Page 86

All was quiet but for the sound of the gently crashing waves. The tide was high, the beach only a narrow strip of sand.

Syrus began stripping as soon as they’d cleared the path. When Luke didn’t immediately follow suit, Syrus reached out and tugged the hem of his jacket. “Clothes off.”

Luke had been gazing out at the ocean, and now he turned to Syrus distractedly. “What?”

“Off,” Syrus insisted. “They’ll weigh you down in the water.”

Luke’s features twisted into an expression of sheer disbelief. “I’m going in?”

“Of course.” Syrus gestured to the water with a lazy wave of his hand. “You must hear my song. Accept my bond. It can’t happen on land.”

Luke didn’t appear convinced. “Syrus, I’ll freeze to death.”

“You won’t,” Syrus told him. “Not with me beside you.”

Really, did Luke think Syrus was unaware of his mortal limits? Apparently so, as Luke continued to stare at Syrus with incredulity, as if Syrus might still declare this all some practical joke. Syrus met his gaze evenly. Eventually, Luke let out a huff and started stripping off his outerwear.

Syrus bit his lip to hide his triumphant smirk. His sweet, trusting Luke.

By the time Luke removed all his clothes, he was already shivering. Poor thing. Syrus stepped close and gathered him in his arms.

Luke grunted when Syrus’s erection hit his belly. “Tell that thing it’s way too cold for whatever it has in mind.”

Syrus let out a low chuckle. “Can you blame me?” He ran his nose along Luke’s hairline, taking in his woodsy scent. “You’re naked, and you’re beautiful.”

“You can barely see me.”

“I see just fine in the dark. But it will wait.” Syrus lowered his head further, whispering into Luke’s ear, layering suggestion over each word. “Stick with me, dearest Luke. The cold can’t reach you in my embrace.”

Luke’s shivering slowed, then stopped. He leaned back and narrowed his eyes at Syrus. “Neat trick.”

Syrus grinned. “The water will still have its bite, but you won’t come to harm. Do you believe me?”

Luke’s answer was surprisingly solemn. “I do. I believe you.”

So very brave, even if Syrus could still feel the prickle of Luke’s nerves as they stepped into the surf. Syrus kept tight hold of him, despite the awkwardness of navigating sand and rocks while partly entwined. Luke hissed when the cold water reached his belly, but he didn’t stop moving his feet, keeping in step with Syrus. When the water lapped all the way to their necks, Syrus transformed, careful to keep his spurs pointed away from Luke. He turned to his back, rolling Luke on top of him. Luke gasped and held on to him tightly. Together, they swam out.

Syrus went slowly, with small flicks of his tail. He remained on his back so he could hold Luke to his chest while Luke kept his head above water. Syrus hummed a tune for warmth, an extra layer of protection over his earlier suggestion.

Mindful of Luke’s fears, Syrus didn’t take them too far, only deep enough for his purposes. The shore was still in sight, though it would have been a long swim for Luke if he’d been on his own.

Syrus tilted them upright with a swish of his fins. He hummed in pleasure when Luke wound his arms around Syrus’s neck, belly pressed to belly, his legs kicking gently at Syrus’s tail.

Luke let out a sigh into the quiet night. “Your skin always feels so cool, but it’s warm now.”

“Compared to the water, yes.” Syrus stroked Luke’s back with careful fingers. “Are you ready to hear our song again?”

Luke rested his head on Syrus’s shoulder. “I am.”

“I’m going to take you under the water,” Syrus warned.

Luke’s breath hitched, his arms tightening almost imperceptibly. Poor thing, indeed. Pushed to his limits in every way.

“Nothing will hurt you,” Syrus soothed.

Luke pressed his face more firmly into Syrus’s shoulder. “You’ll remember I need to breathe?”

Syrus held back his laugh. But really. As if such a thing as a need for oxygen would come between them.