Page 94 of Their Pretty Little Monster

“I love it already,” I admit.

The floor beneath us shakes slightly, and instinctively, I grip Killian’s arm tighter.

“It’s all right,” he soothes, holding on to me. “Sometimes, during large storms, the vessel feels the sea’s movements, especially when we’re hit by large waves. Normally, the vessel is stabilized by powerful rotors, and with a touch of magic, they keep us steady, but tonight might be a bit bumpier than usual.”

“Should I be worried?” I ask, trying to hide the tremor in my response.

“Not at all,” he replies confidently.

A young woman approaches us, carrying what appear to be menus. Her skin is a deep pink, matching her flowing hair, and she wears nothing but a short, thin skirt, her four breasts exposed with green nipples. I try to keep my gaze averted, my cheeks heating up at the sight. She doesn’t seem to notice me, focusing all her attention on Killian.

“My Lord, what a pleasure to have you join us tonight,” she purrs, and I instantly dislike her.

She guides us to a table, chatting with Killian as if they’re old friends and I’m nonexistent. A sharp pang of jealousy slices through me. She keeps giggling, shaking those small breasts deliberately.

Killian, however, seems oblivious to her advances, his focus alternating between the path ahead and back at me. By the time we’re seated next to the window, she’s leaning in close to him, practically pressing her chest up against him.

What the hell? She’s meant to be offering him the menu, not herself.

I frown at her, shifting in my seat uncomfortably.

Killian suddenly groans under his breath and lifts his chin in her direction.

“You can leave us now. I’ll call you over when we’re ready.” He shoves the menu into her face, and she stumbles back, shooting a glare my way as she retreats.

“Damn,” I mutter under my breath, unable to hide my surprise at her blatant flirting. “She didn’t even try to hide it.”

Killian looks at me, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “I approve of your fiery jealousy,” he grunts. “But I barely notice the flirting because I’m not interested in them.”

His hand scoops around my waist and drags me to the side of the circular leather couch, our sides pressed up real close. I giggle at bumping into him.

My attention is instantly caught on the monstrous creature swimming right past our window, close enough that I can make out its razor-sharp spikes trailing down its back. Its mouth is bristling with jagged teeth, hanging open as if it’s permanently poised to kill. A shiver jolts down my spine.

“That’s exactly why I’ll never go into that water,” I remark, genuinely intimidated by the sea and the beasts living in its depths.

Killian chuckles, his gaze following the creature as it disappears into the rough, shadowy water.

“It’s not too bad, really. It’s like those fluffy kittens you have back on Earth,” he says sarcastically.

“Kittens?” I scoff, staring at him incredulously. “Are you kidding? Yes, if they had rows of sharp teeth and looked ready to rip your face off. Sure, they’re similar.”

His laughter fills the space between us, rich and deep.

Another fish monster, most like the ones I’m used to from home, glides by, its skin shimmering with golden scales that reflect the artificial light from the vessel.

“Now that one is kind of beautiful.”

“Maybe I’ll make a diver out of you yet.”

I almost choke on my breath. “Not in that ocean, not in this lifetime. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“Fair enough. But you know, there’s a lot to be said for facing one’s fears.”

“In the past few weeks, I’ve faced fears I didn’t even know I had, so no, thanks. You can keep all the swimming beasts to yourself,” I say, giving him a lopsided smile.

He nods, his hand reaching over to my necklace, his fingers tracing the pearls.

“That beast you just saw? Nyko took down a similar one the other day. He actually gutted it to extract these two little pearls on your necklace.”

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