Page 25 of Away in a Tentacle Lair
“How is the battle for employment?” Mum asks keenly. I’m their only child, and they are fully invested in everything I do.
“I might have put that job on the line chasing love instead.” I brace myself for their disappointment, casting my career aside for a roll in the sand.
“You have found someone who can distract your attention from your career?” Dad frowns. “Wow. He must be a wonderful young man.”
“He is. He loves the water and can hold his breath for nearly ten minutes. He loves marine animals.”
“Leo, you don’t need to prove he is worthy of you.”
“He is worthy. Dad, he is beautiful and funny, and his smile… his eyes are like magic, and he is just…”
“I’m so pleased for you, Leo.”
“He’s invited me to join him and his family for Christmas day, so I’m not sure when I’ll get to phone you.”
“I am so happy for you, Leo, and I don’t want to hear from you tomorrow or the next day.”
"Thanks, guys. I love you so much." Relief washes over me like a gentle wave. They seem delighted that I’ve found someone. They are happier than when I told them I had submitted my research paper to apply for this job and that I was coming here. They want me to be successful, but they also want me to be happy.
I end the call missing them more, but knowing I have made their Christmas one of joy, they know I am away from them because of love rather than work.
As I set my phone down, I can't fight the grin spreading across my face. Kai and I might be venturing into uncharted waters, but with my parents' anchor of support, it feels like we could sail through any storm. And I can’t wait to see Kai with tentacles and what he can do in bed without using his hands.
I lean back against the plush hotel pillows as the phone call with Mum and Dad still hums in my ears like a favourite sea shanty. It's such a relief to have their excitement mirror mine, and their acceptance has cast a protective net around my heart, safeguarding it from doubt.
"My Ocean Prince," I murmur, chuckling at my dramatic nickname for him.
I never imagined that I could fall for someone like Kai. I’m a simple marine biologist who started this trip hoping for someone content to remain in my shadows. Who would have thought a man who outshines me could actually lift me up, making me a better person? Kai is definitely a man worth fighting for.
I glance at the clock, noticing how late it’s getting, so I set my alarm for sunrise and slip under the covers. Being alone feelsbittersweet. I want Kai here with me, but I accept that it’s too soon in our
Glancing at the clock, the digital numbers glow 10:00 PM, reminding me that even adventurers need their rest. With a few taps of my fingers, I set my alarm for sunrise, eager to greet the day that will bring me closer to the mysterious Kai Briareus.
I close my eyes, and the world disappears, replaced by dreams where the sea is a playground for my mind. There, Kai's laughter bubbles around me, a melody that fills the underwater world with light. We dance through kelp forests; our movements synchronise in the silent waltz of the deep.
Chapter eighteen
Kai
Icreep around the house, hoping to avoid meeting anyone. If I'm spotted, I'll get roped into the last-minute Christmas preparations, but I'm hoping to avoid any questions from Dad or Nicholas.
“Kai, just in time to taste the gravy.” Aunt Nellie calls from the kitchen, and I know I'm busted. Nellie and Sophie will continue with the preparation after I'm sent to my room, so at least on that count, I have a way out.
“Is Uncle Nicholas mad at me?”
“No, no, my darling. We want you to be happy. You deserve it. But he is a marine biologist, so Nick just wants to protect you before we tell him something that could put your life in danger.”
“I don't want to be any trouble. I just want to be happy.” I grin like a lovesick fool and earn a chuckle from my aunts.
“Your father is worried about you, worried that he's stressing you out over this. There is no rush to tell your sexy boi about us, but there is a rush to tell Rogan you're okay before bed.”
My nod isn't so enthusiastic. I will abandon Leo with my relatives' company while I go upstairs tomorrow when the sunsets. I love the long summer days, but winter nights mean he'll spend every evening alone. Do I really want to do that to him?
Dad is waiting by the tree in the living room, hanging our family decorations alone.
“Did it hurt spending your evenings alone while me and Mum went to bed?” I ask from the doorway.
“Come and hang this for her.” Dad offers me the fat Robin ornament with her name on it.
