lathering my shoulders and collarbones with sensual circular strokes. I arch into his touch, craving more.
As the fragrant suds glide over my breasts, I moan and grip his muscular arms for support. Zethe caresses every curve and valley with tender reverence, as if memorizing my body. His ministrations leave me weak-kneed with desire.
