Page 40 of Riding the Tide

“We live together, and we get to know each other.”

“Yes. Exactly.”

Sighing, Marcus kissed Blair’s knuckles and pulled his hands free. “The problem is I’m going to want to make love to you.”

That was a problem? It was no problem as far as he could see. “Hey, I’m totally on board with that.”

“Yes, well, the problem is I’m going to want to bite you and start the mating process. I’m not sure I can… You really have no idea what you’re asking of me… I’m not even sure where I stand with you.” Marcus stuck his hands in his pockets.

Blair blew out a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair. Didn’t know where he stood? Blair told him he wanted them to live together. Then a thought struck him. Marcus was insecure. “Okay, how about this? Didn’t you tell me there needed to be two bites?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Actually, it was perfect. “Then here’s what I propose we do. You bite me now. That way you know I’m serious about this. Would that help?”

Marcus cocked his head and stared intently at Blair. “I… huh. Yes, some.”

“Basically, that bite would be my commitment to you. But it also gives me time to adjust. You get what you want, and I get what I want. Can you do that, Marcus? Can you meet me halfway?” Blair held his breath. This, this right here, would tell him everything he needed to know about a future relationship between the two of them.

Suddenly Marcus smiled, and Blair’s heart fluttered. The delight in Marcus’ face was more than he could have hoped for. That smile told him everything he needed to know. Everything was going to work out with them.

Marcus reached for Blair and pulled him close. “You’re brilliant.”

Blair snuggled in closer. “Yes well, I have my moments.” He looked at Marcus. “Does that work for you?”

“More than. This is going to sound really primitive, but I need to stake my claim on you. That first bite will essentially give me what I need, which is for other mers to know you’re mine.”

“And then you can give me time?”

“Absolutely. I said I never intended to get mated, but here I am. I said I never intended to have an aboveground dwelling, but while we get to know each other, I want us to look for something. I said I would never spend time on land, but I can’t wait to spend it with you.”

“Thank you.” Blair kissed the tip of Marcus’ nose. “Now, about that bite?”

“How soon do you want to do it?” Marcus asked.

“Does now sound good?”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

MARCUSSWEPTBlairintohis arms and carried Blair into the stateroom where he gently lowered him to his feet. “Don’t move.”

He shut the door, and a decidedly wicked smile crossed his face. Attached to the back of the door was a full-length mirror. Oh how perfectly naughty. He glanced over his shoulder so Blair could see his smile. Even from there he heard Blair whimper. He returned to Blair, trailing his fingers across one of Blair’s shoulders as he slipped behind him. He turned Blair so that he was fully facing the mirror.

“Watch.”

Ever so slowly he brought his hands back to Blair’s shoulders. He worked the tense muscles under his hands hard, releasing the tension he found there. Then he trailed his hands down Blair’s muscular arms. He kept his touch feather light, and Blair shivered, his nipples hardening.

Resting his hands on Blair’s waist, he pressed his front against Blair’s back and ground his hard-on against Blair’s ass. Again, he moved his hands, this time gently dragging them up Blair’s chest. He watched Blair’s reaction in the mirror. Blair’s stomach muscles jumped, and a flush covered his face. Blair panted.

He rubbed Blair’s smooth pecs, winding his way closer to those hard tips that begged to be touched. The closer he got, the harder Blair’s breath became. When he ran a nail over a nipple, Blair hissed. Marcus’ cock jumped.

“Sensitive?” Marcus asked.

“Yes,” Blair hissed.

“Good.” Marcus said, his voice heavy with intent.

He left kisses along the top of Blair’s shoulders as he flicked a pebble-hard nipple. Quiet whimpers escaped Blair. Unable to resist drawing out more of those sexy sounds, Marcus sucked the patch of skin where Blair’s shoulder and neck met—the exact spot where Blair would wear his mark. He savored the taste of the ocean on Blair’s skin.

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