Page 81 of Treasure of the Abyss

“Because I didn’t loveCamrin.”

Macy stilled once the words were out; she hadn’t needed to consider them, she justknew.

His grip on her hand tightened, and she felt his heartbeats strengthen beneath her palm. “But…you love me?” herasped.

They’d filled their short time together with genuine emotion. She thought back on all those shared moments — the way he’d comforted her and eased her into the water when she’d first donned the suit, and how secure she felt once she’d given herself to trusting him; his reaction to his first taste of cooked meat, or when she’d tickled him. She recalled the firm set of his features when she’d followed him into the seaweed forest against his wishes. Recalled the fear in his eyes when the razorback had attacked, and the way he’d shielded her with hisbody.

The intensity and passion with which he’d looked upon her while they danced — and when they made love — gleamed in his eyes whenever their gazesmet.

And this morning, after he’d wrestled her free of Dracchus’s clutches… Not knowing if Jax was okay, if he would survive, knowing he was so close but still out of sight — it had been a new sort of agony. She was terrified of losinghim.

She cared for Camrin, and was concerned for his well-being, but her feelings toward him had never been this strong, never this deep. She’d never felt as though she couldn’t breathe without Camrin in her life. ButJax…

Macy searched his face. There was a small crease between his brows, and the corners of his lips were downturned, but there was something in his eyes… Hopefulness? Longing? Could it even belove?

Dropping her mask, she moved even closer and hooked her hand around the back of his neck. “I do. I love you,Jax.”

The words came even easier, now, without any hesitation. They feltright.

For a moment, he held her gaze in silence. When his answer came, it was swift and left no room for question. He slipped his free hand into her hair, encircled her with his tentacles, and drew her againsthim.

Jax kissed her with a tenderness, aneed, that made her knees weak and her heartflutter.

She wound her arms around his neck and pulled herself into the kiss. Her tongue stroked his, flicked over his sharp teeth, and if she tasted blood she didn’t care. She wanted only to touch him, to be as close as possible. The suit was an unacceptable barrier betweenthem…

But this wasn’t theplace.

Breath ragged, Macy pulled back and pressed her forehead to his. She caressed his jaw, stilling when her fingers ran over the gash on his cheek. Frowning, she pulled back, looking over the cuts on his shoulders and chest. She knew there were moreelsewhere.

“We should clean those,” shesaid.

“I will be fine,Macy.”

“You’re covered inwounds.”

He raised one of his arms and turned it, displaying at least three gashes and two puncture wounds. “I have suffered worse. This isnothing.”

“What if they getinfected?”

“I do not know what thatmeans.”

“It’s when a wound festers and doesn’t quiteheal.”

“Why wouldn’t a woundheal?”

“Well, they do, eventually…” Macy stared at the cut on his cheek. “Are you sure you’refine?”

“Yes, Macy.” He brushed a lock of her hair back from her face. “I am sure. But…what aboutyou?”

“What about me? AmIhurt? I’m probably already bruised, and I’ll be sore tomorrow, but I’m okay.” She settled her hands on hisshoulders.

His hands fell to her hips, and he appeared to wrestle with something internally, lips parting as though to speak before snapping closed. Finally, he released her. “Come. You need to choose a new den forus.”

Jax picked up her mask and continued down the corridor, leaving Macy to follow. She frowned. What had been about tosay?

As they reached the end of the tunnel, Macy glanced up at the sign near the entryway:CABINS. The hallway beyond was lined with identical doors spaced at regular intervals. She peered through one of the open doors as they passed and was reminded of the oldest homes in The Watch; there was a small living space, with a bed, a dresser, and a table with three chairs. The next open room was the same as the first, right down the color of the bedding and walls. Their only difference was in the miscellaneous items strewnabout.

She stepped inside and looked around, noticing an open door in the corner. As she moved closer, she realized the doorway led into a lavatory. Shealmostheld in a squeal of delight; when she pressed the button on the toilet, it actually flushed, and she couldn’t containherself.

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