He led her into the galley, loving how she didn’t bother to try to cover up, happy to be bare just for him.
Finn went into the refrigerator to pull out the charcuterie board he’d prepared while waiting for her to show up at the marina.
He poured a little white wine, then the two of them sat entwined, eating cheese, crackers, fruit, and meat until they were both fulfilled. They discussed little and big things—everything from his swim lessons to their feelings on starting a family.
“Go sun yourself,” he suggested, waving toward the sun pad. “I’ll join you after I clean up.”
Iris was happy to oblige, giving him a show as she slowly moved away, her hips swishing, her round ass just begging to be grabbed with each step.
By the time he joined her, though, there was something tender in her gaze as she looked out at the sea.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Would you be willing to go down there with me?” She gestured out toward the water.
He’d follow her down to hell if that was what would make her happy.
“Down where?”
“To the palace. To see my home. My childhood home,” she was quick to amend.
“Is that possible?”
“It’s a little complicated. But yes. You’d have to go down with me, of course.”
“How would I breathe?”
“It’s something that would be easier to show you than explain.”
“Then show me.”
“Really?” Her tone was hopeful.
“Really.”
“Now?”
“Right now.”
He offered her his hand and they moved back to the swim platform, then jumped into the water together.
“Are you ready?”
“Absolutely.”
Iris lifted her hands, and the water between them shimmered. With a whispered word, too low for Finn to hear, the surface tension stretched, gathered, and folded inward—becoming a delicate orb near her mouth.
Her hand lifted, and her fingers brushed his jaw as she moved closer.
They were close enough to kiss.
Then Iris breathed out. Just once. And the whole world changed.
The shimmering sphere spread from her lips, then cupped his face, held.
With it, he could hear her heartbeat. He could smell her citrus and salt.
The bubble was her breath, her life force, and she was loaning it to him.
