Page 53 of Sea's Secret

Dominick

It was captivating watching her, watching the colors flash in her eyes from the stern of the ship. She was taking everything in for the first time, and it was truly wonderful to just imagine what she was thinking. I loved the sea; it was no surprise just how much I loved it. I loved the cool crisp air, the way that if you stood at the bow of the ship, it felt as if you were flying, or what I assumed flying would be like.

“You had a better time than I, it seemed after the ship sank,” Sands said, coming up behind me.

“Being shipwrecked is only slightly better than being pulled from the sea and rescued. I was on that Island for quite a while.”

“Two weeks. What is two weeks, with her?” Sands said, motioning to Meria.

“Stop–”

“She is pretty. Not my type, exactly. I like my women with legs that do not change,” he said with a wink.

After we took over the ship, I told Sands everything, including that Meria was a mermaid. She and I had discussed it and decided that Sands being in on the secret would be helpful.

“Sands, if someone hears you–”

“What? Do I like a good pair of legs? Yes, I do! ” He said with a smirk.

“I will make you walk the plank,” I grunted. “I do not want you talking about her in that way.”

“I am saying I do not like her legs–”

“Which is madness, as her legs are incredibly beautiful, as is her tail. So, either silence on the topic, or I swear to the Creator, I will make you walk.”

“Wow, you care about her.”

“I do not. I am in charge of her protection. There is a difference. I do not need you giving anyone ideas. She is the only maiden on board, and I do not want her spoken about in such a way. She is more than her appearance; she is kind and generous.”

“Wow–” Sands said with a wide grin. “You really like her.”

“She is my friend.”

He laughed, “Sure, she is your friend, and I am a squid.”

I shoved his shoulder.

“Just walk up to her, kiss her, and be done with it.”

“I am not going to kiss her, just as I would never kiss you. We are friends, too.”

“Hey–give me a little peck on the cheek, here, and see if she gets jealous,” Sands said with a chuckle, pointing to his cheek. I shoved him again, and his laughter drew eyes toward us.

“Do shut up, man,” I said in a tone I wanted him to know was serious.

“Okay, okay, but you really should give her a kiss.”

“Not going to happen. Drop it.”

“You lean in for the kiss, maybe place your hands around her waist–pulling her into your arms is the best. If the maiden meets you halfway when you tilt your head down, well, that is your yes. Lean in the rest of the way, and make her dreams come true,” Sands said, wiggling his eyebrows. “I enjoy making maidens' dreams come true. It is rather rewarding.”

“I am sure that is no one’s dream.”

“I can see it in their eyes. Maidens like a good kiss. I’m sure she desires a kiss from you—her rescuer,” Sands said, batting his eyes at me like a fool.

“You look like a fool.”

“Not as much as you do, mooning over your maiden.”

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