Page 78 of Why Cruise

“Every pixel of it.” I snorted. “Notice how the street narrows at both ends? Forces people to slow down, browse more. It’s basically a sales funnel from two hundred years ago.”

“Do you think Mackenzie would want a t-shirt?”

“Not one that says ‘Heat is hotter on the islands’.”

A small gift bag swung from Theo’s hand, full of the little items he’d been collecting for her. Sunglasses, a refrigerator magnet, a sea salt scrub and a tiny jar of honey.

“Thatshe would love,” he gasped and stepped off the curb. A moped zoomed by, close, far too close. He dropped the bag and danced back a step. Adrenaline flooded my system, sending my heart rate to the stratosphere. I yanked him back onto the sidewalk and scanned him from head to toe for damages.

“Why are my omegas trying to get themselves killed?” I blew out a shaky breath and stooped to pick up the shopping bag. More roughly than I should have, I grabbed Theo by the back of the neck and hauled him to the inside of the walk, taking the dangerous curb for myself. Instant relief flooded into me.

“Sorry, I should have looked.”

My heart rate jacked up again from a very different kind of danger. My hand was still on his neck. I couldn’t let go. I didn’t want to let go. I slid my hand across to his opposite shoulder and rested my wrist there, letting my hand dangle casually. Casual, my ass. There was nothing casual about this.

Our next few steps were stiff and awkward until I caught Theo trying to hide a smile and then lift his head high.

“Tell me what Mackenzie would love.” My voice had gravel in it, but I resisted the urge to clear my throat.

“Flowers for her hair,” he nodded toward a vendor across the street.

With subtle touches and tugs on his body, I guided him across the street. Of course, looking both ways. This vendor sold quality silk flowers, not the plastic crap, attached to pins and clasps and little claws. Theo picked out the entire rainbow of orchids, hibiscus, and other flowers I didn’t know the names of, but should. I paid, and took this bag from him too, all the while never removing my hand from his shoulder.

I moved him back to the shade of the awning lined street. The bus and a bunch of taxies loomed a block away, with tourists and cruisers milling about, ready for their next destinations.

I pushed Theo into an alleyway, a break between the buildings, and put his back against the wall. I put my hands to either side of his head, caging him in with oceans of space between our bodies. I could practically hear his heart thunder. His scent had me in a choke hold.

“Do you want me to kiss you, Theo?” I leaned in, an inch between our lips.

“Yes, Sir,” he said with hardly any breath.

I grazed my lips against his, barely touching. He reached for me to pull me closer.

“Hands behind your back.”

He obeyed instantly with another delicious “Yes, Sir.”

“What are you doing to me, Theo?” I whispered, letting the movement of my lips tease his.

I parted his lips with my tongue. He opened for me with a shuddering moan. I lost myself in his taste, his feel, the sounds he gave me. I wanted to linger here, live here, but this was just one kiss. I pulled back enough to see his face. Flecks of gold burned in his eyes.

“Shit.”

I wasn’t entirely sure he meant to say that aloud. I raised an eyebrow.

“Are you ready to return to that conversation?” I asked.

“No.”

I put even more space between us and searched his face.

“I’m not ready towalk. Thinking is a stretch.”

“Fair.” We lingered like this for seconds, years. Who knew? The ocean breeze blew a lock of hair in front of his eye. It got caught in his lashes when he blinked.

“Justice!”

I freed the curl and pushed it off his face. Each day, it turned more golden with individual strands that sparkled.

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