Page 39 of Kiss for My Kraken
She lifted her head to give him a solemn look. “I would never run from you, Sam.”
“I know.” He touched her face, marveling at her delicate features. “You’ve given me more than I ever dared hope for.”
She smiled, kissing his palm. “And you’ve given me a place to belong.”
“With me,” he said, the words half question, half statement.
“With you,” she confirmed. “Always.”
For so long, he had existed on the periphery of life, observing but never fully participating. Even in Fairhaven Falls, a haven for Others, he had kept himself apart, convinced that his nature was too alien, too frightening to be accepted.
Nina had changed everything. Her acceptance, her love, had brought him fully into the world. Had made him feel, for the first time in memory, that he truly belonged. The loneliness that had been his constant companion for so long had dissolved like morning mist, replaced by something warm and bright and infinitely precious.
CHAPTER 18
Nina woke to the unfamiliar sensation of weight across her body. Not oppressive or threatening, but secure—like being wrapped in the warmest, most perfect blanket. She kept her eyes closed, savoring the feeling and piecing together her memories of the night before.
Sam.
Her lips curved into a smile as fragments of their lovemaking flooded back. The cool embrace of the water. The glow of his bioluminescent markings illuminating their joined bodies. The way his tentacles had held her with such exquisite care, strong enough to support her completely yet gentle enough that she’d never felt a moment’s fear. She’d never dreamed she could feel so desired and so protected at the same time.
Sunlight warmed her face, coaxing her to open her eyes. The bedroom wasn’t large and the bed platform took up most of it, but there was a small dresser next to the door. Of course. He would be able to wear clothes in his land form. She couldn’t deny that she liked the idea of strolling into town with him, but if hewasn’t comfortable with the idea, she could be perfectly happy here with him.
She shifted slightly, turning her head to look at him. He was still asleep beside her, his powerful body still completely in his kraken form. His skin in daylight was a marvel of subtle colors—predominantly a silvery-grey that caught the light, but with patterns of deeper blue and hints of iridescence. His dark hair spilled across the pillow, partially veiling the delicate slits of his gills, closed now in air. His face was relaxed in sleep, the sharp angles softened, making him look younger, more vulnerable.
He’s beautiful, she thought, filled with a sudden, fierce surge of love so powerful it almost hurt.And he’s mine.
Unable to resist, she reached out to touch his face, her fingertips tracing the strong line of his jaw. His skin was cool and smoother than human skin, with an almost silky quality that reminded her of river stones polished by water.
His eyes opened at her touch, a startling bright blue even in the golden morning light. For a moment, they were unfocused, then sharpened as they found her face. His expression shifted from confusion to recognition to something so tender it made her heart ache.
“Nina,” he said, her name a caress in his deep voice. “You’re still here.”
The wonder in his tone made her smile. “Did you think I’d leave?”
The tentacle around her waist tightened slightly. “I thought I might have dreamt you.”
“Not a dream.” She leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to his lips. “I’m very real.”
His hand came up to gently cup her face. “Last night…”
“Was perfect,” she finished for him, leaning into his touch.
His eyes darkened. “I didn’t hurt you?”
“Not at all. You were… amazing.” She gave him an impish smile. “I don’t have anyone to compare you to, but I can’t imagine anything being better than that.”
The tentacle at her waist moved up to cover her breasts and she gasped at the sensation, her nipples tightening against the suckers. “I can show you better,” he murmured, his mouth moving over her throat.
She arched into his touch, her body responding instantly. One tentacle moved to circle her leg, urging her thighs apart, and another dipped between them. She moaned, her hips lifting instinctively to meet his touch. The soft, cool underside of his tentacle brushed over her clit and she cried out, her fingers digging into his shoulders.
“I love your sounds,” he said softly, the vibration of his voice humming through her. “I love knowing how much you enjoy this. You are so responsive, little minnow.”
The suckers on her breasts tugged gently at her nipples, sending sparks of sensation through her. At the same time, the tentacle between her legs stroked her with increasing speed and pressure. A third tentacle teased at her entrance, the tip curling against the sensitive flesh, and her breath caught.
She reached for him, skating her hand down over his chest to where his tentacles joined his upper body, then frowned.
“Where is your… c…c?”
