Page 13 of Caged Love

We go to the first place I can think of—Halia’s cabin. It’s on the border of the Mermaid Kingdom, and nowhere anyone besides Halia would think to look for us. It’s my safe place.

She won’t mind me being here. We use this place for our monthly girls’ night catch-up, and it’s magically warded to let me in.

“Wait here. Let me make sure it’s safe,” he says, stepping in first.

I’m confused as to how he could go in without me. He shouldn’t be able to.

“Are the wards down?” I ask, frowning.

He comes back and holds out his hand. “Come on, it’s safe. The wards are up. They usually don’t work on me. It’s the most useful magic that I have.”

“That’s pretty cool,” I admit.

Wards can’t hold him?I’d love to have that gift.

We step inside, and he glances around again, taking in the small kitchen, peach-colored leather couch, and a dining table that seats four. A door leads to the bedroom and the bathroomwith a bathtub attached to it. It’s the perfect hideout, except for the fact that there’s only one bed.

I didn’t think about that when I brought us here.

“Where are we?” he asks in a deep, husky rumble.

He’s tall—much taller than I ever realized. His gaze is gentle as he stares down at me, so different from the other males I have been with. There is a strength to him, a calming presence that steadies me in a way I didn’t know I needed. As someone who can be anxious at times, it’s comforting to be around that kind of energy and soak it in.

“Shelly, in the Mermaid Kingdom. It’s my friend’s cabin,” I say, sitting on the couch while August stares out the kitchen window. He seems captivated by the ocean views, and I know how he feels. It’s stunning here, with blue skies and water as far as the eye can see. Behind us are lush green cliffs and a small town in the center. Shelly is the smallest capital city in all eight kingdoms, which makes sense, considering they spend most of their time in the water.

“I’ve always wanted to come here,” he admits, turning around and licking his lips. I realize he must be hungry.

“Help yourself to anything you need. I’ll get us some food while you have a bath,” I offer.

He glances down at his clothing and winces. His shirt is torn, showing off most of his muscled back.

“I’ll go grab you some clothes too. There are clean towels in the bathroom.”

He nods, walking forward and stopping in front of me. “Thank you.”

“I shouldn’t have brought you there in the first place,” I admit, swallowing hard. “I’m sorry, August. I betrayed you by doing what I did. Just know, nothing like that willeverhappen again.”

He smiles, and a curl falls across his forehead.

Fuck.He’s spectacular.

“I’m loyal toyounow, Milana,” he states, lifting my chin in his fingers. “What’s a little drugging and kidnapping between mates?”

My lip twitches, and I raise my hand to touch his. “Don’t forget locking me in your bedroom.”

“Are we keeping score now?” he teases, and I poke my tongue out at him.

His eyes darken, and his gaze lowers to my mouth before the pad of his thumb brushes across my lower lip. “I’ll go get cleaned up.” He lets go of me, and I miss his touch instantly.How long has it been since I’ve been with a male?A year, at least. I’m not a virgin, far from it, and I hope he doesn’t expect I am. From what I’ve gathered, I’m a lot older than him—not that it matters so much when we live so long.

I zip away to get August everything he needs, picking up some fresh clothes, a toothbrush, and some food. I’m placing the items on the bed when the door opens, and he enters wearing nothing but a towel wrapped low around his hips.

Wow.Hard, corded muscles stare back at me. His body is lean and muscular, his six-pack making my mouth water. He has a trail of dark hair that disappears beneath the towel, drawing my attention lower. His V points toward what I know is going to be a prize by the way it’s pushing up against the material.

Thank you, fates.

He has no ink, only smooth, tanned skin. He clears his throat, and my eyes snap up to his amused ones. “You had your fill?”

I look away and can feel my cheeks heat as he laughs a deep, melodic sound that sends a shiver down my spine. He runs his thumb across the rough shadow of stubble on his cheek as he steps forward, a few droplets from his damp hair trailing down his chest.

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