Page 72 of Bind Me

“I will, at the bottom of the steps.” And he stays true to his word, even when a red-haired maid goes past, smiling at me, then staring at Kaden a bit too long.

I shouldn’t care, yet a lick of fire flames in my chest at seeing the hunger in her eyes for him. I stare into his eyes, their deep, captivating depths, his strong, chiseled face, the way he’s studying my mouth like he can’t think of anything beyond kissing me. Why is it that a touch, a stare, is all it takes, and I’m burning up with an unbearable need for him?

I wriggle out of his arms before I lose control. “I can walk, thanks.”

“Suit yourself.” He smirks, letting me go but remaining by my side. “Just trying to keep you safe.”

“Yeah, well, I’m perfectly capable of handling a few steps,” I mutter, smoothing my wrinkled shirt.

We continue down the long corridor. It’s always like this—an electric pull I can’t ignore, even when I try to keep my distance.

“So, what’s the plan once you meet the king?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation to safer waters.

He shrugs. “Figure out how to deal with the mercenaries without causing a bloodbath. It’s all about keeping the peace, right?”

“Sure,” I say, unable to hide my sarcasm.

He laughs, the sound vibrating through me. “You have a way with such a few words, Sasha.”

I cut him a hard stare. “And you have a way of driving me crazy.”

He chuckles.

We reach the room with the huge swimming pool located on the bottom floor, and the sight takes my breath away. It’s like stepping into a fantasy world, a cave decorated with lush plants and a blue, oversized pond. The walls are lined with greenery, creating a natural, serene atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to find in a mermaid’s grotto, not hidden away in a mansion. The water shimmers under soft lighting, steam rising gently from the surface. It’s everything I imagined and more.

“This is perfect,” I say, stepping closer to the edge. “Wow,” I breathe, taking in the scene. “You need some of these in your kraken cave so that it’s less dark and sacrificial and gives off more mermaid vibes.”

I notice there’s a wall of shelves with fluffy towels, a few benches scattered around, and even a small bar in the back. I can easily picture the family having fun here.

I turn to Kaden, who hasn’t responded, only to find him butt naked and diving into the water. His clothes are discarded behind him. I shouldn’t have expected anything less from him.

Head bursting out of the water, he calls out, “Get in here. Water’s so warm. I do prefer the icy chill of the fjord, but this is calming. You’ll love it on your mermaid tail.”

I kick off my shoes and dip my toe in. The warmth curls up my leg, and I’m already feeling at ease. Stripping down to my tank top and underwear, I hesitate at the edge.

Kaden swims over, raising an eyebrow. “What are you doing? You can’t come in here with those clothes.” A mischievous grin spreads across his face.

“Why not?”

“This is a naked-only pool. Tallis told me so.”

“He did not!” I protest, recognizing the lie but still feeling the flush creep up my cheeks.

He’s grinning wider now. “You come in here like that, and they’re coming off.”

I eye him, accepting his challenge even as I’m halfway down the steps.

“Fine,” I say, feigning indifference. “I don’t need to go in.” I turn to leave when one of his tentacles snaps around my waist as fast as whiplash and wrenches me backward.

I lose my footing, a scream caught in my throat, and fall into the pool’s embrace. It’s so warm, and despite myself, I hate how much I don’t want to get out. I wriggle and fight against his damn tentacles, curling around me, pulling at me. The suckers stick to my skin, then pull away, a strange sensation that sends shivers down my spine.

“Kaden!” I sputter, coming up to the surface, seeing that he’s still holding his human form while dark, inky tentacles jut out from his back, appearing lighter in color on the undersides. “Let go of me!”

I shove him away, only to see him gliding in the water. His tentacles are spread out gracefully, and two of them are grasping my tank top and underwear. I instantly pat my body under the water and realize he’s ripped them off me.

“You asshole!” I shout.

“Told you the repercussions. You chose not to listen,” he says, a smug grin plastered on his face.

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