Page 40 of Pregnant With Their Babes

Llyr moved closer. “I am.” He trailed a hand over Oz’s scruffy cheek. “I would be honored to be entrusted with a heart like yours. And Dagr’s. If only I had a future on two legs.”

Oz’s hand grasped his hip and tugged him closer. “Are you sure there can’t be more than seven days for you above the surface?”

“I wish I could stay longer… but the magic will eventually end.”

Oz took his hands. “There are witches in my homeland. Perhaps someone there is powerful enough to extend your stay. Would you if you could?”

Llyr’s heart clenched at the thought. “If it meant more time with you both?Of course.”

Oz frowned. “Dagr. Not me.”

“Why not?”

Oz caressed Llyr’s cheek. “It can’t be.”

“I see the way you look at Dagr. It’s clear you love him. Wholeheartedly.” Llyr smiled wanly. “I wish I could have a love like that. You have it… and are willing to walk away without a fight?”

Oz eyed him. “It’s more complicated than that…”

“How is it complicated?”

Oz shook his head. “I didn’t come here to discuss my situation. I came here to protect my Dagr’s heart when the inevitable happens. You have the power to do that, I think.”

“He’s not ready to accept me. I felt the wall thinning a little, but he’ssostubborn.”

Oz’s smirk sent a swirl to his chest. “He won’t deny you. Not with me at your side.”

Llyr lifted his hands to Oz’s stubbled cheeks. “Maybe you could find your own happiness in my arms, too.”

Oz smiled, lifting a hand to entangle into Llyr’s hair. The human dragged him close for a gentle kiss… that soon exploded between them. He melted in Oz’s arms, molten to the touch. They fit so well together, their bodies like two pieces of a puzzle.

But that puzzle had another piece. And it suddenly seemed wrong to share the moment with only Oz. Dagr needed to be there before they went any further. When they parted, Llyr took a deep breath. His stomach turned, and needed to brace himself. Oz moved closer, worry in his eyes.

“You seem positively pale,” Oz chided before taking Llyr’s arm. “And you’re shaking. Are you unwell?”

“I don’t… I don’t feel myself.”

He drew Llyr onto the narrow mattress. “Lie down a moment. Some people struggle with sea travel. All the swaying to and fro—it has caused many an upset to those new to sea travel.”

“It’s not that, trust me,” Llyr said. “I’mquiteaccustomed to the water.”

“Of course.” Oz lifted the back of his hand to Llyr’s forehead. “You’re burning up.”

“I am?” He brought a hand to his forehead. Heat soaked into his fingertips. The fine curls at his hairline grew damp with sweat. Merfolk were cold blooded creatures… but he’d been warmer since coming to the surface, assuming it part of the spell. “What does this mean?”

“That you might have an illness that could infect the whole ship,” Oz said. “Diseases quickly incubate in such close quarters. We have to treat this and quickly—before it spreads. And we have no doctor on board, either.” He rose. “I’ll be right back with Dagr and some things that might help. Give me a few minutes.” He marched to the door, pausing before he left. “Rest. I’ll return soon.”

Llyr did as he’d been told, but the heat only seemed to rise. The fluttering in his belly grew, as did his worry. But what surprised him most was his cock—it lengthened and hardened.

Oh no… not this.

Please not this!

Need swamped Llyr… spreading throughout his body. He squirmed against the mattress, his slick wetting his backside. A moan slipped from his lips… and he reached under his pants to caress his swollen cock. In a frenzy of need, he removed his clothing. He left them in a pile on the wooden plank floor. Writhing against the mattress, he took himself in hand. Llyr stroked the length, but it was nowhere near enough.

He needed more.

He needed Oz and Dagr.

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