Chapter 22
Eleanor
Shinsu’s dragon is beautiful. Majestic. Terrifying power coiled in a fierce serpentine body. But it’s his eyes, those kind blue eyes awaiting my judgment that have me standing on the edge of the dock with an open hand outstretched toward him.
Pearly scales dance in the cascading beams of the sunset, catching hues of orange, pink, purple, and blue, painting my dragon in the most gorgeous palette. Above him, two horns, almost antlers in appearance, jut into the air, dropsof crystalline water clinging to their lengths as if even the ocean is relieved to have Shinsu back in her tranquil embrace.
Cautiously, he swims back toward me, then lowers his large face until his snout bumps against my hand. Shinsu holds completely still as he patiently lets me explore him, his breathing steady but shallow so as to not overwhelm me. I love knowing him so well that even without verbal communication, I can read all his intentions.
I brush my hand along the scutes covering his snout, marveling at the tough, leathery texture, so much thicker than the scales covering his human form.
“You’re so handsome,” I tell Shinsu. “I love everything about you—your horns, your scales, your eyes, your teeth, the list can go on and on.”
Tenderly, I lean forward and press my lips to the top of his snout, right above the sharp teeth protruding from his maw.
Shinsu closes his eyes and his mouth parts with a breath before he nuzzles into my hands. I glide my palms along all the parts of his face I can reach, tickling the soft skin under his chin, finding sensitive points, and enjoying the sight of a thrill racing down his spine.
Turning carefully as to not splash me, Shinsu shows me his back and the spiky fins racing along it.
“Like a shiver of sharks,” I say excitedly. “No wonder other creatures in the ocean fear you.” Shinsu frowns at that, his head lowering, but I push his chin up again so he can find my eyes. “Othercreatures. Not me. Never me. I know I’m safe with my protective dragon.”
Droplets of salty water sprinkle down on me with Shinsu’s eager nodding. I giggle at the sensation and open my arms, spinning under my dragon rain, reveling in seeing this side of the person I hold most dear in the world.
“Go play with your dragon, Shinsu. Show me some of those moves you’ve been telling me about.”
And Shinsu does. He backs up carefully before diving under, disappearing beneath the calm waters and popping up again much farther than I could’ve expected. He’s fast. Ripples spread across the surface from his cheerful antics, sending golden sun flecks scattering in the wake of his long body undulating through the waters.
Up and down Shinsu races, going under before bursting into the air again, his joy tangible from my spot on the dock. The stark difference in mood from the creature I found this morning to who he is here, wild and free in the ocean, has me reaching for the little bows on my shoulders.
Never again will I make Shinsu doubt me, never again will he entertain thoughts of abandonment, never again will we not share in each other’s joy.
My dress falls to the floor, followed by underwear, then I’m diving into the water too, thankful that my friends have arranged for privacy on this side of the island for the biggest of grand gestures.
The moment I enter the water, I can feel Shinsu’s attention on me. He approaches me carefully, barely disturbing the water with his giant form, and comes to a stop in front of me, questions flitting behind his curious gaze.
Treading water, I say, “I told you I’m not afraid of the ocean anymore. Not when I have you with me.”
Lips lifting into something that resembles a toothy grin, Shinsu nods.
“You looked like you were having fun. Can I play with you too?” I ask, splashing some water at him.
Shinsu’s head bobs up and down again, then I’m swimming forward while he keeps a watchful eye on me. His movements remain contained as he circles me, dipping below the surface at times and appearing again at random points, carefully surprising me before dodging my poor attempts at splashing him.
Each move gets more ridiculous as he tries to make me laugh. He attempts different poses, a few quirky tricks, even blows water my way when he pops up right beside me. I belly laugh at his more ridiculous stunts, and love every moment of playing together.
Fearless with my big dragon by my side, I allow myself the freedom to explore the ocean, letting her tranquility wash over me, rejuvenate me, as the world outside of us ceases to matter and we bask in our joy.
When my limbs grow tired, Shinsu’s gaze shifts into something mischievous and he stares at me from straight ahead.
A surprised shriek escapes me as bubbles tickle my feet. I kick out at them, but stop when I notice Shinsu’s smirk.
“This your handiwork?” I ask breathlessly.
Shinsu’s head dips with a yes, then he carefully circles me again as more effervescent bubbles climb up my legs, stopping just below the apex of my thighs. I relax into the sensations,letting Shinsu pull me toward his lowered face where he watches me with a feverish glint in his eyes.
“Oh.” I register what his gaze is implying. “Yes.”
A satisfied growl rumbles out of Shinsu and I bite my lip, anticipation rolling through me as the prospect of exploring something totally new between us.
