“Let me see.” Phoenix takes it, rubbing a thumb over the smooth surface.
Nothing’s going to change. As far as we can tell, the compass thingy—the i’xal— is broken. Frustrated, I let out a very unladylike huff that would have my mom rolling her eyes. All three men turn their attention to me with an intensity that’s almost unnerving.
“Let’s take a little break,” Hunter says.
“I could use some lunch.” Phoenix shoves the i'xal in his pocket, then swings his backpack around, dropping it on the ground and pulling out a quilted blanket. “I’ve got sandwiches, water, and…” he lifts out a long bottle, “champagne.” His eyebrows wiggle suggestively.
I can’t help my excited wiggle as I plop down next to him.
“This is a work excursion, not a romantic picnic.” Hunter glares at the narrow-necked bottle.
“Can’t it be both?” Phoenix winks at me as he untwists the wires around the cork.
“You’re my new favorite,” I say to Phoenix, looking over my shoulder at Hunter, whose glare turns into a scowl. Grumpy old man. Why does that turn me on so much? I’m probably defective or have daddy issues or something. Maybe I should do a little research on the appeal of older men when we get back up to my apartment. Then again, I’ve never been attracted to an older man before Hunter, so maybe it’s just him.
Phoenix pops the cork with ease. Bubbles pour out the top, and he shoves it in his mouth to catch them. His throat works as he swallows, lips spread to accommodate the bottle, liquid dripping down the side. It’s surprisinglyprovocative, and my insides spark with heat as I watch. Okay, Hunter might not be the only older man I’m attracted to. Though, Phoenix comes off as being a bit younger than the stodgy professor. Whether he is or isn’t, I’m not sure.
Phoenix finishes and passes the bottle to me with a flourish. “M’lady.”
I giggle. “I love champagne.”
“What isshampain?” Caspian asks.
“I’ve failed as a mate,” I gasp, throwing a hand over my heart. “Here, try it.”
Caspian doesn’t take the bottle from me, he wraps his lips around it while I’m still holding it, and waits for me to tip the liquid into his mouth with his eyes locked on mine. Seeing his lips spread around the rim is just as provocative as it was with Phoenix. It has me thinking all kinds of inappropriate thoughts I really shouldn’t be thinking right now. At this rate, it’ll be a miracle if my scent blockers hold up.
I pour carefully, not wanting him to choke. The muscles in his neck tense as he swallows, and I’m mesmerized once again. I try not to think about the way his lips would look wrapped around a cock. Would my alpha kneel for Hunter or make the older man kneel for him?
Shit, I’ve got to get myself under control.
Caspian finishes and licks his lips. “Delicious.”
The sun suddenly seems unbearably hot. I fan myself with my hand.
“A good way to ruin wine, if you ask me,” Hunter says. He’s the only one who hasn’t sat down yet, and I have to tilt my head all the way back to see him.
“Spoilsport.” I stick my tongue out at him, but rather than the desired effect, his eyes darken, narrowing on my mouth.
“We have something like it in the sea. We call it…” Caspian makes a noise I can’t interpret into any sort of letters. I’m surprised the i’xal contained sounds we could pick out, but I guess if it was used by humans as well as merfolk originally, then it makes sense.
Phoenix regales Caspian with questions about his world, and Hunter eventually takes a seat on the blanket as far away from me as possible. It shouldn’t sting, but it does. I keep trying to tell myself what happened between us during my heat spike doesn’t matter, but it’s a lie I can’t seem to believe, no matter how many times I repeat it.
Despite the awkwardness with Hunter, our picnic lunch is the most fun I’ve had in a long time. The champagne mellows everyone just a little, and the conversation flows easily. Phoenix and Caspian swap stories about various sea life, trying to one up each other with their tales of sharks, killer whales, and other dangerous creatures they’ve encountered. Even Hunter relaxes after a while.
It’s difficult not to relax around Phoenix. He’s fun and has this way about him that instantly sets people at ease.
“How about a swim?” Phoenix asks after we’ve finished off most of the sandwiches he brought. He pulls off his shirt without waiting for a reply and flexes as he stretches his arms over his head.
His skin is burnished with a glowing tan, which proves he spends most of his time outdoors, likely on the water. He isn’t broad, but his arms are toned and you could wash clothes on his stomach. Damn. Am I drooling? I surreptitiouslywipe the back of my hand along my mouth, just in case.
“We’re supposed to be deciding on a dig spot.” Hunter throws a grape at his friend. It bounces off Phoenix's firm abs before he catches it and pops it in his mouth.
“It’s hot. We’ll all think better after we cool off.” He reaches for Caspian’s hand. “Come on, squishy, come swim with me. I want to see that pretty tail again.”
Caspian’s fair skin turns a light pink, arousal spiraling through the bond. It takes me by surprise for a moment. Not that I disagree. Hunter’s friend is undeniably hot, but I wasn’t expecting my bonded to feel such an intense attraction toward the man.
Caspian looks at me as if asking permission. Despite being unsure if he’s just asking about the swim or something more, I smile. “Go ahead. I’m gonna stay here.”
