Page 64 of Ensnaring the Siren

“Not at all.” A grin fought its way to the surface. “I’ve got a strong streak of wanderlust in me. This?” He gestured around them. “This is an adventure. A way to see and do more in the world. It’s so easy to fall into a comfortable routine, which there’s nothing wrong with, but I like exploring and getting to live in new places.”

“We have a lot to think about, don’t we?”

“We do. But I like this.” He caressed her thumb with his. “And I like you, Nireed.”

“I like you too.” She stretched out her hand to the expansive wilderness, just as he had a moment ago. “And I like this. I feel how you do—missing my home and my pod but wanting adventure. I loved riding on the back of your motorcycle, and I loved the pictures you showed me on your phone and in those books. I think I want to see those places.”

“And I’ll take you to every single one of them. But when you’re ready to go home, you’ll go home.” Then, bumping their shoulders together, he teased, “I’ll just have to get you a squirt bottle to carry around.”

He had to explain what that was, but once it clicked, Nireed was cutely serious and excited. “Yes! I want a squirt bottle!”

Dropping her hand, he uncapped his canteen. They’d make do for now.

As he flicked water at her—which had her grinning like the Cheshire cat—he said softly, “I think we’re allowed to have both things.”

He wanted to show her the world above the sea, as much as she would let him, but he also didn’t want a one-sided relationship where he just took and took and took.

Took her time. Her energy. Her home beneath the sea.

Took her away from pod and family.

Took her wildness.

But maybe, just maybe, he could give her adventure. A chance to explore this world and feel safe doing it.

Excitement shone in Nireed’s eyes as she turned to him and said, “I think so too.”

Chapter

Twenty-One

“Ever have sex in human form?”

The question might’ve been abrupt and forward to a Surface Dweller, but Nireed had scented Reid’s quiet, persistent need all afternoon. And on the hike down the mountain, as day fell into dusk, his lingering touches and longing sidelong glances had increased to near maddening frequency.

As far as she was concerned, it was about damn time he asked.

Peering up at him, and into teasing eyes hiding hunger in their depths, a slow grin spread across her face. “Is there a reason you’re asking?”

The corner of his mouth ticked up. “Wanna give it a go?”

She took his hand, slowly walking backward toward his motorcycle. “Show me.”

His scent spiked, something feral flashing in his eyes. “Hands on the seat.”

Currents of heat swept through her. That growly command weakened her already unsteady legs and made her tremble with an intolerable aching desperation. She thought he’d take her back to his houseboat, but no, he wanted her right here. Right now. In the place that brought him peace.

She needed this man like she needed the ocean. Only if she let her guard down with Reid, let herself fall into blissful abandon, he’d keep her safe. Where the ocean doled out harsh lessons in vigilance, Reid gave her the courage to let go.

“Are you asking me to submit to you?” She flashed him a sharp smile, claws extending from her fingertips. In this quiet, empty place, there was no one to see her partial transformation, or the wicked things they were about to do together.

The fading sunlight caught fire in his dark auburn hair as he approached her with a slow, easy swagger, crowding her in, demanding she take notice of his strength and virility. And oh, did she notice. He was an unbreachable wall of primal heat, and it ensnared her mind, body, and soul.

Capturing her chin, he stared down at her with eyes as dark as the abyss, and though a crooked smile teased his lips, each word was a hard, reassertion of dominance. “Did it sound like a question?”

“No,” she said in a breathless whisper.

“Hands on the seat. Won’t tell you again.”

---