Page 14 of Riding the Tide

“Oh. Yes. I see. I hadn’t thought about that. And yes, the authorities are probably going to be involved. Will I see you tomorrow?”

“Yes. How about we get together late afternoon? Say maybe six o’clock?”

“Okay. Should I meet you somewhere?”

“There’s a restaurant attached to the resort called Sandals. I’ll meet you out front. How does that sound?”

“Sounds great. Thank you. Oh, I don’t think I mentioned my last name. It’s Estes.”

“Krill is my last name.”

Blair didn’t say anything about the fact Marcus still held his hand as they walked. As they drew closer to the more occupied part of the island, Marcus stopped. With a quick kiss, Marcus told Blair good-bye.

Blair watched Marcus return to the jungle. With a sigh, he turned and headed toward the resort and the insanity that was going to ensue as soon as he was recognized.

CHAPTER FIVE

MARCUSWATCHEDBlairfromthe cover of the jungle until he was out of sight. That certainly went better than he expected. He well remembered the pitfalls Nisha experienced when he told Kannon. Kannon had been furious, but then, Nisha did things he shouldn’t have. At least Marcus hadn’t started the mating ritual within moments of meeting Blair like Nisha did with Kannon.

And speaking of Nisha, he was in desperate need of his friend’s help. He debated returning to Nisha’s aboveground dwelling, but decided against it. He didn’t like being on land. Besides, tomorrow was soon enough. He gulped as a tremor raced through his body. Shit. It appeared a mate was in the cards after all.

He made his way back to the cove, stripped, and returned to the ocean.

THE NEXT morning, he stood on Nisha’s doorstep banging on the door.

“Hold on!”

Marcus smiled at the grumpiness in Nisha’s voice, but he made sure to wipe the smile off his face when Nisha jerked the door open. “Good morning.”

“Good morning? What’s good about it? You have any idea what time it is?” Nisha leaned against the doorframe dressed in low-slung boxers, glaring at Marcus.

“You haven’t had your morning cup of coffee yet, have you?” Marcus guessed.

“No, but I’m in the process of rectifying that right now,” Kannon called from farther inside the bungalow. “Nisha, let him in, and for God’s sake, quit glaring at him. It’s too early in the damn morning for that.”

“And an impressive glare it is, too.” Marcus smirked.

“I had plans for this morning, just wanted you to know,” Nisha griped, still not moving out of the doorway. “You’re cock blocking me.”

“Look at you picking up human slang!” Marcus wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. “I’m so proud.”

Nisha growled at Marcus.

“Okay, I understand the impressive glare now, but seriously, how often do I show up on your doorstep unannounced?”

“Which is the only reason why I’m not kicking your ass back to the ocean.” Nisha moved out of the doorway. “Come in.”

“Why, thank you. I think I will.”

Nisha scrubbed his hands over his face. “Too early. Entirely too early in the morning to be dealing with you without coffee. Come on.”

Marcus followed Nisha to the kitchen, enjoying the breeze from the open windows. “Good morning, Kannon. Sorry to drop by on you unannounced.”

“No problem. It’s not as if you drop by just to talk.” Kannon waved a hand at the kitchen table. “Have a seat. Have you had breakfast?”

“I’ve already eaten, but thank you. I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee, though.”

Kannon was dressed in boxers like Nisha.

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