Page 61 of Jewel of the Sea

“The outcome of all this is not predetermined. We will find a way, Aymee,” Arkon said.

“Is the Facility really hard to find?”

“It is located some distance away from shore, in a relatively remote area on the seafloor. However, the diving suits have integrated computers that seem to be able to access its systems and may even be able to pinpoint its location from afar.”

She scowled. “Then let’s hope theydon’thave any of those suits.”

He smoothed the crease between her brows with the pad of his thumb. “For now, let us not worry about things we have no immediate control over. Are you hungry or thirsty? We brought warmer clothes, and Macy included some handheld lights if you are tired of the gloom.”

That simple, considerate touch was enough to make her smile. “Will you eat with me?”

“Of course. Macy gave us some spinefish she cooked earlier. She said we were to eat it today, to ensure it would not spoil.” Remaining low, he moved to the second chest and opened it. The jugs of water were immediately apparent, and they were accompanied by a variety of food — most of it forage from the jungle. Arkon removed a wrapped bundle and held it out to Aymee.

She took it and peeled back the cloth to reveal large fillets of white, flaky meat. Their mouthwatering aroma wafted to her and made her stomach growl.

“Come sit beside me, Arkon.”

After rummaging through the chest for a moment, he produced a plastic cup. He removed the cap from one of the water containers, lifted the jug with one hand, and filled the cup. The ease with which he did so was a testament to his strength — the container looked to hold at least fifteen liters. Her eyes flowed over the play of muscles in his arm, shoulder, and chest, and then fell to the darker skin beginning at his waist.

She’d felt the hard press of his now-hidden shaft once when she lay atop him after their game on the beach. She wanted toseeit.

While Macy was recovering in the clinic, she’d revealed that she’d been intimate with Jax, and Aymee’s curiosity had made it impossible to hold back her questions. She’d wanted to knoweverything. Macy had described the anatomy of male kraken in detail despite her obvious embarrassment.

Once the jug was down and the cap replaced, Arkon returned to his spot beside her, trading the cup of water for a fish fillet.

“Thank you,” she said, dragging her gaze away from him. The sudden discomfort between her legs had her shifting on the hard floor.

“Are you all right, Aymee? You appear flushed.”

“I’m fine,” she replied quickly, taking a drink from the cup and setting it aside. “Macy said you normally eat the fish alive.” Anything to steer the conversation away from her body, from its reaction to him, anything to distract her. She couldn’t stand another rejection, butGod, she wanted to touch him. Wantedhimto touchher.

“Raw, yes. Most fish don’t tend to survive after you take a few bites out of them.”

He scooped bite-sized pieces of meat into his mouth with his claws, offering her a fleeting glimpse of his pointed teeth.

“Do you have a preference?” she asked.

He stared down at the meat on his palm. “Perhaps it is simply because it is different from everything I’ve known before, but I prefer most of it cooked. The changes it causes in the flavor and texture of different meats is fascinating.”

Aymee smiled. “I love how you find pleasure in the smallest things.”

“There’s always something new to be excited about, even if it seems insignificant at a glance. I suppose, though our particular interests are different, Jax and I are more similar in our curiosity than I once thought.” He lifted his gaze to Aymee. “Is it not also similar to the way you seem to find the beauty in everything you see?”

She stared into his strange eyes, which were vibrant even in the dim light. When she’d first met him, she’d only seen his eyes amidst the sand and water, and they alone had captivated, had drawn her into their uniqueness and depth.

Beautiful.

That’s what Arkon was to her.

* * *

Aymee picked up a flashlight; it was a long, thin, plastic device that didn’t look like it could light up her little bedroom, much less this place. The moment she clicked on the switch, it cast a broad, powerful cone of bright white light from its end, annihilating the shadows in its path.

She nodded appreciatively, turning the light off and on several times. “Have you ever explored this place, Arkon?”

“No.” Arkon looked around the massive chamber, most of which was cloaked in darkness. “I’ve only been here a few times before I brought you here. Jax has tried, but he said the doors would not open.”

Shining her light into one of the chests, Aymee searched through its contents. She was thankful for everything Macy and Arkon had thought to pack. “And they can’t be broken into?”

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