Page 21 of Onyx Realm

His dark chuckle skated over the waves. I didn’t want to admit how much I enjoyed that sound. “I prefer to see it as checking on my guest.”

“You could have dropped in for a cup of tea,” I snarked, “instead of sneaking up on me and ruining my quiet time.”

“I’ve been working.”

“Excuses, excuses. You know, a good host would make sure I have everything I need,” I said before thinking better of it.

Markos cocked his head. A deadly air sizzled about him. “And what are you lacking?”

“Nothing extravagant.” Annoyance fluttered through me.

He hummed in a way that I should continue.

“Toothbrush, so I can quit using my finger. Deodorant, so I don’t smell like man. And some properly fitting undergarments.” I checked the demands off on my fingers, not wanting to push for too much.

“What about the rest of your clothes?” Surprise seemed to flash through his voice.

Yeah, that’s right.I wasn’t that spoilt that I couldn’t rough it. “My own bathing suit would be nice. But Evangelia has been very generous with the basics.”

And we’d altered them to fit with hair ties, safety pins, and even a few stitches.

“Her shirts don’t fit you, and the shorts are too loose.”

“It doesn’t matter. I can make do with—”Wait.When had he seen me? I’d been here four days, and ever since our candlelight dinner, I hadn’t seen my captor.

“I’ll see that you’re taken care of,” he said with a certain finality. “But it’s time to get out of the water, Serena.”

I took a step back. “I’m not done.”

That damn chuckle felt like a sinful caress over my damp skin. “Fine, but I should warn you, the sharks are out hunting tonight.”

A sudden chill raced down my spine, causing gooseflesh to prickle my arms. I quickly surveyed the beach, my eyes darting over the inky, navy waves, but there was no menacing fin slicing through the water like in the movie Jaws. Despite the absence of any visible threat, as I pivoted to check behind me, I felt a fleeting, almost imperceptible touch gliding over my calf, sending my heart into a frenzied thud.

It was probably just my imagination, but....

“Okay, fine, you win. I’ll get out,” I pouted.

A moment of intense silence pulsed.

“You can go now,” I snapped.

Markos slid from the shadows, moving to where my gown lay crumpled on the sand. He lifted it, shook the white cotton, and held it out.

You’ve got to be joking.

“Better hurry, prinkípissa.”

I stood frozen in the water, my heart racing with indignation. The moonlight caught the hard planes of his face, revealing a smirk that made my blood boil.

“Turn around,” I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest. I was painfully aware of how exposed I was.

“And if I don’t?” His voice was smooth as velvet, dangerous as a blade.

The waves lapped behind me, suddenly ominous. Was there really something in the water, or was he just playing with my fears? Either way, I wasn’t willing to risk it. But I also wasn’t about to parade in front of him naked.

I lifted my chin. “Then I’ll stay right here. Sharks and all.”

Markos sighed, a sound caught between amusement and exasperation. For a moment, we remained locked in a silent battle, neither willing to yield. Finally, with exaggerated slowness, he turned his back to me, still holding the gown outstretched.

---