Page 37 of Kiss for My Kraken
“I want to show you something,” he said, his heart pounding with unaccustomed anxiety.
“Okay,” she said, her eyes curious and trusting.
“Close your eyes.”
She did, without hesitation. He released her hand and moved away a little. When he glanced back, she stood patiently, hands folded in front of her. He took a deep breath, then began the shift to his land form. Her eyes were still closed but he saw her frown as if she sensed the change. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.
“You can open your eyes.”
She obeyed, then her mouth dropped open as she took in his altered form.
“What did you do?”
“We call this a land form. It makes it easier to move around when we’re out of the water.”
She approached him hesitantly, and he realized that her head barely reached his chest in this form. Then she very cautiously extended her hand and ran it over his bare hip. His body reacted to her touch, but the transformation held.
“Does this mean you can leave the water?”
“For a time.” He shrugged. “The shift takes energy, and my strength is more limited in this form. But I could walk beside you on land if you wished.”
“I’d like that,” she said, her eyes still wide. “But I want you to be comfortable.”
“This is a form of me, but my true self is a water creature, not a human.” He held his breath, waiting for her response.
“I know you’re not human. I understand that, and it doesn’t matter to me.” Her hands stroked up over his chest and he bit back a groan. His skin was still sensitive from the transition and each touch of her hand sent sparks through his system.” I want to be with you, in whatever way we can make it work. I don’t care about the differences between us. I don’t care what form you take. I accept all of you, Sam. I want all of you.”
He didn’t dare to believe what he was hearing. The longing and disbelief must have shown in his face because she raised herself on her toes and kissed him gently.
“All of you, Sam. Everything you are. Everything that makes you who you are. That’s what I want. If that’s what you want?”
“Yes.” The word was torn from him and he lowered his mouth to hers.
He was still in his land form, the transformation holding despite the overwhelming need coursing through him. She pressed closer, her arms circling his neck as he deepened the kiss. He could feel the heat of her body against his, the press of her breasts against his chest, and he couldn’t wait any longer.
He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist, her mouth never leaving his as he carried her inside. But when he started to carry her through into the bedroom, she drew back.
“Wait,” she said softly, and alarm flickered through him. Had she changed her mind?
But she was smiling, her eyes warm with certainty. “Not here,” she said, gesturing to the bed. “There.” She pointed towards the water in the open hatch.
He went utterly still. “In the water?”
“I want you as you truly are, Sam. Completely free. In your element.”
“In the water, my instincts are… stronger, more powerful. I don’t want to overwhelm you.”
“You won’t,” she said confidently. “I trust you.”
Trust.Such a simple word for such a profound gift. He searched her face, looking for any hint of fear or hesitation, but found only… love. A shudder ran through him, his tentacles threatening to uncurl. “Are you certain?”
In response, she slipped out of his arms and began removing her clothes. The t-shirt went first, pulled over her head to reveal the smooth expanse of her shoulders and the delicate curve of her collarbone. Next came her jeans, sliding down her legs to pool at her feet. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached behindher back and undid her bra, letting it slide down to reveal her small, perfect breasts, the nipples already taut and rosy. Lastly, she removed her underwear, a scrap of pale green cotton that fluttered to the floor, leaving her completely naked.
He drank in the sight of her, the slender legs, the gentle flare of her hips, and the soft thatch of brown hair that shielded her sex. She was exquisite, and he wanted nothing more than to bury himself inside her warmth, but he held himself still, letting her come to him.
She stepped close and took his hand. “I’m sure, Sam. Make love to me. In the water, in your true form.”
CHAPTER 17
